Festive Christmas Bread is my lazy magic trick for holiday mornings when the house smells like pine, the kids are restless, and you just want something warm and sweet without a sink full of dishes. I lean on my Deliciously Easy Festive Christmas Bread Recipe because it’s quick, colorful, and honestly hard to mess up. You stir, you bake, you drizzle, and everyone thinks you planned it days ahead. The crumb is soft and tender, the glaze is bright and citrusy, and those sprinkles make it look party ready even if you baked it in your pajamas. If you need a no-fuss bake that still feels special, this is the one.
Why This Recipe Works
This loaf is built on simple basics that never fail. Oil plus sour cream keeps the bread ridiculously moist, so the slices stay soft for days. A touch of orange zest and vanilla gives it that holiday bakery vibe without overpowering the sweet vanilla base. And because we use jimmies style sprinkles, the color stays put instead of bleeding into the batter.
It’s also flexible. You can whisk it by hand in one bowl, which is great when counter space is tight. You can fold in cranberries, white chocolate, or pistachios if you feel extra. Bake one loaf for breakfast, or two for gifting. I box slices with a simple ribbon and the neighbors think I’m very put together, which is hilarious and kind of perfect.
Most importantly, it delivers on what the name promises. The Deliciously Easy Festive Christmas Bread Recipe tastes like a bakery treat but fits into real life schedules, even when you’re juggling wrapping paper and school concerts. If you want more holiday inspiration alongside this bread, peek at my collection of Christmas recipes to mix and match for your menu.
“I baked this last Sunday before church and my kids ate half the loaf warm. I froze the rest and it reheated like a dream. Adding orange zest made it taste like a holiday candle in bread form, in the best way.”
Christmas Bread Ingredients
What you will need
- All purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Fine salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Large eggs: 2, room temp if possible
- Neutral oil or melted unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (oil gives softer texture, butter adds flavor)
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Milk: 1/2 cup (dairy or unsweetened almond milk both work)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Almond extract: 1/4 teaspoon optional but lovely
- Fresh orange zest: 1 tablespoon
- Holiday sprinkles (jimmies): 1/2 cup plus extra for topping
- Optional mix-ins: dried cranberries 1/2 cup, white chocolate chips 1/3 cup, chopped pistachios 1/3 cup
- Glaze: powdered sugar 1 cup, orange juice 2 to 3 tablespoons, vanilla 1/2 teaspoon, tiny pinch of salt
Tip: stick with jimmies rather than tiny round nonpareils. Jimmies hold their shape and color better in wet batter. You can skip the glaze for a simpler loaf, but I love the quick citrus drizzle that soaks into the top and adds shine.
How To Make Christmas Funfetti Bread Step-by-Step
Mix the batter
- Prep: Heat oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment so you can lift it out cleanly. Lightly grease the sides.
- Combine dry: In a big bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to break up clumps.
- Combine wet: In a second bowl or large measuring cup, whisk eggs, oil, sour cream, milk, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest until smooth.
- Bring together: Pour wet into dry and stir just until no dry patches remain. It should be thick but scoopable.
- Fold gently: Add sprinkles and any mix-ins. Fold with a spatula a few times, then stop. Do not overmix or the bread can get dense and sprinkles may streak.
- Pan: Scrape batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter a few extra sprinkles for a festive finish.
Bake and glaze
- Bake: Set on the middle rack and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Tent the top loosely with foil if it browns early.
- Check doneness: A toothpick in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If there’s wet batter, keep baking in 3 to 5 minute bursts.
- Cool: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Glaze: Stir powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf and let it set for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serving idea for a simple brunch board: warm slices of this bread with scrambled eggs, fruit, and a savory centerpiece like this maple glazed ham. Fluffy sweet bread plus salty ham is a match made for holiday mornings.
If you want a side dessert the kids can decorate while the bread bakes, these cute gingerbread Christmas tree cookies are a hit and keep little hands busy.
Substitutions & Variations
Use oil if you like a softer, more tender crumb, or melted butter if you want a deeper flavor. Both work. Sour cream or Greek yogurt both deliver moisture. If you need dairy free, use plant milk and a dairy free yogurt, plus oil instead of butter. For gluten free, a one for one baking flour blend with xanthan gum usually bakes up nicely, though it may need an extra couple minutes in the oven.
Flavor swaps are fun and easy. Try a cinnamon sugar ribbon in the center, a pinch of cardamom for warmth, or swap orange zest for lemon. White chocolate chips are great here, as are chopped pistachios or dried cherries if you want a classic red and green look. I also love a cranberry orange moment, and this loaf vibes perfectly with these cranberry orange cookies if you want a matching cookie plate.
Decorations can be simple. Add a few pressed cranberries on top just after the glaze, or drizzle with white chocolate for a glossy finish. If you make mini loaves, start checking at 28 to 32 minutes. The Deliciously Easy Festive Christmas Bread Recipe scales well, so double it if you’re baking for gifts.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Let the loaf cool fully before storing. A barely warm loaf in a sealed container can trap steam and make the crust sticky. Once cool, wrap in plastic or place in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week. The flavor actually deepens by day two.
To freeze, slice the loaf and wrap slices individually. Tuck the wrapped pieces into a freezer bag, press out the air, and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or pop a slice into the toaster oven for a cozy breakfast. If you plan to freeze the whole loaf, wait to glaze until after thawing so the drizzle looks fresh.
Gifting tip: bake in paper loaf pans, glaze once cool, and wrap with a clear bag and ribbon. Pair it with a handwritten note and a jar of hot cocoa mix. If you love warm pull apart treats too, this butterscotch monkey bread is another easy addition for a festive breakfast spread.
Traveling with your bread? Keep it in the pan, cover tightly, and place it flat in the car. Slice on arrival for the cleanest look.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this without sprinkles?
A: Absolutely. Skip the sprinkles and add 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a handful of cranberries for a more classic holiday loaf.
Q: My sprinkles bled into the batter. What happened?
A: You may have used nonpareils or overmixed. Stick with jimmies and fold very gently at the end.
Q: How do I keep the bread from drying out?
A: Measure flour by spooning and leveling, do not overbake, and store tightly wrapped. Oil and sour cream already help keep it moist.
Q: Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
A: Yes. For mini loaves, start checking around 28 minutes. For standard muffins, bake 18 to 22 minutes, and glaze lightly.
Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt works one to one. If you only have milk, use it and add 1 extra tablespoon oil to keep the texture tender.
Ready to Bake Some Holiday Joy
When December gets busy, the Deliciously Easy Festive Christmas Bread Recipe is the kind of bake that still lets you slow down and enjoy a warm slice with coffee. It’s quick, colorful, and easy to share, whether you’re feeding a crowd or wrapping mini loaves for friends. If you like comparing versions, this Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe – Sugar and Soul offers another fun take for your holiday lineup. Want a dessert table to match the vibe while your loaf cools? Pair it with bright treats like a trifle or cookies and you’re set for smiles.
Now take a breath, preheat the oven, and bake a little cheer. You’ve got this, and your kitchen’s about to smell amazing.
Festive Christmas Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, sour cream, milk, vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until no dry patches remain. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles and any optional mix-ins without overmixing.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter a few extra sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then move to a rack.
- To make the glaze, stir the powdered sugar, orange juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf and allow to set for 15 minutes before slicing.