If you are looking to add a burst of color and joy to your holiday baking, this Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe is the perfect treat to brighten up any festive table. This delightful bread combines soft, moist cake-like texture with joyful sprinkles that bring a sense of celebration to every slice. It’s the kind of recipe that effortlessly infuses your kitchen with holiday cheer, making it a wonderful gift, breakfast, or sweet snack throughout the season. The charm of this bread lies in its simplicity, combining familiar ingredients into something truly special that both kids and adults will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating a delicious Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role in the final taste, texture, and visual appeal of this colorful loaf. From the fluffiness brought by baking powder to the creamy richness of sour cream, every addition matters.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates the perfect bread structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: For that lovely lift and lightness in every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps achieve just the right texture and crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: The essential sweetness that makes this bread festive and flavorful.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s soft texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Brings moistness and a subtle tang for depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps blend all ingredients.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the overall sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies recommended): Adds joyful pops of color without bleeding during baking.
- For the glaze (optional): Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and extra sprinkles make a delicious, festive finishing touch.
How to Make Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your bread pops right out when fully baked, keeping those beautiful edges intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Doing this step first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly through the flour and prevents clumping later on.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is key for a tender, airy crumb—it traps air that expands during baking.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Next, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated and silky smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a gentle fold is best to keep that tender texture.
Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles. Using jimmies avoids color bleeding, preserving those bright festive spots that make this bread especially cheerful.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with a warm, vanilla-scented aroma that’s pure holiday magic.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a festive glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled bread. Don’t forget a sprinkling of extra sprinkles on top for a joyful finish.
How to Serve Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread shines on its own but adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze instantly elevates its look and flavor. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can turn it into a delightful dessert as well.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a glass of cold milk. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a smear of butter or cream cheese for a more indulgent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, slice the bread and serve it stacked with layers of flavored cream cheese or mascarpone. Wrapped in cellophane and tied with a colorful ribbon, it makes a charming homemade gift. You can even cut the bread into small cubes and use them for creative holiday bread puddings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days—perfect for enjoying over a few cozy mornings.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. When properly wrapped, it will keep well for up to three months without losing its delightful texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature or gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 seconds to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk are great alternatives and will keep the bread moist while catering to dietary preferences.
Why do you recommend using jimmies instead of nonpareils?
Jimmies don’t bleed their colors when baked, helping maintain those crisp, vibrant sprinkles that make this bread so festive and fun.
Can I make this bread without the glaze?
Yes! The glaze is optional and the bread is delicious on its own. The glaze just adds a little extra sweetness and sparkle if you want it.
Is this bread suitable for freezing and reheating?
Definitely. This bread freezes well and reheats quickly, so you can keep it on hand for holiday guests or a sweet treat anytime.
What is the best way to slice this bread?
Use a serrated knife and slice gently with a sawing motion to keep the bread’s texture intact and avoid squishing those lovely sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. This vibrant treat isn’t just about looks — it’s soft, flavorful, and totally addictive. Whether you’re baking for family breakfasts, gifting friends, or just treating yourself, this bread promises smiles and sweet moments. So grab those sprinkles and get ready to spread some delicious holiday joy!
Print
Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Funfetti Bread is a festive and colorful holiday treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a soft, moist batter studded with Christmas-colored sprinkles and optionally topped with a sweet glaze, this loaf brings joy and sweetness to any holiday table.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies recommended)
Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Carefully fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies) to distribute them evenly without breaking them or causing color bleeding.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled bread and top with extra Christmas sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Use jimmies sprinkles rather than nonpareils to avoid color bleeding during baking.
- This festive loaf makes a wonderful holiday gift or a cheerful breakfast treat.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
