The Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe is an absolute holiday showstopper that brings joy in every colorful slice. Imagine a moist, tender loaf speckled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, delivering festive cheer and a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for Christmas morning or any holiday gathering. This bread is not only delightfully tasty but also surprisingly simple to make, turning your kitchen into a merry celebration of flavors and colors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this festive treat, you’ll need a handful of straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully to give the bread its soft texture, rich flavor, and those signature bursts of colorful funfetti. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring your loaf is moist, fluffy, and irresistibly festive.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: For richness and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the bread extra moist and adds a subtle tang.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add fluffiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aroma.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise light and airy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the sour cream for perfect leavening.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture while keeping the batter smooth.
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping): The star of the show giving every bite festive pops of color and fun.
How to Make Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure the bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly once done. Setting this foundation helps everything run smoothly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air for a tender crumb and smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to maintain a consistent batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, blending these liquids to infuse richness and subtle tang.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour for a perfect rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet, alternating with the milk. This technique keeps the batter smooth and prevents lumps, resulting in a perfectly textured bread.
Step 6: Fold in the Rainbow Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles, taking care not to overmix as that can cause the colors to bleed and the batter to deflate. This delicate step keeps each sprinkle vibrant and intact.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top for a festive finish. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your bread is perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before slicing to maintain those pretty sprinkles and tender texture.
How to Serve Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The fun doesn’t stop with baking! Top your bread slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add a little extra sparkle. You can also add whipped cream and fresh cranberries to make each slice feel like a holiday celebration.
Side Dishes
This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider. You might also enjoy it alongside a creamy cheese spread or fresh fruit salad to balance its sweetness and bring a fresh contrast to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive holiday brunch centerpiece, stack several slices on a festive platter with sprinkles scattered around. You can even cut the bread into small cubes for fondue dipping or serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. This keeps the bread soft and ready for enjoying later without losing its delightful texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this bread ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing so you can take out just what you need. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, preserving all the festive fun flavors.
Reheating
To warm your bread, microwave slices for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly. This revives the softness and brings out the buttery richness and colorful sprinkles, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sprinkles?
Absolutely! You can use any sprinkles you like, but rainbow jimmies work best to keep the colors vivid and prevent melting in the batter.
Is it okay to substitute the sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to maintain moisture and tang, but avoid using low-fat options as they may alter the texture.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously festive.
What if my sprinkles bleed color in the batter?
To minimize color bleeding, fold the sprinkles in gently and avoid overmixing. Using non-melting sprinkles can also help preserve their bright colors.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe is a festive and fun way to brighten your holiday table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a cheerful snack, it’s sure to bring smiles and holiday warmth to everyone around. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Print
Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is a delightful holiday treat bursting with colorful sprinkles baked into a moist, tender cake-like bread. Perfect for festive breakfasts, brunches, or as a cheerful dessert, this recipe is simple to make and sure to bring joy to any celebration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Extras
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until evenly mixed.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, taking care not to overmix as this can cause the sprinkles to bleed color into the batter.
- Pour and top batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top for a festive appearance.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the butter is properly softened to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
- The baking time may vary based on your oven, so start checking the bread around 50 minutes.
- Use rainbow sprinkles formulated for baking to avoid melting or discoloration.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and milk with plant-based alternatives.
