Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe

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If you’re looking to add a little magic and color to your holiday baking, this Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soft, moist bread filled with joyful bursts of colorful sprinkles that melt just enough while baking to create playful, vibrant pockets of sweetness. Every bite is a celebration, wrapped in a gentle vanilla-sour cream batter and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze and more sprinkles to sparkle your festive table. This bread is not only a crowd-pleaser but a warm, welcoming treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients ensures your Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Each component plays a crucial role— from the rich butter that gives softness, to the sprinkles that bring that unmistakable holiday cheer and color.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread’s crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a light texture.
• 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the flavor profile.
• 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
• ½ cup sour cream: Keeps the bread moist and tender with a subtle tang.
• ¼ cup whole milk: Helps create a smooth batter with a creamy consistency.
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the loaf a gentle rise for fluffy texture.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for lightness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a festive hint of warmth perfect for the season.
• ⅔ cup Christmas sprinkles, plus more for topping: The star ingredient that brings that joyful festive pop of color and fun.
• 1¼ cups powdered sugar: For the sweet, glossy glaze topping.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Combines with powdered sugar to create a smooth icing.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with complementary vanilla notes.

How to Make Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step makes sure your bread slides out effortlessly after baking without sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This process traps air which helps your bread become light and soft—think of it as the initial magic moment for your batter.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Then stir in the sour cream and whole milk until everything is evenly blended; this keeps the bread moist and tender with a rich vanilla undertone.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening distributes evenly, and the cinnamon imparts a subtle holiday warmth throughout the bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can toughen the bread, so keep it light and tender for the perfect crumb.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Carefully fold in ⅔ cup of Christmas sprinkles. Be gentle so the colors don’t bleed into the batter, keeping each sprinkle a bright, joyful burst in every bite.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the surface turns a lovely light golden. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before icing; this step is key to prevent the glaze from melting and losing its beautiful finish.

Step 9: Prepare and Glaze the Bread

Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Then gently spread this sweet glaze over the cooled bread. Sprinkle a few extra Christmas sprinkles on top to add that extra festive sparkle.

Step 10: Set and Serve

Let the glaze set for a few minutes so it firms up, then slice and enjoy your deliciously cheerful creation, perfect for any holiday gathering.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of holiday magic, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few more colorful sprinkles on top right before serving. You can also pop on a few fresh cranberries or small mint leaves for a seasonal flourish that feels both beautiful and fresh.

Side Dishes

This sprinkle bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a spiced holiday latte. Serve alongside cream cheese or butter spreads, or even a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness and add a lovely freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe into thick or thin pieces and arrange on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins. Wrap individual slices in wax paper tied with red and green ribbons for charming edible gifts. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a surprising dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the bread soft and fresh for up to three days. This bread is so good, but trust me, it might not last that long!

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature, making your holiday mornings a breeze.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge and melty center. This little step revives the moist texture and brings the festive sprinkles back to their colorful glory.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sprinkles?

Absolutely! While Christmas-themed sprinkles add a festive touch, any colorful nonpareils or jimmies work well. Just avoid chocolate chips or large sugar crystals since they may alter the texture or melt differently during baking.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?

You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. Both options maintain moisture and tenderness while adding a slight tang that is perfect for this bread.

Is this bread suitable for making ahead for a party?

Yes! The Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe holds up beautifully when made a day in advance. The icing stays fresh if covered tightly and it’ll be just as delightful when served the next day.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling this recipe is straightforward and perfect if you’re baking for a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a bigger loaf pan or two regular pans and adjust baking time slightly, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Why is it important not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added?

Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dense and tough bread. For the lightest and most tender crumb, stir just until the flour disappears and all ingredients are combined, then fold in the sprinkles gently.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread Recipe is a holiday showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s full of warmth, sweetness, and colorful cheer that brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a charming edible gift, this bread is sure to become a festive tradition you’ll reach for year after year. So, preheat your oven and get ready to fill your home with that irresistible holiday aroma—your new favorite Christmas bread is just a few delightful steps away!

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