Description
Capture the holiday magic in every slice with this incredibly soft and buttery Festive Christmas Bread!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup red and green nonpareil sprinkles
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Taking these initial steps will set the stage for a successful bake.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly blended and then set the bowl aside for later use. This ensures your raising agent is well distributed, promoting better rise and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy—a process that usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This creaming method introduces air into your batter, which helps the bread achieve a tender crumb.
- Add the two eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Follow this by adding in the vanilla extract, mixing until just blended. The eggs contribute moisture and structure, making your bread richer in flavor and texture.
- Next, stir in the sour cream and milk, mixing until just combined. This will give the bread its moist texture while balancing the sweetness of the sugar. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want a smooth batter without lumps, but overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
- Now, gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix slowly on low speed until everything is just combined, and you no longer see dry flour. Be gentle here—the dough should be thick yet smooth. Overmixing can lead to a firm loaf, so stop as soon as you achieve a uniform mixture.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the red and green nonpareil sprinkles. This step is key to ensuring the colors remain vibrant instead of bleeding into the dough. Just a few folds should be enough; you want the sprinkles evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
- Carefully pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. This ensures the loaf has a visually appealing, even surface as it bakes in the oven.
- Place the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes; if you notice the top browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly before transferring it to a wire rack. Letting it cool completely before glazing prevents the icing from melting and becoming messy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until smooth to form a glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
- Once your loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or spatula. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional red and green nonpareils on top to make it visually stunning. Allow the glaze to set for a few moments before slicing into this delightful loaf.
Notes
Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g