Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread

Christmas Funfetti Bread is a festive and colorful holiday treat that’s perfect for bringing some extra cheer to the season. With its soft, moist texture and bright bursts of sprinkles throughout, this bread is both fun to look at and delicious to eat. Each slice reveals a playful array of red, green, and white sprinkles that make it an eye-catching addition to holiday breakfast tables, dessert spreads, or gift baskets. The bread is sweet but not overly so, making it versatile enough for a holiday breakfast, snack, or even a light dessert. Easy to make and full of holiday spirit, Christmas Funfetti Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Funfetti Bread is the perfect combination of festive presentation and comforting flavors. With its light sweetness, buttery flavor, and soft crumb, this bread is satisfying without being heavy. The colorful sprinkles add a cheerful touch, and the recipe itself is simple to follow, using pantry staples and only a few extra ingredients to make it special for the holidays. This bread also makes a fantastic gift, especially when wrapped in decorative holiday paper or placed in a festive tin. Best of all, it’s a kid-friendly recipe that can make a fun family baking activity, as children love helping mix in the sprinkles and seeing the beautiful colors once it’s baked.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45-55 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices)
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

For the Christmas Funfetti Bread

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup milk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white nonpareils or jimmies)

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional holiday sprinkles for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until well incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. The batter may look slightly curdled, but it will come together when the dry ingredients are added.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
2. Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, being careful not to over-stir, as excessive mixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed into the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
3. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze the Bread

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and immediately sprinkle with additional holiday sprinkles for decoration.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in Christmas Funfetti Bread plays a crucial role in creating a tender, flavorful, and festive loaf. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while baking powder and baking soda give the bread a light, fluffy rise. Butter and sugar create a soft, moist crumb, while sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness and a slight tang, enhancing both flavor and texture. Milk thins the batter slightly, and vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Optional almond extract provides a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sprinkles, which add festive color and a slight crunch. The optional glaze adds a touch of sweetness and an attractive finish.

Technique Tips

To ensure the best results for your Christmas Funfetti Bread, follow these technique tips. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this allows them to blend more smoothly and results in a more tender crumb. Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy is essential for creating a light texture. When adding the dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread dense. When adding sprinkles, fold them in gently to prevent them from bleeding, which could create a streaky batter. Finally, if glazing, allow the bread to cool completely before applying to ensure a smooth, set glaze.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Christmas Funfetti Bread can be presented in a variety of festive ways to suit different occasions. For a holiday brunch, slice the bread and arrange it on a platter with seasonal fruits and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also make mini loaves using small loaf pans, which are perfect for individual servings or gift-giving. For a fun dessert presentation, slice the bread and drizzle each slice with additional glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re giving it as a gift, wrap the loaf in holiday-themed parchment or cellophane, and tie with a ribbon for a charming and thoughtful presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

For the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla and almond extracts, as these add depth to the bread’s flavor profile. If using sour cream or Greek yogurt, opt for full-fat varieties for the richest texture. If the sprinkles bleed too much during mixing, freeze them briefly before adding to the batter; this helps reduce color bleeding. When baking, check for doneness early, as ovens can vary; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few crumbs. Lastly, store any leftover bread tightly wrapped to retain moisture and freshness.

Recipe Variations

This Christmas Funfetti Bread recipe is versatile and can be adapted with various flavors and add-ins:

1. Chocolate Chip Funfetti Bread: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for a chocolatey twist.
2. Lemon Funfetti Bread: Replace the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and add a bit of lemon juice to the glaze for a fresh, zesty flavor.
3. Cinnamon-Swirl Funfetti Bread: Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl by mixing 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 2 tablespoons sugar. Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over it, then add the remaining batter.
4. Gluten-Free Funfetti Bread: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Double Glaze Funfetti Bread: Drizzle a thin layer of glaze on the bread, let it set, and then drizzle with a second layer of slightly thicker glaze for a layered look.

Freezing and Storage

Christmas Funfetti Bread stores well and can also be frozen for later enjoyment. To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, place the wrapped bread in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter. If you’re freezing it, consider adding the glaze after thawing to maintain the best texture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

For a healthier version of Christmas Funfetti Bread, try using whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour to add fiber and nutrients. Substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version, though this may make the bread slightly denser. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or coconut sugar. If you prefer a low-sugar glaze, mix powdered sugar with almond milk and a drop of vanilla extract instead of using regular milk. Finally, add finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Christmas Funfetti Bread is a fantastic addition to any holiday spread. For a festive brunch, serve it with other breakfast favorites, like scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and holiday drinks such as hot chocolate or spiced cider. For a dessert table, arrange it alongside cookies, gingerbread, and other seasonal treats. This bread also makes a wonderful gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends, especially when wrapped in decorative parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. For a holiday party, serve it as a part of a dessert platter with mini muffins, cookies, and small holiday candies.

Special Equipment

To make this Christmas Funfetti Bread, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. A standard 8×4-inch loaf pan is ideal for baking the bread, but you can also use mini loaf pans for smaller, individual servings. An electric mixer or hand mixer is useful for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, while a spatula helps to fold in the sprinkles without overmixing. A wire cooling rack allows the bread to cool evenly, and a whisk makes it easy to prepare the glaze. Finally, a toothpick or cake tester is helpful for checking the doneness of the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different colors of sprinkles?
Yes, you can use any colors you like! For a winter theme, try blue and silver sprinkles, or customize the colors for any occasion.

2. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, almond or coconut milk, and dairy-free yogurt for a completely dairy-free version.

3. How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding?
Use quality sprinkles like jimmies instead of nonpareils, as they’re less likely to bleed. You can also freeze the sprinkles briefly before adding them.

4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.

5. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Check for doneness after 30-40 minutes if using a smaller bundt pan.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Check for doneness, as baking times may vary slightly.

7. How do I keep the bread moist?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt helps keep the bread moist. Storing it in an airtight container will also prevent it from drying out.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or a larger bundt pan for a bigger batch.

Conclusion

Christmas Funfetti Bread is a delightful, festive treat that brings a touch of holiday magic to every slice. With its moist crumb, beautiful colors, and sweet glaze, this bread is a fun and tasty addition to any seasonal celebration. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to please kids and adults alike. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, Christmas Funfetti Bread is a holiday must-have that’s both delicious and beautiful. Enjoy baking this cheerful treat and sharing it with loved ones this season!

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