The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, cozy evenings, and indulging in sweet treats. This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread is the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. Filled with vibrant sprinkles and a tender, moist crumb, this bread not only looks festive but also tastes absolutely delightful. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or simply looking for a fun activity to enjoy with the kids, this recipe is a must-try!
The best part about this recipe is that it’s simple and doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or techniques. If you can mix, pour, and bake, you’re already halfway to creating a festive masterpiece. With just a few pantry staples and some colorful holiday sprinkles, you can whip up this Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread in no time.
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this delicious holiday treat:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional) – adds a cozy holiday flavor!
- ¾ cup of holiday-themed sprinkles – look for red, green, and white sprinkles to give the bread a festive touch.
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs – at room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 cup of whole milk or buttermilk – for extra richness and moisture.
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted – you can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – a hint of vanilla enhances the flavor.
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk – adjust for desired consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Additional holiday sprinkles for decorating the top!
How to Make Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s start baking this Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread. The process is straightforward and doesn’t take much time, but the result is a show-stopping, festive loaf that will surely be a hit.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides so you can lift the bread out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly and ensures a uniform texture in the bread. Stir in the holiday sprinkles, making sure they are evenly mixed into the dry ingredients. This will help keep the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense, tough bread. The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully lift the bread out using the parchment overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
If you want to add a little extra sweetness and flair, whip up a quick glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top for a fun and festive finish.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Funfetti Bread
This recipe is more than just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes! The bright, colorful sprinkles against the golden-brown loaf make for a visually stunning holiday centerpiece. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside a hot cup of cocoa, this Christmas Funfetti Bread is sure to spread holiday cheer.
The combination of the buttery, soft texture with the crunchy sprinkles creates a delightful contrast that both kids and adults will enjoy. The optional cinnamon adds a cozy, spiced warmth, but the vanilla and sweetness of the sprinkles keep the flavor profile simple and fun.
Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable. If you’re looking to add more flavor, try incorporating chocolate chips or dried cranberries. You could even make it gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative. It’s a flexible and forgiving recipe that’s perfect for the holiday rush.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Funfetti Bread
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so check your bread after about 50 minutes of baking. Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
- Use fresh sprinkles: Old sprinkles can sometimes bleed their colors into the batter. For the best visual effect, use fresh holiday sprinkles.
- Cool completely before glazing: If you’re glazing the bread, make sure it’s completely cooled to room temperature. Otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off the sides.
FAQs
What type of sprinkles should I use?
For this bread, use jimmies or larger, soft sprinkles. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed color into the batter.
Can I freeze Christmas Funfetti Bread?
Yes! This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
Do I have to use a glaze?
No, the glaze is optional. The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and decoration.
How long will the bread last?
Stored in an airtight container, this bread will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
Can I use other types of sprinkles?
Yes! Feel free to use any color or shape of sprinkles to match different holidays or celebrations.