Craving something cozy, colorful, and undeniably festive? This Festive Christmas Bread is the holiday bake that captures all the warmth of the season with just one slice. Moist and fluffy inside with a crown of sweet icing and merry sprinkles on top, it feels like a joyful bite of holiday magic.

Whether you’re prepping for a Christmas morning brunch, planning a sweet gift for neighbors, or looking for something to munch on by the tree lights, this bread delivers. Packed with cheerful red and green candied bits, and tender enough to pair perfectly with a hot drink, it’s both nostalgic and inviting.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the best in your Festive Christmas Bread, using the right tools makes a real difference:

Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan gives the bread its structure and ensures even baking.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. A large one helps with mess-free mixing.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar to a light, fluffy consistency, which contributes to the bread’s soft crumb.
Spatula: Great for folding in the sprinkles and candied fruits gently, preserving the batter’s airiness.
Cooling Rack: Helps the bread cool evenly and prevents sogginess on the bottom.
Offset Spatula or Spoon: For spreading that luscious icing on top with control and flair.

Ingredients for the Festive Christmas Bread

Each ingredient plays a role in the texture, flavor, or festive appearance of this cheerful loaf:

All-Purpose Flour: The structural base that holds everything together while staying soft and light.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and keeps the crumb tender.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a moist texture, ensuring the bread melts in your mouth.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and aids in that beautiful golden crust.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability while adding moisture.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and keeps the crumb soft and smooth.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Red and Green Candied Cherries or Fruit Bits: The star festive element—they add bursts of color and chewy sweetness in every slice.
Holiday Sprinkles: Used on top for a colorful, merry finish.
Powdered Sugar and Milk (for glaze): Mixed together for a simple icing that sets beautifully and holds the sprinkles in place.

How To Make the Festive Christmas Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake from the start.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the leavening agents evenly and prevents overmixing later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that soft, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mixing slowly helps everything combine smoothly.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the flour mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. This creates a smooth batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in the Candied Fruits

Gently fold in the red and green fruit bits with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cool, drizzle with powdered sugar glaze and top with festive sprinkles.

Serving and Storing This Holiday Treat

A loaf of Festive Christmas Bread looks especially inviting on a holiday brunch table or served in thick slices with a warm cup of tea or cocoa. For extra indulgence, add a pat of butter or a swipe of mascarpone cheese.

This bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrap it in parchment and tie with twine for a cozy, rustic presentation that travels well.

To store, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw and re-glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this gluten-free?

You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

Can I add nuts to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts work beautifully in this bread and add great texture.

Do I have to use red and green candied fruits?

Not at all. You can swap them for dried cranberries, golden raisins, or even chopped dried apricots if you prefer a more natural color palette.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, it’s ready. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! You can double the ingredients and divide the batter into two loaf pans. Just monitor the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can use a bundt pan or muffin tin instead. Adjust baking times accordingly and keep an eye on doneness.

Want More Holiday Baking Ideas?

If you love the cozy joy of Festive Christmas Bread, here are a few more sweet holiday recipes you might enjoy from LadyPlate:

You might also like the Cinnamon Donut Bread, a warmly spiced loaf with a sugary crunch that pairs perfectly with coffee. For a fruity twist, the Apple Enchiladas bring baked apple goodness wrapped in soft tortillas.

Craving something rich and nostalgic? The No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake offers creamy comfort with every bite. Or try Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries, an elegant yet easy dessert for holiday gatherings.

Need a quick and festive option? The Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes blend cinnamon warmth with creamy cheesecake in a bite-sized form—ideal for parties and platters.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your holiday baking board for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add nuts or swap in dried cranberries? Leave a comment below—I’m always curious how yours comes together.

For more holiday and everyday recipes, you can also follow along on my Pinterest at LadyPlate.