“Filling your home with the aroma of freshly baked bread is one of the greatest joys of the holiday season!”
There’s something magical about the smell of warm, freshly baked bread wafting through the house during the holidays. This Festive Christmas Bread not only fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma but also brings together family and friends to share in the joy of the season. With its fluffy texture, sweet notes, and colorful dried fruits, this bread is a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering, perfect for breakfast or dessert. With a small handful of ingredients and a couple of hours, you can create a beautiful loaf that’s sure to impress!
Table of Contents
Why Should You Bake Festive Christmas Bread This Year?
“Festive Christmas Bread is perfect for the holiday season, serving as both a treat and a decorative centerpiece.”
A warm loaf of bread is a true symbol of comfort and togetherness, especially during the holidays. Baking this Festive Christmas Bread is not just about enjoying its tasty results; it’s also an ideal activity to engage family members in the kitchen, creating cherished memories along the way. Enhancing your holiday celebrations, this bread pairs beautifully with rich spreads, is delightful on its own, and can even be toasted for breakfast. For another festive side, consider making Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels for a complete holiday brunch!
What Makes This Festive Christmas Bread Unique?
“This bread’s versatility lies in its ingredient choices and the joy it brings to your holiday table.”
Ingredient Choices
This recipe shines by combining staples like all-purpose flour and sugar with lively additions like mixed dried fruits and nuts. You can customize the fruit mix based on personal preferences or what’s on hand, incorporating flavors such as figs, apricots, or candied citrus for a festive twist.
Flavor Profile
While many holiday breads are rich and dense, this Festive Christmas Bread balances a light, airy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while the dried fruits offer delightful bursts of tartness and sweetness, ensuring a bite of excitement in every slice.
Making Memories in the Kitchen
In addition to its delicious characteristics, baking this bread presents an opportunity to create lasting memories. The joy of kneading the dough, waiting for it to rise, and finally watching it bake brings families together. Plus, uniting around a beautiful loaf at breakfast or as a festive bundt-style centerpiece adds warmth to your holiday gatherings. For more cozy family recipes, check out the Creamy Taco Soup to save for chilly winter nights.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Festive Christmas Bread?
“With common pantry ingredients, this recipe simplifies your holiday baking.”
| Ingrédient | Quantité |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Warm milk | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Mixed candied fruits | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped nuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | to taste |
| Powdered sugar (for glaze) | 1 cup |
| Milk or water (for glaze) | 1–2 tablespoons |
Each ingredient plays a vital role in the structure and flavor of the loaf, with flour providing the necessary base and yeast helping it rise to fluffy perfection. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use regular butter, but be aware it might add a bit more saltiness. Nutritionally, the inclusion of nuts not only adds protein but also gives a satisfying crunch to each bite. For a gluten-free version, consider using gluten-free flour as a substitute.
How Do You Make Festive Christmas Bread Step-by-Step?
“Baking bread may seem daunting, but this simple process yields satisfying results!”
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually stir in flour and salt until a rough dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Add Fruits and Nuts
Incorporate the mixed candied fruits and nuts into the dough.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or water until a thick, pourable glaze forms.
Step 8: Apply the Glaze
Once the loaf is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top to match the appearance of the photo. Let set before slicing.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Rising Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 1.5 hours | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Nutritional Values (per slice) | Calories: 150 | ||
| Carbs: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g |
After kneading, gently incorporate the dried fruits and chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring an even distribution of flavors in every bite. Following that, place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth, allowing it to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour. This rising time is crucial for achieving a light and airy loaf.
Can You Customize Your Festive Christmas Bread?
“Experimenting with different flavors can make this recipe your own.”
Diet Swap
For a healthier alternative, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a heartier texture and added nutrients. If you’re gluten-sensitive, look for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking to ensure you can enjoy this delightful bread.
Flavor Variations
Spice it up by adding zest from an orange or lemon, or include warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and nostalgia. For a fun twist, swap the nuts for seeds or add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise!
Serving Ideas
Once baked and cooled, your Festive Christmas Bread can be sliced and served with butter or cream cheese. It also makes an excellent French toast on the morning after you make it! To complement your holiday spread, pair it with a delicious cookie platter.
| Suggested Pairings | Tips |
|---|---|
| Butter or cream cheese | Dust with powdered sugar before serving. |
| Coffee or hot cocoa | Toast slices for added texture. |
Final Thoughts on Baking Festive Christmas Bread
This Festive Christmas Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to indulge in the warmth and spirit of the holiday season. Baking together allows families to create unique, flavorful loaves that can be enjoyed in many settings. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and delight in the festive cheer it brings to your home. Looking for more festive treats? Explore my collection of the 10 best Christmas desserts to bake this season. Don’t forget to share your baking creations and find more inspiration on Pinterest!
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While fresh fruits might add a juicy texture, they could alter the moisture balance in the bread. If desired, you can chop and dry fresh fruits slightly to make them more suitable for baking, but dried fruits are recommended for this recipe.
How can I store the bread?
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
What can I serve with this bread?
This bread pairs beautifully with butter, cream cheese, or even as a base for French toast. It’s also a fantastic companion to holiday spreads or enjoyed on its own with a cup of coffee.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based margarine or other dairy-free alternatives, and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
Can I add frosting to this Christmas bread?
Absolutely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk can add an extra layer of sweetness and can be drizzled over the bread once it has cooled.
Festive Christmas Bread (Corrected Version with Glaze)
A festive and colorful Christmas bread filled with candied fruits and topped with a thick white glaze for a holiday-perfect finish.
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mixed candied fruits
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Form the dough: Stir in flour and salt. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add fruits and nuts: Incorporate candied fruits and optional nuts evenly.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: Mix powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk or water until thick and pourable.
- Apply the glaze: Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf and allow to set.
Notes
Let the bread cool fully before glazing to prevent melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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