Christmas Funfetti Bread

Bring holiday cheer to your kitchen with this Christmas Funfetti Bread! Packed with festive sprinkles and topped with a sweet glaze, this moist and colorful bread is perfect for gifting, holiday breakfasts, or simply enjoying as a festive snack.

Why You Will Love Christmas Funfetti Bread

• Festive and Fun: The red and green sprinkles make this bread a holiday showstopper.
• Moist and Tender: Buttermilk ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Customizable: Switch up the sprinkles or add festive flavors like almond extract or citrus zest.
• Great for Gifting: A perfect homemade treat for friends and family during the holiday season.

Ingredients Notes For Christmas Funfetti Bread

For the Bread

• Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup of milk + 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist. Choose butter for a richer flavor.
• Sprinkles (½ cup): Use jimmies (long, skinny sprinkles) as they hold their color better than nonpareils.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and complements the sweetness.

For the Glaze

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for the smooth, sweet glaze.
• Milk (2–3 tbsp): Adjust the amount for your desired glaze consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Adds a subtle flavor to the glaze.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Christmas Funfetti Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Add Sprinkles

1. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
2. Gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing to prevent color bleeding.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (adding 1 tablespoon at a time), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 7: Decorate the Bread

1. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
2. Immediately sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles over the glaze for a festive touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a delightful holiday treat.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.

Variations

1. Almond Flavor: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
2. Citrus Infusion: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a fresh, festive flavor.
3. Chocolate Funfetti: Use chocolate sprinkles for a different color scheme and flavor profile.

Helpful Notes

• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense bread.
• Check for doneness at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Let the bread cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk for the buttermilk substitute?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less rich.

What if my sprinkles bleed into the batter?
To minimize bleeding, fold the sprinkles into the batter gently and quickly.

Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time. A smaller loaf pan may require more time, while mini loaf pans will bake faster.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the bread a day ahead and store it unglazed. Glaze just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

What’s the best way to prevent the glaze from running off?
Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing, and make the glaze slightly thicker by using less milk.

Christmas Funfetti Bread is a festive, delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with loved ones!