If you are on the lookout for a festive treat that’s bursting with color, flavor, and holiday cheer, this Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a tender, buttery quick bread dotted with bright red, green, and white sprinkles that bring a joyful surprise to every slice. Perfectly moist and lightly sweet, this bread captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your holiday brunch or a delightful gift for friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun, festive project, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; each component plays an essential role in making this bread delightfully tender, beautifully colorful, and full of flavor. From the creamy butter to the festive sprinkles, these ingredients work together to create that signature Christmas magic.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to your quick bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your bread rise and stay fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to tenderize and leaven the loaf.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the festive sprinkles.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with warm, comforting flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream: Contributes tang and moistness, giving the bread its soft texture.
- ¼ cup milk: Adjusts the batter consistency for perfect baking.
- ½ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (red, green, and white): The star of the show that brings vibrant holiday spirit to each slice.
- For the Sweet Glaze (Optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and extra Christmas sprinkles for topping—these add an irresistible glossy finish and extra festive touch.
How to Make Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your funfetti quick bread comes out perfectly without sticking. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside—these dry ingredients are the backbone that supports all the deliciousness.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, crucial for a tender crumb and a soft texture that you’ll love biting into.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that classic sweet, warm flavor that defines so many holiday treats.
Step 4: Mixing in Sour Cream and Milk
Stir in the sour cream until your batter is smooth—it adds a gentle tang and ensures moistness. Gradually mix in the milk to bring your batter to the perfect consistency, making it easy to fold in the sprinkles without sinking.
Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients and Folding in Sprinkles
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which would make the bread dense. Gently fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles, spread evenly throughout the batter to create that signature funfetti look and festive pop of color.
Step 6: Baking Your Funfetti Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean—this means your bread is perfectly cooked and ready to delight hungry holiday hands.
Step 7: Cooling and Optional Glazing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re opting for that extra festive glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth while the bread cools. Drizzle the glaze over the loaf and sprinkle with additional Christmas sprinkles for a dazzling finish.
How to Serve Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe even more festive, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of the sweet glaze with extra sprinkles. Freshly whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting also makes a wonderful companion, enhancing the bread’s buttery richness.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs beautifully with hot beverages like cocoa, spiced cider, or coffee, making it perfect for holiday brunch or cozy afternoons. Serving it alongside fresh fruit or a cheese platter can balance the sweetness and elevate your holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bread and serve it toasted with butter or cream cheese. Wrap individual slices in festive parchment for gifting, or arrange several slices on a holiday-themed platter sprinkled with extra seasonal sprinkles to wow your guests visually and palate-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread soft and moist, preserving those colorful sprinkle bursts in every bite.
Freezing
If you want to keep this treat for longer, slice the cooled bread and freeze portions wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. It can last for up to three months without losing its festive charm or delightful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy this bread warm and fresh, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. The quick warming will revive the moist crumb and gently refresh the sprinkles’ color and crunch, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sprinkles for the funfetti bread?
Absolutely! While Christmas-colored sprinkles add to the seasonal charm, you can use any kind of sprinkles you love. Just be mindful that some sprinkles may bleed color more than others during baking.
Is sour cream necessary in this quick bread recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed. These alternatives keep the bread tender and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based yogurt or sour cream substitute along with almond or oat milk. The bread may have slight variations in texture, but it will still be deliciously festive.
How long does the glazed bread stay fresh?
With the glaze applied, the bread is best eaten within two days at room temperature, as the glaze can start to soften. For longer storage, keep the bread unglazed and add glaze just before serving.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
You can! Just use two loaf pans and bake them simultaneously, or increase the baking time slightly if using a larger pan. Keep an eye on the bread and test doneness with a skewer.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing the Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe. Its cheerful colors and moist, flavorful crumb bring joy to any holiday occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—you’ll find it’s not just quick and easy but also a wonderful way to spread festive cheer with loved ones. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Funfetti Quick Bread is a delightful, colorful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring a moist and tender crumb studded with vibrant red, green, and white sprinkles, it’s quickly made and topped with an optional sweet glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this quick bread brings the spirit of Christmas to your table in a deliciously fun way.
Ingredients
For the Funfetti Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (red, green, and white)
For the Sweet Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra Christmas sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preparing the Pan and Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.
- Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporating Wet Ingredients: Blend in the sour cream until the batter is smooth. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients and Adding Sprinkles: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended to avoid overmixing, which can cause toughness. Gently fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Preparing to Bake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased or parchment-lined loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Baking the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
- Making the Glaze (Optional): As the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Glazing and Garnishing: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and sprinkle with extra Christmas sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender bread texture.
- The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the bread; you can substitute with Greek yogurt if preferred.
- Use festive sprinkles that are meant for baking to avoid color bleeding.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and decorative touch.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This bread can be sliced and toasted lightly for breakfast or served as a dessert.
