Want to wow your friends and family with a tasty homemade treat this holiday season?
Baking a homemade Christmas bread is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. It’s perfect for dessert or breakfast and makes a wonderful gift. You might think it’s hard to make, but this recipe is surprisingly easy.
It only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to make two loaves. You’ll need common ingredients like sugar, butter, and sour cream. Plus, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The special touch is a brown sugar and cinnamon filling.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Total preparation and cooking time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- The recipe yields two loaves of delicious homemade Christmas bread.
- Uses simple ingredients from your pantry, making it an easy holiday bread to prepare.
- Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Features a delectable brown sugar and cinnamon filling.
Introduction to Christmas Bread Tradition
Christmas bread is a sweet treat loved by many. It’s a festive staple with deep traditions across cultures. As you explore holiday baking, you’ll find it’s a joyous way to celebrate.
This bread is made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It fills homes with wonderful smells, making it a key part of Christmas. For example, Luisa Weiss’s “Christbrot, Sweet Christmas Bread” recipe uses raisins, orange peel, and citron peel.
The dough needs 4 3⁄4 cups of flour and yeast. It’s soaked in rum two days before baking. After kneading, it rests for 30 minutes.
For those looking for something different, gluten-free versions offer a modern twist. This adds variety to holiday baking.
To bake, heat the oven to 400ºF. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. The recipe suggests letting it rise for 45 minutes before baking. German stollen, for instance, rests for 2 weeks after baking.
This dessert brings families together, keeping the holiday spirit alive. Whether you’re making old favorites or trying new recipes, traditional Christmas bread is a must-try this season.
- Rest dough for 30 minutes post-kneading.
- Soak raisins and peels in rum two days prior.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Bake until golden brown, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
| Technique | Details |
|---|---|
| Resting Time | 30 minutes for dough |
| Soaking | Raisins and peels in rum for two days |
| Baking Temperature | 400ºF |
| Baking Duration | 12 to 15 minutes |
Essential Ingredients for a Delicious Christmas Bread
To make the best christmas bread recipe, you need a few key ingredients. Start with 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour for a solid base. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of unsalted butter for sweetness and richness.
Three large eggs and 2 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract are also crucial. They add moisture and structure to the bread.
Spices are key for delicious winter breads. Cinnamon adds a warm flavor. ⅔ cup of Christmas sprinkles make the loaf look festive.
For a moist texture, use heavy whipping cream and sour cream. They work wonders together.
Other essential ingredients include different sugars. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar adds depth. These sugars are great in a special filling.
Also, use 1 ¼ cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a tasty glaze.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 299 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 76mg |
| Sodium | 108mg |
To add a festive touch, use red and green food coloring. Americolor Soft Gel Paste in 111 Red and 111 Leaf Green works well. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes to mix the colors evenly.
Shape the dough into a loaf and let it rise for 1-2 hours. This will make it fluffier.
This recipe makes one loaf and takes only 10 minutes to prepare. It cooks for 70 minutes, making a total time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. Follow these steps for a delicious loaf that will impress your guests.
Step-by-Step Christmas Bread Recipe
Learning how to make Christmas bread might seem hard, but our guide makes it fun and easy Christmas baking. This holiday bread recipe mixes classic tastes with simple steps for a festive treat.
Preparing the Batter
First, get your key ingredients: granulated sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and large eggs. In a bowl, mix the sugar and butter until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Next, mix in dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add sour cream to keep the batter moist.
Making the Brown Sugar Filling
Now, make the brown sugar filling. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This filling will add sweet pockets to the bread.
Spoon half the batter into a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the filling mixture over it. Then, add the rest of the batter on top. This step is easy, even for beginners.
Preheat your oven to 360°F (190°C). Put the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
The Best Types of Pans for Baking Christmas Bread
Choosing the right pan is key for perfect festive bread. The right loaf pan ensures even baking and a nice shape. Traditional pans, 9 x 5 x 3 inches, are best for most recipes.
Think about the recipe’s flour when picking a pan. For yeast loaves with 3 cups of flour or less, use an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch pan. Recipes with 3 3/4 cups of flour need a 9 x 5 inch pan. A half-inch difference in pan size can change the loaf’s shape and texture a lot.
Materials also play a role:
- Aluminum: Excellent heat conductivity, great for even baking.
- Glass: Allows you to see the browning process, but requires longer baking times.
- Silicone: Non-stick but may require additional support for structure.
- Ceramic: Retains heat well but can be heavy and fragile.
- Cast Iron: Superb heat retention, perfect for rustic breads.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and rust-resistant, though less common for bread.
For festive baking recipes, disposable pans are handy. They’re great for making multiple loaves for gifts. They also save time on cleaning up.
| Pan Type | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 9 x 5 inches | Even baking |
| Glass | 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches | Visual Monitoring |
| Silicone | Various sizes | Non-stick baking |
| Ceramic | Varies | Heat retention |
| Cast Iron | 9 x 5 inches | Rustic breads |
| Stainless Steel | Varies | Durability |
Knowing about different pans and their benefits helps you bake great Christmas bread. You’ll get delicious and beautiful loaves every time.
Decorating Your Christmas Bread
Decorating your Christmas bread makes it a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table. With simple techniques and ingredients, you can turn a regular loaf into a stunning holiday treat.
Adding Festive Sprinkles
Adding festive sprinkles is an easy way to decorate your Christmas bread. You can mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top after baking. This not only makes your bread look festive but also adds a nice crunch.
When making your Christmas bread, try a recipe like the Christmas bread wreath. It uses 4 cups of flour, 3/4 cup warm water, and 2 teaspoons of yeast. Adding sprinkles in the batter ensures they’re spread out evenly, making your bread look great.
Using Icing and Glazes
To finish your bread with a sweet touch, use a vanilla glaze or icing. Mix 200g of icing sugar with a bit of water for a simple yet impressive glaze. After your bread cools, drizzle the glaze over it and sprinkle on more decorations.
Try different icing flavors like lemon or almond for a unique taste. Glazing your bread and adding sprinkles makes it sweet and beautiful. These touches not only make your bread look good but also taste great, satisfying any sweet craving.
For a festive event or family dinner, these easy festive bread recipes will impress everyone. The Tear & Share Christmas Tree Bread, for example, serves about 22 people, perfect for big gatherings. Plus, keeping your Christmas bread in an airtight container keeps it fresh for 2 to 3 days, so it stays delicious even after the celebration.
christmas bread recipe Variations
Christmas bread is a key part of holiday celebrations. It’s exciting to try different recipes to add both old and new flavors to your table. You can mix traditional and modern ideas to make unique breads that honor heritage and creativity.
Traditional Variants
Traditional holiday breads have deep history and cultural value. The German Stollen from Dresden is known for its dense, sweet texture and dried fruits. The Jewish Challah from Hanukkah is a braided bread that brings a sense of joy and tradition.
Other traditional breads include:
- Julekake, a sweet bread from Norway and Denmark.
- Italian Panettone from Milan, famous for its fluffy, sweet taste.
- Serbian Cesnica, a wheat bread made on Christmas morning.
- Russian Krendel, shaped like a pretzel, symbolizing celebration.
- Dutch Kerststol, filled with almond paste and dried fruits.
- Gubana, a Slovenian/North Italian treat, perfect for holidays.
- Hungarian Beigli, a rolled bread with walnut or poppy seed filling.
- The Three Kings Bread, a tradition in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico.
Modern Twists on Classic Recipes
For modern takes on Christmas bread, try new ingredients and styles. Here are some fresh twists on old favorites:
- Cranberry-Orange Star Bread – A festive bread made with Crescent Dough Sheets and Nutella.
- Fruitcake and Panettone – Classics with a twist, like adding chocolate chips or matcha.
- Potato Rolls and Challah Rolls – Great with holiday meals.
- Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath and Popovers – Savory appetizers.
- Apple Cinnamon Bread and Best-Ever Focaccia – Seasonal fruits and herbs add flavor.
- Beer Bread and Pull-Apart Christmas Tree – Ingredients for today’s tastes.
- Homemade Monkey Bread with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Yorkshire Pudding, Santa Bread, and Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins – Fun shapes for the holidays.
- Chocolate Babka and Sweet Potato Biscuits – Sweet treats for dessert lovers.
- Classic Irish Soda Bread – Simple yet delicious.
These recipes mix old and new, offering something for everyone. Try these variations to make your holiday baking special and memorable.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Christmas Bread
Keeping your homemade Christmas bread fresh can be tricky. But with the right methods, you can enjoy it for longer. This way, the holiday spirit stays with you even after the season ends.
Best Practices for Storing
For the best taste, store your bread in a cool, dry spot. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil after it cools down. This keeps air and moisture out, helping it last longer. Don’t put it in the fridge, as it dries out faster.
Freezing Techniques
Freezing is great for keeping bread fresh for months. Cool the bread completely to avoid freezer burn. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe bag.
This method keeps the bread’s quality for up to six months.
- Freeze bread quickly to minimize crystallization.
- Maintain a 0°F freezer temperature for optimal preservation.
- Store sliced bread to simplify convenient, portioned usage later.
To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature. Smaller loaves reheat in 20 minutes in a 325° to 350°F oven. Larger ones might take up to 40 minutes.
Follow these tips to keep your Christmas bread fresh. This way, the holiday joy can last longer.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Bread
Christmas bread is very versatile and fits well with many occasions. You can serve it as a tasty breakfast with your coffee. Or, add whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special touch.
For a savory option, try it with cheeses or fruit preserves. This makes a great appetizer. Christmas bread can make any holiday meal more special, pleasing everyone.
Drizzling icing on Christmas bread is a great idea. Mix ½ cup of icing sugar, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. It turns the bread into a sweet treat. You can also toast it with butter or jam for a simple yet tasty breakfast.
At brunch, toast the bread and add eggs or cinnamon sugar. This gives a fun twist to holiday meals. These ideas add variety and excitement to your gatherings, making sure everyone enjoys something special.
For more festive ideas, check out unique bread recipes. Try the Pistachio Cranberry Wreath or the elegant Pumpkin-Sunflower Harvest Bread. These add a special touch to your holiday celebrations, alongside your Christmas bread.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and make your own unique serving ideas. For more inspiration, look at holiday dessert recipes. Adding these ideas to your traditions will make holiday baking and serving even more joyful.
Benefits of Homemade Christmas Bread
The benefits of homemade bread are many, especially during holidays. Making your own Christmas bread lets you choose what goes into it. This means no bad additives or preservatives, which is great for those with special diets.
Store-bought bread often has 20 to 30 ingredients, some of which are unhealthy. Homemade bread, on the other hand, is free from common allergens. This makes it a healthier choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Also, making bread at home can save you money. But, homemade bread might get stale faster. So, finding ways to use up leftover bread is key.
- Homemade breadcrumbs can be made from day-old leftover bread, a useful ingredient for various dishes and can be stored for later use.
- Garlic bread can be made using any leftover bread, simply covered with garlic and herb butter and toasted in the oven.
- Bread pastry can be created out of leftover bread, reducing food waste and offering a base for savory tarts and pies.
- Day-old bread can be refreshed by spritzing it with cold water and placing it in a pre-heated oven at 120°C for five minutes.
Baking bread at home also brings joy and connection. It becomes a special family activity. This tradition creates lasting memories and adds to the benefits of homemade bread.
| Type | Percentage of Recipes |
|---|---|
| Bread with Fruits or Vegetables | 50% |
| Recipes Incorporating Nuts or Seeds | 30% |
| Regional or Cultural Influences | 25% |
| Sweet Bread Variations | 40% |
| Savory Bread Options | 30% |
| Quick Bread Alternatives | 20% |
| State-Specific Bread Recipes | 5% |
| Holiday or Seasonal Themes | 15% |
In conclusion, the benefits of homemade bread go beyond just being healthy and saving money. Baking and sharing bread brings joy and connection during the holidays.
Conclusion
Wrapping up your holiday baking journey, it’s clear that homemade Christmas bread is more than a treat. It’s a cherished tradition. From picking the right ingredients to decorating with festive sprinkles, it’s a creative and bonding experience. It shows the true spirit of Christmas and the joy of giving.
This year, more people are visiting local Scandinavian bakeries. They’re planning their holiday shopping early to avoid last-minute rushes. Check out the Outside Oslo Scandinavian Christmas Gift Guide for unique gifts from local artisans. It’s a great way to support small businesses and find special presents for your loved ones.
Baking holiday memories start in your kitchen. For example, making Norwegian julekake takes about 20 minutes for the yeast mixture and an hour for the dough to rise. The aroma of cinnamon and warm spices in your homemade bread will make your celebrations special. For more festive recipes, visit our recommended page.
By embracing these baking customs, you’re not just cooking a meal. You’re joining a tradition that spans generations. Sharing these treats makes the holiday season more joyful and memorable. May your Christmas bread bring joy, warmth, and a sense of community to your celebrations.
F.A.Q
What ingredients do I need to make Christmas bread?
To make Christmas bread, you’ll need flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Also, sour cream is key. For the filling, use brown sugar and cinnamon. You can also add dried fruits, nuts, and festive sprinkles for extra flavor.
Can you explain the process for making the batter?
First, mix sugar, butter, vanilla, and eggs until creamy. Then, add the dry ingredients and sour cream one at a time. This makes the batter rich and thick.
How do I make the brown sugar filling?
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon to create the filling. This sweet mix is layered in the bread batter for a tasty surprise.
What type of pan should I use for baking Christmas bread?
Use a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan for baking. It ensures even baking and helps the dough shape perfectly.
How can I decorate my Christmas bread?
Add festive sprinkles to the batter and on top after glazing. A vanilla glaze and colorful decorations make it look and taste great.
Are there any variations to the traditional Christmas bread recipe?
Yes, you can add raisins, candied fruits, and nuts for a twist. Modern versions might include chocolate chips, matcha, or savory ingredients for different tastes.
What is the best way to store homemade Christmas bread?
Cool the bread, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Store it at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, wrap it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How should I serve Christmas bread?
Enjoy it as a breakfast treat with coffee or as a dessert with whipped cream or ice cream. It’s also great with cheeses or fruit preserves for a festive appetizer.
What are the benefits of baking homemade Christmas bread?
Making your own Christmas bread lets you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives. It’s a healthier choice for those with dietary needs. Plus, baking and sharing the bread strengthens holiday traditions and brings joy to others.
