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Festive Christmas Bread with Vanilla Glaze

A moist, buttery holiday quick bread speckled with red and green candied fruit, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and sprinkles. Perfect for gifting.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Festive Loaf
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.5 cup milk or buttermilk room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup candied red and green fruit/sprinkles chopped
The Simple Vanilla Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream plus extra as needed
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp holiday sprinkles red and green

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
  4. Alternately add the dry mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in the candied fruit or sprinkles.
  6. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread and immediately top with holiday sprinkles. Let set before slicing.

Notes

Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for the best crumb structure. Do not overmix the batter.