Christmas Bread
Introduction
Christmas bread is a delightful treat that fills the air with the warm scents of cinnamon and vanilla. This sweet, fruity bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. It is soft, delicious, and a wonderful way to celebrate togetherness. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, Christmas bread brings joy to any table.
Why make this recipe
Making Christmas bread is not just about the taste; it’s also about creating memories. The process of baking fills your home with wonderful aromas and brings loved ones together. This recipe is easy to follow, making it great for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home!
How to prepare Christmas Bread
Preparing Christmas bread is straightforward and fun. You’ll mix dry ingredients first, add the wet ingredients, and then let the dough rise before baking. The result is a beautiful, fluffy loaf with bits of delicious fruit that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins, or mixed dried fruit)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Stir in the dried fruit.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing. Serve warm or toasted.
How to serve Christmas Bread
Christmas bread is best enjoyed warm or toasted. Slice it and serve with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam. You can also enjoy it plain as a delightful snack. Sharing it fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea makes it extra special.
How to store Christmas Bread
To keep your Christmas bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, slice and freeze the bread. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months!
Tips to make Christmas Bread perfectly
- Make sure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast will not help the bread rise.
- Knead the dough well to create a soft loaf.
- Don’t rush the rising times; the longer the dough rises, the better the texture.
- Experiment with different dried fruits or add nuts for extra crunch.
Variations
You can customize Christmas bread in many ways! Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist or use orange zest for a citrusy flavor. You can also make mini loaves or shaped rolls for fun serving options at your holiday gatherings.
FAQ
Can I substitute fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit contains more moisture and can make the bread soggy. It’s best to stick with dried fruit for this recipe.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give it a denser texture and a nuttier flavor. You might need to adjust the liquid to get the right dough consistency.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; it should read around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
Christmas Bread
A delightful sweet, fruity bread filled with the warm scents of cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins, or mixed dried fruit)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Stir in the dried fruit.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes, until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing. Serve warm or toasted.
Notes
Make sure your yeast is fresh and don’t rush the rising times for better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, holiday bread, sweet bread, festive baking, fruit bread, baking recipes