Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, festive treat that brings both joy and color to your holiday table, this Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a soft, buttery loaf bursting with rainbow sprinkles that add a fun pop of color, perfect for gifting or sharing with your loved ones during the holiday season. It’s simple, vibrant, and irresistibly moist, making it a wonderful companion for your Christmas morning or a cozy afternoon snack. Trust me, once you bake this bread, it’ll become a joyful staple in your holiday baking lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, but each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the creamy softness of the sour cream to the bright burst of colors from the sprinkles, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully to craft this festive loaf.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of your bread, essential for that tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread nicely while helping with browning for a golden crust.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the bread moist and tender, with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds fluffiness to the loaf.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay light.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the sour cream to ensure the bread is tender and rises perfectly.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create the perfect batter consistency.
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for topping): Injects vibrant color and festive cheer into every bite.

How to Make Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. This simple preparation ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases without sticking, setting the stage for a perfect loaf.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air and starts building the structure for your tender bread, so take your time and enjoy watching the texture change.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, blending well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, which add moisture and depth of flavor. This step brings your batter to life with richness and creaminess.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients uniformly will help your bread rise evenly and keep the texture consistent.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until smooth. This technique prevents clumps and keeps the batter silky, ensuring a soft crumb in your finished bread.

Step 6: Fold in the Rainbow Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed their color and turn the batter a little dull, so be delicate to maintain that festive brightness.

Step 7: Pour and Sprinkle

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then generously sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top—their colors will brighten the bread’s surface as it bakes, enhancing the festive look.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. This step guarantees a fully cooked, moist loaf that’s not too dense.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it when fully cooled allows the crumb to set nicely, making for cleaner slices and a better eating experience.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can elevate your bread, adding a glossy finish and a touch of extra sweetness. Adding a few fresh cranberries or small mint leaves nearby gives a lovely festive presentation.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic alongside a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced tea. For a festive brunch, serve it with whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese frosting to complement the light sweetness and colorful sprinkles.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and arrange the bread on a holiday platter with seasonal decorations like pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks. Wrap slices in parchment paper tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. You can also toast slices lightly before serving for an even more comforting texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover funfetti bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days—ideal if you want to bake in advance to save time during busy holidays.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving, and it will taste almost as fresh as the day it was baked.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm slice, gently reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This simple step revives the soft texture and intensifies the buttery flavor, making it taste freshly baked even days later.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but it should still come out delicious and festive.

What kind of sprinkles work best for funfetti bread?

Classic rainbow jimmies or nonpareils are perfect. Avoid sugar crystals that may melt too much during baking and dull the colors; sprinkles made for baking hold their shape and color best.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins instead?

Yes! The batter works wonderfully for mini loaves or muffins. Just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes for muffins and monitor closely to avoid overbaking.

Is sour cream necessary? Can I substitute it?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang which is lovely, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar effect.

Can I add additional flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can give the bread a warm, cozy twist that complements the festive vibes perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Funfetti Bread Recipe is more than just a festive treat — it’s a celebration in every slice. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or savoring a quiet holiday moment, this bread brings sparkle and joy to the table effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how the simple magic of sprinkles and good ingredients makes your Christmas even more special.

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