The aroma of warm spices mingled with sweet dried fruits instantly evokes the spirit of the holidays, and this magnificent Festive Christmas Bread delivers precisely that experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, slightly sweet crumb, studded with bursts of cranberries, citrus zest, and toasted nuts.
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It’s a beautiful, fragrant loaf that not only fills your home with an irresistible scent but also brings a comforting warmth to every festive gathering. This Festive Christmas Bread promises a taste of holiday magic, becoming a cherished part of your family traditions for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Bread Recipe
- This Festive Christmas Bread fills your home with the most incredible, comforting holiday aromas, creating an instant festive atmosphere.
- Enjoy a beautifully balanced flavor profile, combining sweet, tangy, and spiced notes, making every bite a delight.
- Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, guiding you to a perfect loaf with ease.
- Loaded with wholesome dried fruits and nuts, this bread offers a fiber-rich option that feels indulgent yet contributes to a balanced diet.
- Create lasting family memories and a new holiday tradition with this heartwarming Festive Christmas Bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Festive Christmas Bread starts with selecting the finest ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich flavor and tender texture we all adore during the holiday season. Prioritizing quality ensures a truly exceptional loaf that will be the star of your festive table.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a good structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast, giving your Festive Christmas Bread a beautiful rise.
- Active Dry Yeast: Fresh, active yeast is crucial for a light and airy texture. Check the expiration date!
- Warm Milk: Whole milk, warmed to about 105-115°F (40-46°C), is ideal for activating the yeast.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter enriches the dough, adding incredible flavor and moisture to the Festive Christmas Bread.
- Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs bind the dough and contribute to its richness and golden color.
- Orange Zest: Freshly zested orange peel brightens the flavor profile, adding a wonderful citrusy aroma.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest complements the orange, offering another layer of refreshing brightness.
- Mixed Dried Fruit: A festive blend of dried cranberries, golden raisins, and candied orange peel adds chewiness and bursts of flavor.
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty depth to your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, comforting holiday spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: A hint of freshly grated nutmeg elevates the aromatic complexity.
- Salt: Fine sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely depth and warmth.
- Optional Glaze: Powdered sugar and a splash of milk or orange juice for a simple, sweet finish.
Substitutions & Variations
Embrace flexibility in your kitchen, especially when baking this delightful Festive Christmas Bread. While the classic recipe is perfect, you can easily make healthy swaps or additions to suit dietary needs or personal preferences without compromising flavor or texture. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy a slice of this wonderful Festive Christmas Bread.
- Flour Alternatives: For a wholesome twist, swap up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. It adds fiber and a nutty note while keeping the bread tender.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option, maintaining a rich, caramelized sweetness in your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Ensure it’s warmed appropriately for yeast activation.
- Fruit & Nut Variety: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped figs, dried cherries, or apricots. For nuts, try almonds or hazelnuts. You can even include a tablespoon of chia seeds for added omega-3s.
- Spice Enhancements: Introduce a pinch of ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom for a more complex spice blend in your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Gluten-Free Option: While more challenging, a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (containing xanthan gum) can work, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Reduced Sugar Glaze: Instead of a full powdered sugar glaze, simply dust the cooled Festive Christmas Bread with a little erythritol-based powdered sweetener for a lighter finish.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different methode.
As you explore flexible baking options, consider complementing your Festive Christmas Bread with a refreshing drink. Check out our Festive & Easy Christmas Morning Punch Recipe for a delightful pairing that enhances your holiday experience.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable, especially when creating something as special as this Festive Christmas Bread. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional, but highly recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for warming milk
- Citrus zester
- Kitchen scale (for precise flour measurement)
- Clean kitchen towels
- 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Pastry brush (for glaze, if using)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking this Festive Christmas Bread is a joyful experience, and following these steps carefully will lead you to a truly magnificent result. Take your time, enjoy the process, and soon your home will fill with the irresistible aroma of holiday cheer.
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is active and ready to work its magic on your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the foamy yeast mixture, add the remaining granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together well until thoroughly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed with a dough hook (or by hand with a sturdy spoon) until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 10-12 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. It will pull away from the sides of the bowl. This kneading develops the gluten, crucial for the structure of your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Incorporate Fruits and Nuts: Add the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the dough. Knead briefly until the additions are evenly distributed throughout the Festive Christmas Bread dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased large bowl. Turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf that fits your 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can gently roll it into a rectangle and then tightly roll it up like a jelly roll, pinching the seam closed. This shaping helps create a beautiful, even loaf of Festive Christmas Bread.
- Second Rise (Proofing): Place the shaped dough into the prepared loaf pan. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 45-60 minutes, or until it has almost doubled in size and looks puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the bread is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Bread: Bake the Festive Christmas Bread for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This is essential for the texture of your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Glaze (Optional): Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of milk or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle or brush over the Festive Christmas Bread for a lovely finish.
The joy of baking can be amplified by recreating other festive masterpieces in your kitchen. Why not try our Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Bread, which offers a savory twist to your holiday table alongside the sweet aromas of your Festive Christmas Bread?
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving a truly exceptional Festive Christmas Bread means paying attention to a few crucial details. These tips will help you master the recipe and impress everyone with your baking prowess.
- Accurate Temperature for Yeast: Ensure your milk is precisely between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Too cold, and the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and it will kill the yeast, resulting in a flat loaf of Festive Christmas Bread. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Don’t Over-Flour: Resist the urge to add too much flour during kneading. A slightly tacky dough is desirable. Adding excess flour will make your Festive Christmas Bread dense and dry.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading develops the gluten, which gives bread its structure and chew. Ensure you knead long enough for the dough to become smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test (stretch a small piece until it’s thin enough to see light through it without tearing).
- Warm Rising Environment: Dough rises best in a warm, draft-free place. Ideas include a slightly warmed oven (turned off!), a microwave with the door ajar, or near a warm sunny window. Consistent warmth ensures a good rise for your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Don’t Rush the Rises: Allow the dough to fully double in size for both rises. Rushing this process will result in a denser bread. Patience is key for a light and airy Festive Christmas Bread.
- Check for Doneness: Beyond the golden-brown crust, tap the bottom of the baked loaf. It should sound hollow. An internal temperature of around 200-210°F (93-99°C) indicates it’s fully baked.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Slicing warm bread can lead to a gummy texture. Allow your Festive Christmas Bread to cool entirely on a wire rack before cutting. This lets the internal structure set properly.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your delicious Festive Christmas Bread stays fresh and enjoyable for longer. With these tips, you can savor its wonderful flavor for days.
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store your Festive Christmas Bread in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Placing a paper towel in the container can help absorb any excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice the cooled Festive Christmas Bread and place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw individual slices or the whole loaf at room temperature.
- Reheating: To revive a slightly stale loaf or warm frozen slices, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and tenderness to your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Toast Slices: Individual slices can be lightly toasted in a toaster for a quick and delicious snack, especially if you plan to spread them with butter or jam.
To enjoy your Festive Christmas Bread for an extended period, it’s crucial to know how to store it properly. Pair it with our delightful Pigs in a Blanket Wreath This Easy Holiday Recipe for additional festive treats that are equally simple to prepare.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This versatile Festive Christmas Bread pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, making it suitable for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert. Consider these healthy pairings to complement its rich flavors without overwhelming your palate.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of berries, sliced oranges, and grapes offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Festive Christmas Bread.
- Greek Yogurt: Serve slices alongside a dollop of plain Greek yogurt drizzled with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a protein-rich and satisfying meal.
- Light Fruit Spreads: Opt for low-sugar fruit jams, marmalades, or homemade apple butter to spread on your Festive Christmas Bread.
- Nut Butters: A thin spread of almond butter or cashew butter adds healthy fats and extra protein, making it a more substantial snack.
- Herbal Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of herbal tea or your favorite coffee makes the perfect beverage pairing for this spiced bread, enhancing the holiday experience.
- Small Green Salad: Believe it or not, a simple, lightly dressed green salad with a vinaigrette can be a wonderful side for a brunch featuring Festive Christmas Bread, balancing the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this Festive Christmas Bread dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about an hour, then shape and proceed with the second rise and baking. This makes baking your Festive Christmas Bread more convenient for holiday mornings.
What if my Festive Christmas Bread doesn’t rise?
If your Festive Christmas Bread isn’t rising, the most common culprit is inactive yeast. Ensure your milk is at the correct temperature (105-115°F or 40-46°C) and that your yeast is fresh and not expired. If the yeast doesn’t foam when mixed with warm milk and sugar, it’s likely dead.
Also, ensure your rising environment is warm and draft-free. Patience is key; sometimes dough just needs more time.
How can I prevent my Festive Christmas Bread from being dry?
To ensure a moist Festive Christmas Bread, avoid adding too much flour during the kneading process. A slightly tacky dough is perfectly fine. Also, be careful not to overbake it; an internal temperature check is your best bet.
Lastly, the butter and eggs in the recipe contribute significantly to moisture, so use good quality ingredients and measure accurately. Proper cooling also helps lock in moisture.
Festive Christmas Bread is often a centerpiece for holiday gatherings, embodying the spirit of communal celebrations. This delightful bread can be a part of various cultural traditions, showcasing unique ingredients and techniques that highlight its rich history in the culinary world, similar to how it is discussed in this bread article.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Festive Christmas Bread is more than just following a recipe; it’s an act of love, a cherished tradition woven into the fabric of our family holidays. The rich aroma, the tender crumb, the joy it brings to loved ones – these are the moments we treasure. May this Festive Christmas Bread fill your home with warmth and your hearts with happiness.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Please note that this is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The values provide a general guide for one slice of Festive Christmas Bread (approximately 1/12th of a loaf).
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 7g |
Festive Christmas Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine the remaining sugar, butter, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt into the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg into the dough.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise again for 45-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- (Optional) Prepare a glaze with powdered sugar and milk or orange juice, and apply once cooled.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
