Festive Christmas Bread – Easy Holiday Gift Bread Recipe
A Warm, Cheerful Loaf Made for Sharing
There’s something deeply nostalgic and joyful about baking bread during the holidays. This Festive Christmas Bread captures that feeling perfectly—soft, tender, lightly sweet, and speckled with colorful fruit that makes every slice feel celebratory.
Designed to be simple and reliable, this loaf is ideal for gifting. It travels well, stays moist for days, and looks beautiful wrapped in parchment and ribbon. Whether you’re baking for neighbors, teachers, family, or holiday gatherings, this bread delivers comfort and cheer in every bite.
It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a yearly tradition.
Why This Christmas Bread Is Perfect for Gifting
Holiday gift recipes should be:
- Easy to make in batches
- Visually festive
- Universally loved
- Long-lasting and sliceable
This bread checks all the boxes. It doesn’t require yeast, fancy equipment, or complicated steps, making it approachable even during the busiest season.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
- Optional: powdered sugar or glaze for topping
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in dried fruit gently.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze if desired.
Texture & Flavor Profile
This bread is:
- Soft and tender
- Lightly sweet
- Moist without being dense
- Studded with chewy fruit bits
It pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or warm spiced drinks.
Flavor Variations
- Orange Christmas Bread: Add orange zest
- Spiced Holiday Loaf: Add cinnamon and nutmeg
- Chocolate Chip Version: Replace fruit with chocolate chips
- Glazed Gift Loaf: Top with vanilla or citrus glaze
Storage & Gifting Tips
- Store wrapped at room temperature up to 4 days
- Refrigerate up to 1 week
- Freeze whole loaves up to 2 months
- Wrap in parchment and twine for gifting
Perfect Occasions
- Holiday gift baskets
- Christmas breakfasts
- Teacher and neighbor gifts
- Bake sales
- Cozy winter afternoons
Festive Christmas Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Fold in dried fruit.
- Bake until golden and set.
