Oh, the joy of holiday breakfast breads! There’s something incredibly special about waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked loaves during the festive season. These delightful treats are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of togetherness and comfort. I love how they fill the kitchen with the sweet scent of vanilla and dried fruits, instantly lifting everyone’s spirits. Whether it’s Christmas morning or a cozy gathering with friends, holiday breakfast breads are the perfect way to start the day. Trust me, once you taste the moist, flavorful slices, you’ll be making these for every celebration! So, let’s dive into this recipe and make your next gathering unforgettable!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk, whole or 2%
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, chopped if large
How to Prepare Holiday Breakfast Breads
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started on creating the most delicious holiday breakfast breads! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and warm when your batter is ready to go. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir with a whisk to make sure everything’s evenly mixed—it really helps with the rise!
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until it’s all well blended. You want it to be smooth and creamy. Now, it’s time to unite the wet and dry ingredients! Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently fold them together. Remember, you don’t want to overmix—just combine until you see no dry flour. This is where your holiday breakfast breads get their beautiful texture!
Next, fold in your chopped dried fruits. They add such a burst of flavor and color! Now, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Trust me, the fragrant anticipation will be worth it! Slice it up, and enjoy the warm goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy—perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- These breads are incredibly flavorful, thanks to the delightful combination of vanilla and dried fruits.
- They make your kitchen smell heavenly as they bake—who doesn’t love that?
- Ideal for sharing at festive gatherings, bringing everyone together over delicious slices.
- They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them super versatile.
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they can even double as a sweet snack throughout the day!
Tips for Success
To make your holiday breakfast breads truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter—this helps create that lovely, moist texture. If you want an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients; it adds a lovely warmth. Be careful not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients; a few lumps are perfectly fine! And don’t skip the cooling time—letting the bread rest before slicing allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your holiday breakfast breads fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for longer, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer; it’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy those cozy slices again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, slice and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until they’re toasty. Trust me, nothing beats that warm, homemade goodness!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my holiday breakfast breads, it’s nice to know a bit about the nutritional side of things! Each slice is estimated to contain around 180 calories, with 12 grams of sugar and 7 grams of fat. Of course, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so keep that in mind. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made with wholesome ingredients, like eggs and dried fruits, providing a nice balance of carbohydrates and protein. Just remember, these numbers are estimates, so feel free to customize your loaf to suit your preferences. Enjoy every delicious slice, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While dried fruits work wonderfully in this recipe, you can incorporate fresh fruits. Just be mindful that they may add extra moisture, so adjust the baking time accordingly!
How do I know when my holiday breakfast breads are done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go! If it’s wet, give it a little more time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking for even results.
What can I serve with holiday breakfast breads?
These breads are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of butter, cream cheese, or even a light glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly! It includes eggs and dairy, but you can easily substitute those with plant-based alternatives if needed.
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out this breakfast category. If you’re interested in the health benefits of dried fruits, you can read more here.
Print
Holiday Breakfast Breads: 5 Joyful Ways to Celebrate Mornings
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful assortment of holiday breakfast breads perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in dried fruits.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Best served warm.
- Optionally top with powdered sugar or glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Holiday breakfast breads