20 Homemade Christmas Bread Recipes to Try This Year

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats, and what better way to spread the festive cheer than with homemade Christmas bread? Whether you're hosting a family gathering, gifting a loaf to a neighbor, or simply treating yourself, Christmas breads are an absolute must-have. From sweet to savory, the variety of flavors and aromas will fill your home with holiday magic.

If you're looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place! I’ve gathered 20 homemade Christmas bread recipes to try this year, each offering something unique. These recipes range from traditional favorites like classic fruitcake bread to modern twists like cinnamon swirl or cranberry pecan loaves. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake the most delicious breads that will become a new holiday tradition!

1. Classic Christmas Fruitcake Bread

Fruitcake is often the centerpiece of holiday dessert tables, but it can also shine as a bread. This recipe is packed with dried fruits and nuts, offering a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for gifting or serving with your morning coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work best)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the dried fruit, nuts, flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, orange juice, and oil.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.

2. Cinnamon Swirl Bread

If you love the combination of cinnamon and sugar, this bread will quickly become a favorite. The swirling layers create a sweet, aromatic loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg, stirring until the dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Roll the dough into a rectangle and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll the dough tightly, then place it in a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Cranberry Orange Bread

The tartness of fresh cranberries combined with the bright citrus flavor of orange makes this bread a delightful treat. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the cranberries, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

4. Gingerbread Loaf

Gingerbread is a holiday classic, and this loaf version is a warm, spiced treat. The molasses and ginger create a comforting aroma that fills the home, making it an irresistible addition to any holiday spread.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, molasses, hot water, eggs, and oil.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before serving.

5. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Banana bread is always a favorite, and adding chocolate chips makes it even better. The moist texture and sweet chocolate make this bread an indulgent treat that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas, mixing well.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Eggnog Bread

Eggnog is a holiday favorite, and this bread brings all the creamy, spiced flavors into a soft, moist loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a holiday brunch, it’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In another bowl, beat together the sugar, eggnog, oil, and eggs.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Cool before serving.

7. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Bread

The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a holiday favorite. This bread features a rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing peppermint kick, perfect for any holiday dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together the sugar, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
6. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

8. Cranberry Pecan Bread

This holiday bread is a delightful mix of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, making it a great choice for a festive breakfast or snack. The combination of flavors is perfectly balanced, creating a bread everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cranberries, pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before serving.

9. Sweet Potato Bread

Sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, and they add a rich, earthy flavor to this soft bread. This recipe is both comforting and delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato, sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Allow the bread to cool before slicing.

10. Apple Cinnamon Bread

Apple and cinnamon are a classic pairing, and this bread brings the best of both worlds. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and fruity flavors, making it a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
7. Cool before slicing.

11. Chocolate Banana Bread

Banana bread takes on a whole new level of indulgence when combined with rich chocolate. This moist, flavorful loaf is a perfect treat to enjoy during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Add the bananas and combine well.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
7. Let the bread cool before slicing.

12. Carrot Cake Bread

Carrot cake lovers will enjoy this twist on the classic. With warm spices and a rich flavor, this bread brings the festive spirit to every slice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Stir in the grated carrots and dry ingredients until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
6. Allow the bread to cool before serving.

13. Maple Pecan Bread

Maple syrup and pecans come together in this irresistible holiday bread. The sweetness of the maple pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecans for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing.

14. Pumpkin Spice Bread

Nothing says fall and winter like pumpkin spice. This soft, moist bread is flavored with pumpkin puree and warming spices, perfect for any holiday breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Cool before serving.

15. Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a perfect way to enjoy vegetables in a delicious, sweet loaf. This bread is moist, flavorful, and a great way to use up extra zucchini from your garden.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Stir in the grated zucchini and add the dry ingredients.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing.

16. Vanilla Bean Bread

Vanilla bean gives this bread a rich, fragrant flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. The simplicity of this bread makes it an ideal complement to your holiday spreads.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla bean.
4. Add the dry ingredients, milk, and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing.

17. Pistachio Bread

Pistachios add a crunchy, nutty texture to this holiday bread. It’s a unique option that will surely impress your guests and make your Christmas spread even more special.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, pistachios, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing.

18. Chocolate Cranberry Bread

Cranberries add a tart flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of chocolate in this festive bread. The combination of flavors makes it an ideal holiday treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips, and cranberries.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing.

19. Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry and orange is a classic combination that’s refreshing and festive. This bread is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a must-try for the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cranberries, and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing.

20. Banana Nut Bread

Banana Nut Bread is a classic favorite that’s perfect for any occasion, but it’s especially delightful around the holidays when you want something comforting and homemade. The nutty crunch adds texture and flavor to the soft, moist banana bread.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, and oil.
4. Add the bananas and stir until combined.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients and fold in the nuts.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
7. Cool before serving.

Conclusion

These 20 homemade Christmas bread recipes are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or something in between, there's a bread for every occasion. Baking one (or more!) will fill your home with festive aromas and create lasting memories with friends and family. Happy baking!