A Christmas loaf cake with sprinkles is such a fun and colourful twist! Imagine a moist and flavourful cake, with vibrant sprinkles that add a festive touch. The sprinkles can be a mix of red, green, and white for that classic Christmas palette, or you can go for a whimsical mix of various shapes and colours.
The result is not only a delicious treat but also a visually appealing one that will bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a great option for those who might not be fans of traditional fruitcake but still want to indulge in the holiday spirit. Plus, it’s a fantastic baking project to involve the little ones—they’ll love decorating the cake with sprinkles and, of course, sneaking a few while they’re at it! What do you think? Ready to sprinkle some holiday joy into your festive Christmas dessert?
History of Christmas Loaf Cake
The tradition of baking and enjoying loaf cakes during the holiday season dates back centuries. In the UK, fruitcake has been a staple Christmas dessert since the Victorian era, and its influence has spread across the globe. The concept of a rich, dense cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices symbolizes abundance and warmth, making it a fitting addition to festive celebrations. Over time, variations such as gingerbread loaf, chocolate orange loaf, and eggnog loaf have emerged, adding diversity to the Christmas loaf cake repertoire.
Christmas Cake Toppings
Christmas cake toppings are a fun way to make any dessert festive. The Christmas Bread recipe below has a nice glaze and sprinkles. There are so many different ideas to dress up a holiday cake.
- Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze with a hint of vanilla or citrus. Cream cheese glaze for a rich and tangy twist. A spiced glaze with cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra Christmas flavour.
- Icing: Decorate with a thin layer of royal icing and let it set for a glossy finish. Try a flavoured icing, such as orange or peppermint, to complement the cake
- Nuts: Chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture.
- Citrus Zest: Grated orange or lemon zest for a burst of citrusy freshness.
- Candied Peel: Diced candied citrus peel adds a sweet and chewy element.
- Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Fresh Berries: Arrange a few fresh berries on top for a burst of colour and juiciness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the loaf with melted chocolate and let it set for a decadent touch.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create a Christmas loaf cake that suits your taste and style. What combination are you thinking of trying?
Christmas Loaf Cake
The holiday season is a time for indulgence and festive treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas loaf cake? This timeless dessert is a beloved classic that brings joy to gatherings and makes the perfect edible gift.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Makes: 1 loaf
Ingredients
Bread
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, soft
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 1⁄2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup original sour cream
- 1⁄4 cup whole milk
- 13⁄4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄4 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
- 2⁄3 cup Christmas sprinkles
Glaze
- 1 1⁄4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp Christmas sprinkles
Cake Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prep a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Mix, using hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and vanilla until just combined. Add the sour cream and milk. Beat until everything is incorporated.
Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Use a rubber spatula to add the sprinkles. Do not over stir.
Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread until the top of the loaf is even.
Bake at 350 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes.
Check by inserting a toothpick in the centre that should come out clean, indicating that the crumb is fully set and no excess moisture remains. Set it aside to cool for 5 minutes.
Take the loaf out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze Directions
Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla in a medium bowl and whisk to make the glaze. Pour the glaze over the bread and top with Christmas sprinkles.
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences and favourite holiday flavours! Enjoy your delicious Christmas loaf cake!
Christmas Loaf Cake
Equipment
- 1 9×5 loaf pan
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 1 Mixer or stand mixer
- 1 Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Loaf Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter soft
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2/3 cup Christmas sprinkles
Glaze
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp Christmas sprinkles more or less to taste
Instructions
CAKE DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prep a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Mix, using hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla until just combined.
- Add the sour cream and milk. Beat until everything is incorporated.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Stir until just combined.
- Use a rubber spatula to add the sprinkles. Do not over stir.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spread until the top of the loaf is even.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Check by inserting a toothpick in the centre that should come out clean, indicating that the crumb is fully set and no excess moisture remains.
- Set it aside to cool for 5 minutes.
- Take the loaf out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
GLAZE DIRECTIONS
- Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla in a medium bowl.
- Whisk to make the glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the bread.
- Top with Christmas sprinkles.
Nutrition
What to serve with a Christmas loaf cake
When serving a loaf cake for Christmas, you have several delightful options to complement and enhance the festive experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a Christmas loaf cake:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side adds a light and airy texture that pairs well with the richness of the cake.
- Vanilla Sauce or Custard: Warm vanilla sauce or custard can be drizzled over individual slices for a comforting and decadent touch.
- Ice Cream: Serve the Christmas loaf cake with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or gingerbread-flavoured ice cream for a cold and creamy contrast.
- Fruit Compote: A compote made from seasonal fruits like berries, apples, or pears can add a refreshing and fruity element.
- Cranberry Sauce: A homemade cranberry sauce, either warm or chilled, complements the tartness of the cake and adds a pop of colour.
- Cheese Plate: Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie, camembert, or sharp cheddar. The combination of sweet cake and savoury cheese can be delightful.
- Hot Beverages: Serve warm drinks like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even mulled wine or cider to create a cozy and comforting atmosphere.
- Holiday Cocktails: For a more adult-oriented gathering, consider pairing the cake with festive cocktails such as mulled wine, eggnog, or spiced rum drinks.
- Yogurt or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt, particularly flavoured with honey or vanilla, can provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Chutney or Jam: Accompany the cake with a spiced chutney or holiday-themed jam for a burst of flavour.
Remember to consider the overall flavours and theme of your Christmas loaf cake when choosing accompaniments. Offering a variety of options allows your guests to customize their experience and enjoy a well-rounded dessert.
shelf life of a cake
The shelf life of a Christmas loaf cake depends on various factors, including the ingredients used, storage conditions, and whether or not the cake has been cut or sliced. Here are some general guidelines:
Uncut and Unfrost
If your Christmas loaf cake is uncut and unfrosted, it can typically be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. After this time, the quality may start to decline.
Refrigeration
If your loaf cake has perishable ingredients such as cream cheese frosting or fruits, it’s advisable to store it in the refrigerator. This can extend its freshness to about 1 week.
Freezing
Christmas loaf cakes generally freeze well. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
Cut and Sliced
Once a cake is cut, its moisture is exposed to the air, and the shelf life decreases. If your cake has been sliced, it’s best to consume it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Always use your best judgment and consider the ingredients in your recipe. If the cake shows any signs of spoilage, such as mold, off smells, or changes in texture, it’s safest to discard it.
In conclusion, Christmas loaf cake is a cherished tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to the holiday season. With its rich history and endless potential for creativity, baking and sharing a Christmas loaf cake is an expression of love and joy that embodies the spirit of the season. So why not embrace this time-honoured tradition and savour every delectable slice this holiday?
This cake looks so festive and perfect for Christmas, some people are not fans of fruitcake so this is the perfect alternative, and it sounds so easy to make as well. Thanks for sharing!
This looks festive and delicious. My niece and I would have a blast making (and eating) this.