3 Cup Christmas Bread
A moist, flavorful Christmas bread loaded with carrots, coconut, cherries, raisins, and pecans—perfect for festive gatherings and loved by those enjoying sweet, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine eggs, oil, and milk in a bowl.
- Sift all dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture.
- Mix well until combined.
- Stir in shredded carrots, coconut, maraschino cherries, raisins, and pecans.
- Pour the batter into greased and floured bread pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread for 10 minutes before removing from the pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for half of the oil to reduce the fat content. If you don't have maraschino cherries, use dried cherries or cranberries instead. For added flavor, you can mix in some vanilla extract or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
This festive bread is delightful on its own or spread with a bit of cream cheese or butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or as a sweet addition to a breakfast spread featuring dishes like Mom'S Macaroni Cheese And Tomatoes. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 3 Cup Christmas Bread contains roughly 2066 calories, with 37g protein, 346g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and iron (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread can be made ahead of time and stored. It actually tastes better after a day as the flavors meld together. Just ensure it’s wrapped well to maintain freshness. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it when needed.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a nice crunch, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them coarsely and fold them in like the pecans. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
What can I use instead of coconut?
If coconut isn't your preference, you can omit it altogether or replace it with additional shredded carrots or nuts. Alternatively, try adding chopped dried fruit like apricots or figs for a different texture and sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).