Break out the mini loaf pans! These Christmas breads are perfect for sharing with neighbors and loved ones. The best part: These yeast-free quick bread recipes are so easy to make.
27 Christmas Quick Breads Perfect for Gifting
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Eggnog Mini Loaves
The seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg shine through in these moist, golden Christmas breads. Tender slices are just right with a cup of coffee. Be sure to use your favorite eggnog in the recipe. —Beverly Elmore, Spokane, Michigan
1/27
2/27
Pineapple Cherry Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
3 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple adds a fun twist to this holiday quick bread, plus it wakes each delicious bite nice and moist. My family prefers this to traditional fruitcake.
—Dolores Peltier, Warren, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 187 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
3/27
Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This cranberry bread is tender and moist. The first time I made it, it immediately became a favorite for the fall and winter holidays. The tart cranberries complement the sweet chocolate so well.—Jessica Hornaday, Nampa, Idaho
(Find more easy quick bread recipes like this one!)
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 253 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/27
Poppy Seed Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor gave me this recipe, and I love that it makes two loaves. We usually eat one and then give the other away or freeze it for later. The glaze complements the bread perfectly. —Heather Frese, Albany, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 190 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/27
Cranberry Walnut Bread
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cranberry nut bread decades ago by combining a couple of recipes from my collection. A friend suggested I add even more cranberries. Now there's a big burst of tart cranberry and lots of crunchy nuts in every piece. —Dawn Lowenstein, Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 169 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/27
Chocolate Chai Mini Loaves
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 mini loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread is irresistible! A friend gets mad whenever I make it because I give her a loaf, and she can't help but eat the whole thing! —Lisa Christensen, Poplar Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
7/27
Sugar Plum Bread
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up with my Grandma Mitchell’s irresistible plum bread. We slathered it with butter and ate it with cottage cheese and fresh fruit for a simple breakfast. It’s one of those Christmas breads that always makes an appearance on myt holiday table. —Emily Tyra, Lake Ann, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 202 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/27
Double Cranberry Banana Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
We love quick breads, and I’ve found that they freeze nicely if properly wrapped. This is a scrumptious recipe to make before the holidays and freeze for last-minute guests or gifts. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 289 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
9/27
Sweet Potato Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves quick breads. This one is moist and spicy. If you don't have mini loaf pans, it works just as well in regular size pans. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 228 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/27
Chocolate Quick Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I both enjoy cooking, but the baking is left to me. Our sons loved this chocolaty quick bread when they were little—and still do as grownups! —Melissa Mitchell-Wilson, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 214 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/27
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
12/27
Almond Tea Bread
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My aunt brought her tea bread recipe with her from Scotland, and enjoying a fresh-baked loaf has become a family tradition during the holidays. Each slice is loaded with red cherries. —Kathleen Showers, Briggsdale, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 111mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/27
Pumpkin Pecan Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Among all my pumpkin bread recipes, this caramel-glazed creation is the pick of the crop. Often, I'll wrap up a lovely loaf as a homemade gift for teachers and Sunday school leaders. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 249 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/27
Bishop’s Bread
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 slices)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread is packed with cherries, chocolate and nuts. I give away many of these Christmas breads as gifts. —Yvonne Wheeler, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 320 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
15/27
Honey Spice Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
The texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O’Dell, Binghamton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 187 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
16/27
Macadamia Nut Mini Loaves
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
While these loaves may be small, they have a big rich flavor. The macadamia nuts make them a special treat with tropical flair. Plus, they're so pretty with the toasted coconut topping. —Kim Gilliland, Simi Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 162 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/27
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
3 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a delicious, golden pumpkin cream cheese bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 189 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
18/27
Eggnog Bread
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 loaves (6 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
The seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg shine through in these moist, golden loaves. Tender slices are just right with a cup of coffee. —Beverly Elmore, Spokane, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 158 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
19/27
Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart berries, crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate are simply scrumptious when mixed together in this easy quick bread. Sometimes I’ll top it off with an orange-flavored glaze. It’s one of the Christmas breads I make every year. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 220 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
20/27
Pear Bread Recipe
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of easy pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular pear bread recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients.—Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 168 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
21/27
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch of cinnamon helps blend the flavors in this tender pumpkin chocolate chip bread. And since the recipe makes two loaves, you can send one to a bake sale and keep one for your family to enjoy. —Lora Stanley, Bennington, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/27
Eggnog Fruit Bread
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Presents from the pantry are a tradition in my family, and this moist, fruity quick bread is a favorite. I wrap Christmas breads in cellophane and garnish with stickers and curly ribbons. —Margo Stich, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 197 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
23/27
Bacon Walnut Bread with Honey Butter
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 loaf (16 slices) and 3/4 cup honey butter
From the Recipe Creator:
During the holidays, it’s common to share sweets. I think savory Christmas breads should also be on the list of sharables. My savory walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing is complemented by the sweetness of honey-flavored butter. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice plus about 2 teaspoons honey butter: 296 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
24/27
Poppy Seed Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor gave me this recipe, and I love that it makes two loaves. We usually eat one and then give the other away or freeze it for later. The glaze complements the bread perfectly. —Heather Frese, Albany, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 190 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/27
Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and raisins bring heartwarming flavor to this mildly sweet bread. It's ideal for an on-the-go breakfast or a quick snack before dinner. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 204 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
26/27
Drizzled Butternut Bread
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My two young children love this buttercup yellow bread. Squash makes it moist and goes so well with the cinnamon. This will be a welcome addition to a brunch or dinner table.—Misty Thompson, Gaylesville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 306 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
27/27
Almond & Cranberry Coconut Bread
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s an all-around great bread for any season. The red bursts of cranberry lend every slice extra appeal for Christmastime. —Rosemary Johnson, Irondale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 273 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Check out this winter gift guide for more holiday inspiration.
