As the holidays approach, we’ve fallen in love with our Candy Cane Bread Recipe—it’s a festive twist that turns simple baking into a joyful tradition. This sweet bread captures the peppermint essence of candy canes while offering a soft, irresistible crumb that’ll wow your family and friends.
We drew inspiration from classic holiday treats to create something easy yet impressive, perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, our recipe promises fun in the kitchen and delicious results every time.
Ingredients
To bring our Candy Cane Bread Recipe to life with its festive peppermint flavor and soft, holiday-inspired texture, we gather these key ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for clarity.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: Proof this in warm water to ensure it activates properly for a light, airy dough.
- 1 cup warm milk: Heat to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Divided for use in both the dough and topping to enhance sweetness and aid in browning.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Use softened butter for easy incorporation into the dough mixture.
- 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten to bind the dough and add richness.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a smoother texture, forming the base of our bread.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Adds balance to the sweetness, mixed with the dry ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides the signature candy cane essence—use pure extract for the most vibrant flavor.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes: Finely crushed for even distribution; reserve some for topping to create that iconic, crunchy holiday finish.
- Red food coloring: A few drops to tint the dough, giving our bread its festive striped appearance.
This selection ensures our Candy Cane Bread turns out irresistibly aromatic and visually appealing, perfect for your holiday baking.
Equipment Needed
Now that we’ve gathered our key ingredients for the Candy Cane Bread Recipe, we turn our attention to the essential equipment that helps us create this festive treat with ease and precision. Having the right tools ensures our baking process is smooth, allowing us to achieve that perfect soft texture and eye-catching peppermint swirl.
To prepare this recipe effectively, we recommend the following equipment, listed in the order of use during the process:
- Mixing bowls: We need at least two medium-sized stainless steel or glass mixing bowls—one for combining dry ingredients like flour and salt, and another for wet ingredients such as warm milk and eggs—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our Candy Cane Bread, so a set of standard measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, ½ teaspoon) will help us precisely measure ingredients like granulated sugar and peppermint extract for consistent results.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: For kneading the dough efficiently, we rely on a powerful stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or a sturdy hand mixer to blend the yeast mixture with flour until it reaches that light, airy consistency—saving us time and effort.
- Rolling pin: To shape the dough into the iconic candy cane form, we use a non-stick rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly, incorporating the crushed candy canes and red food coloring for that vivid, festive appearance.
- Baking sheet or loaf pan: Depending on our desired shape, a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a 9×5-inch loaf pan works best to bake the bread to golden perfection, ensuring it rises uniformly and maintains its holiday charm.
- Pastry brush: We apply egg wash or melted butter with a soft-bristled pastry brush for a glossy finish, enhancing the bread’s visual appeal and helping the crushed candy canes adhere beautifully.
- Oven thermometer: For optimal results in our Candy Cane Bread, an accurate oven thermometer ensures the oven is at the precise temperature (around 350°F), preventing over-baking and preserving the bread’s soft, aromatic texture.
By preparing these tools ahead of time, we set ourselves up for a seamless baking experience that captures the holiday spirit in every bite.
Instructions
We guide you through crafting our delightful Candy Cane Bread step by step, using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to create a festive, peppermint-infused treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Prep
First, we activate the yeast to ensure our dough rises perfectly. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1/2 cup of warm milk (around 110°F) and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar; stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it foams, signaling the yeast is alive and ready.
Next, we mix the wet ingredients. In the same bowl, add 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar; whisk until smooth and aromatic, evoking the fresh, cooling essence of candy canes.
We incorporate the dry ingredients for a light, airy texture. Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth, developing a soft, pliable feel that promises a tender crumb.
Finally, we let the dough rise. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size, filling your kitchen with an irresistible, festive aroma.
Shape the Candy Cane
Once risen, we divide the dough to create the signature stripes. Punch down the dough and split it into two equal portions; add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and knead gently until evenly tinted, contrasting vividly with the plain dough for a eye-catching candy cane effect.
Roll each portion into long ropes about 12 inches long and 1 inch thick on a floured surface. To form the shape, twist the red and plain ropes together like a braid, then curve one end to mimic a candy cane; this step ensures a whimsical, holiday-inspired design that’s both fun and festive.
Arrange the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2-3 inches apart. Cover loosely and let rest for 30 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up slightly and enhance its soft, chewy texture.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F for even baking. Brush the shaped dough with a beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish that makes the candy canes shimmer appealingly.
Bake in the center rack for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, releasing a warm, peppermint-scented steam that heightens the holiday spirit.
After baking, transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes before sprinkling with crushed candy canes for a crunchy, minty topping that adds delightful texture and visual flair.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Candy Cane Bread recipe with us. It’s a simple way to capture holiday magic in every slice, bringing warmth and cheer to your gatherings.
As you bake and share this treat, you’ll see how it becomes a festive favorite in our kitchens. Let’s make this season sweeter—one loaf at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Candy Cane Bread?
Candy Cane Bread is a festive holiday treat that captures the peppermint flavor of candy canes in a soft, airy bread. It’s perfect for seasonal gatherings, easy to make for all skill levels, and features a fun, twisted shape with red food coloring for a visually appealing look. Ideal for gifting or serving at parties, it brings holiday cheer to any table.
What ingredients are needed for Candy Cane Bread?
You’ll need active dry yeast, warm milk, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, peppermint extract, crushed candy canes, and red food coloring. These ingredients create a light texture and festive taste, with everything listed in the order of use for smooth preparation.
What equipment is required to make Candy Cane Bread?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a stand or hand mixer, a rolling pin, a baking sheet or loaf pan, a pastry brush, and an oven thermometer. These items ensure precise measurements and easy handling, making the baking process seamless and enjoyable.
How do I make Candy Cane Bread?
Start by activating the yeast with warm milk and sugar, then mix in wet ingredients like butter and eggs. Add dry ingredients such as flour and salt to form dough, let it rise, shape into candy canes by twisting colored and plain dough, brush with egg wash, bake until golden, and top with crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
Is Candy Cane Bread suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, it’s designed for all skill levels with simple steps and common ingredients. The recipe includes clear instructions for activating yeast, mixing, rising, and shaping, so even newcomers can create an impressive holiday bread without much hassle.
Can I gift Candy Cane Bread for the holidays?
Absolutely! Its festive appearance and peppermint flavor make it a thoughtful gift. Wrap it in cellophane or a holiday box after cooling, and it stores well for a few days, adding a homemade touch to your seasonal giving.
How should I store Candy Cane Bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic; thaw at room temperature before enjoying to maintain its soft texture and flavor.