Bring festive cheer to your holiday table with this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, a soft, moist, and flavorful quick bread packed with colorful red and green sprinkles. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or as a gift for friends and family, this bread is visually appealing, lightly sweet, and wonderfully tender. The buttermilk provides a delicate tang that balances the sweetness, while the melted butter ensures a moist and rich crumb.
This festive bread is simple to make yet impressive, capturing the essence of the holiday season in every bite. Sprinkles throughout the loaf create a joyful visual surprise, while an optional sprinkle and coarse sugar topping adds a touch of sparkle, making it perfect for special occasions. This recipe is ideal for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced, and can be customized with different flavors or add-ins if desired.
Beyond its appearance, this bread offers a delightful texture and flavor combination. The buttermilk tenderizes the flour, creating a soft crumb, while the eggs and butter provide richness. Vanilla extract adds warmth, enhancing the overall taste. Served with a simple spread of butter or cream cheese, this bread makes a comforting and festive treat.
Ingredients
For the bread:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style; avoid nonpareils)
Optional topping:
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Additional sprinkles for garnish
Preparation Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents clumping.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, whisking until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until fully incorporated. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in a denser loaf, so fold gently.
Fold in the red and green sprinkles carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If using, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar and additional sprinkles for a festive finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at 50 minutes. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve as is, or pair with butter, cream cheese, or a light glaze for an extra festive touch. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet gift packaged in holiday wrap.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Use jimmies-style sprinkles: Nonpareils can bleed colors into the batter, while jimmies hold their shape better during baking. Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for even mixing and a smooth batter. Don’t overmix: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients to maintain a soft, tender crumb. Check doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, with no wet batter, when the loaf is fully baked. Cooling matters: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Variations and Personalizations
Flavor twists: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or orange zest for a holiday-inspired variation. Chocolate chip version: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips along with sprinkles for extra indulgence. Nutty touch: Incorporate ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. Glaze topping: Mix powdered sugar with a teaspoon of milk or juice and drizzle over the cooled bread for a decorative touch. Mini loaves: Divide the batter into smaller pans for giftable mini loaves or portion-controlled servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, but for best results, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess. Can I freeze the bread? Yes, wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, adjusting baking time as needed. Can I make it dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter and milk alternative to replace butter and buttermilk. Will the sprinkles bleed color? Using jimmies rather than nonpareils minimizes color bleeding.
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Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread: A Festive and Moist Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive, moist, and buttery quick bread, perfect for the holiday season. Packed with colorful sprinkles, it’s a treat for both the eyes and taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style)
- Optional Topping: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar and additional sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top with coarse sugar and extra sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- You can use any holiday-themed sprinkles, but avoid nonpareils as they may bleed colors.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive, moist, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for celebrating the holidays. With its tender crumb, vibrant sprinkles, and rich buttermilk base, it’s a delightful addition to breakfast tables, brunch spreads, or holiday gifting. This cheerful bread is easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.