If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form, this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is the answer. It’s a wonderfully moist, tender loaf infused with just the right amount of holiday cheer thanks to colorful sprinkles that peek through each slice. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a charming gift for friends and family, this bread delivers joyful flavors and a splash of color that instantly lifts the spirit. Let’s dive into all the wonderful details behind this simple yet magnificent holiday classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe starts with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully selected to create a perfect balance of moistness, subtle warmth, and that signature tender crumb. These staples work together beautifully to form the cozy base for those playful festive sprinkles.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread offering structure and body.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sweet balance without overpowering the holiday spices.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works alongside the baking powder to lift the batter perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping the sweetness in check.
- 2 Large Eggs: Bind ingredients while adding richness and moisture.
- 1 cup Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and tender crumb with a hint of acidity.
- 1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter or Vegetable Oil: Adds lush moistness and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, familiar aroma perfect for the holidays.
- 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles: The star of the show that lights up the bread with festive pops of color and fun.
- Optional – 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Infuses cozy spice notes for a seasonal twist.
- Optional – 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Optional – Zest from 1 Orange: Lifts the flavor with fresh citrus brightness.
- Optional – 1/4 teaspoon Non-alcoholic Rum or Brandy Extract: Creates a sophisticated holiday aroma without the alcohol.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect temperature for a beautiful rise and even baking. Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or, if you prefer, line it neatly with parchment paper for an easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you’re embracing those optional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, now is the time to sprinkle them in for an extra dash of holiday warmth.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then add the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This combination not only binds everything but adds creaminess and flavor depth critical to the bread’s tender crumb.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—remember not to overmix, or your bread might become dense. The batter will come together nicely with a few streaks of flour here and there.
Step 5: Fold in the Christmas Sprinkles
Here’s where the fun really begins! Gently fold in about two-thirds of the Christmas sprinkles, making sure they are distributed evenly throughout the batter without blending them too hard and causing color streaks.
Step 6: Transfer and Top with Sprinkles
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the remaining third of your Christmas sprinkles over the surface for an inviting, festive look that will peek out beautifully after baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest lets it set up properly for the perfect slice without crumbling. Then gently lift the loaf out—using the parchment paper if you lined the pan—and cool it completely on the rack before cutting.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze elevates this bread to dessert status. Fresh holly leaves or a sprinkle of extra colorful Christmas sprinkles on top add a festive finishing touch, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with fresh fruit like oranges or cranberries, a smear of cream cheese, or your favorite nut butter for a well-rounded breakfast or snack. It also shines alongside a cup of spiced tea or rich hot chocolate, creating a cozy holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices stacked on a decorative platter with a festive linen napkin, or slice it into small cubes and offer it as part of a holiday bread pudding or French toast brunch. Wrapping it up in cellophane with a ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift that’s sure to bring smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and flavorful for about three days—perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in a sealed freezer bag. This way, you can thaw or toast slices as needed without sacrificing freshness or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. A light butter spread before warming intensifies the cozy indulgence you crave on chilly mornings.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Using regular milk is possible but swapping in buttermilk gives the bread its characteristic tender crumb and slight tang that complements the sweetness and spices perfectly. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Will the sprinkles bleed color into the batter?
When you fold in the sprinkles gently, most of them retain their shape and color without bleeding too much. It’s best to stir minimally to keep the beautiful rainbow specks intact in your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Remember to check that your sprinkles are gluten-free as well to keep everything safe and delicious.
How long will the bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh and moist for about three days. After that, it’s best to consume or freeze it to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries would add wonderful texture and flavor contrast. Just fold them in alongside the sprinkles before baking for an extra festive twist on the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe truly brings the holiday spirit right into your kitchen with every colorful slice. It’s easy to make, irresistibly moist, and endlessly charming—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring by yourself over a cozy cup of tea. Give this recipe a go, and watch how it becomes a beloved holiday tradition that brightens your season from the very first bite!
Print
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holidays with this moist and festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Bursting with colorful sprinkles and warm holiday spices, this quick bread combines the tang of buttermilk with a tender crumb, making it a perfect treat for holiday breakfasts or dessert tables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter or Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon non-alcoholic rum or brandy extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If using optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, include them now along with orange zest and rum or brandy extract if desired.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the room temperature eggs, buttermilk, melted butter or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to preserve a tender texture.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in about two-thirds of the Christmas sprinkles, mixing just enough to evenly distribute them without breaking them down.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly sprinkle the remaining one-third of the sprinkles over the top for an attractive festive appearance.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to set and make removal easier.
- Finish Cooling: Carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper overhangs and transfer it to the wire rack to cool completely before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix more evenly.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- You can substitute vegetable oil for melted butter for a slightly different texture.
- Sprinkles can bleed color if overmixed, so fold them in gently.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
