There’s something truly heartwarming about the distinct scent of freshly baked bread filling the air, especially during the festive season. As I pull this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread from the oven, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood, where the holidays meant laughter, love, and a kitchen bursting with delightful aromas. This cozy loaf is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a visual celebration with its pop of red and green sprinkles, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
After a long week filled with work and holiday prep, I found myself craving something that felt both comforting and a little whimsical. This recipe burst into my mind like a festive surprise! Imagine slicing into a perfectly moist loaf, the buttery sweetness paired with tart buttermilk, all while those colorful sprinkles dance through the bread like confetti at a celebration. It’s an effortless way to bring the magic of Christmas to your table—and your friends and family will adore every bite. Ready to get baking? Let’s create some holiday cheer with this delightful treat!
Why is Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread a must-try?
Festive and Fun: This bread is not only a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes with vibrant sprinkles that brighten any holiday table.
Easily Made at Home: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can whip up this cozy loaf without complicated steps, perfect for even the busiest schedules.
Irresistibly Moist: The combination of buttermilk and butter ensures each slice is soft and buttery, making it a fantastic addition to your seasonal baking.
Delightful Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the warming, sweet scent of the holidays, drawing everyone in to share the joy.
Perfect Gift Option: Slice it up, wrap it neatly, and you’ve got the ideal homemade gift for friends and neighbors—who wouldn’t appreciate such a delightful surprise?
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – A versatile base for the bread, providing structure and texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light and fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Balances acidity from the buttermilk, enhancing overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors of the bread.
- ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s slightly cooled to avoid curdling the eggs.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread perfectly, creating a delightful contrast to the tangy buttermilk.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together, contributing to a moist crumb.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Ensures extra moisture and a delightful tang, making this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread irresistibly soft.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that complements the festive feel.
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style) – Adds a playful touch, making each slice a visual treat.
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar – Provides a lovely crunch on top that pairs beautifully with the soft bread.
- Additional sprinkles for garnish – For an extra pop of color, making your holiday presentation even more festive!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining or greasing it. This step ensures a perfect release after baking!
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth batter.
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Combine melted butter and sugar in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Then, stir in vanilla and buttermilk until incorporated.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy!
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Fold in those festive sprinkles carefully, being gentle to avoid deflating the batter. You want each bite to have that joyful burst of color.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle coarse sugar or additional sprinkles on top for that festive finish.
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Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done, cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Optional: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter for an extra cozy treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
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Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour, which can lead to a dense loaf instead of the desired airy texture.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can make your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread tough.
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Check for Doneness: Avoid opening the oven too soon. Check with a toothpick after 45 minutes, but know that baking may take up to 55 minutes based on your oven.
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Adjust Sprinkles: Feel free to swap in other festive colors or varieties of sprinkles based on your holiday theme, but be careful not to overmix when folding them in.
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Cool Properly: Let the bread cool in the pan before transferring to a rack. This helps maintain moisture and ensures easy slicing later.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and tailor it to your taste buds; let’s add some fun twists!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for a delightful vegan version.
- Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. The texture will be a touch heartier, making it deliciously satisfying.
- Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch; they add a fabulous layer of flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips instead of sprinkles for a sweet variation that chocolate lovers will adore! Nothing says indulgence quite like chocolate.
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up the bread beautifully.
- Spiced Up: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the festive vibe of the season.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour in place of all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of magic! Just check your other ingredients for gluten-free compliance.
- Fun Fillings: Create a surprise in each slice by adding dollops of fruit preserves or cream cheese before baking; that gooey center will take your bread to the next level!
What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Embrace the festive spirit by pairing this delightful bread with savory and sweet companions that complement its sweetness and charm.
- Creamy Whipped Butter: The perfect accompaniment, adding a rich, creamy texture that enhances each slice’s buttery goodness.
- Festive Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness with a juicy, tangy contrast.
- Hot Cocoa or Mulled Wine: Cozy up with these warm beverages; their spices and richness bring warmth and holiday cheer to each bite.
- Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of tangy cheeses provides a delightful contrast, making it a great option for a festive brunch or gathering.
- Spiced Nut Mix: Crunchy, savory nuts with a hint of spice offer a satisfying texture and flavor contrast to the soft, sweet bread.
- Eggnog or Chai Latte: Indulge in a cup of these seasonal treats; their flavors blend perfectly with the festive essence of the loaf.
Slicing into the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the beginning of a joyful feast! Consider mixing and matching these pairings to create your own holiday spread that everyone will love.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to relish homemade goodness even on your busiest days! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance. This simple step saves you time when you’re ready to bake. Additionally, mix the wet ingredients (butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla) and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just combine both mixtures, fold in the sprinkles, and bake. This way, you maintain the bread’s moistness while enjoying the delightful taste and festive appearance—perfect for a homemade holiday treat!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and moisture.
Fridge: If you want to extend its life, place the bread in the fridge, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 week. This helps keep it fresh and safe for later enjoyment.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, bringing back that delightful softness.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for the bread?
Absolutely! Make sure your eggs are fresh and medium-sized for the best binding and moisture. For the butter, use unsalted to control the bread’s saltiness. As for the buttermilk, check the expiration date—ideally, you want it to be as fresh as possible for optimal flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Very! Store your cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it retains its delightful moisture. If you need to keep it longer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and it can last in the fridge for about a week.
Can I freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Certainly! To freeze, cut the bread into slices, wrapping each slice in plastic wrap and foil, ensuring they’re well protected from freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop it directly into the toaster for a quick warm-up!
What should I do if the bread comes out too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing or too much flour. To remedy this next time, be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients, and spoon flour into your measuring cup without packing it down. A lighter touch will lead to fluffier bread!
Is this bread safe for those with allergies or dietary restrictions?
Yes! However, be cautious with your choice of sprinkles if allergies are a concern, as some can contain gluten or allergens. This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a suitable flour blend, but be sure to check all ingredients for gluten cross-contamination if that’s an issue for your guests.
Can I use different types of sprinkles for decoration?
Absolutely! You can switch up the sprinkles based on your holiday theme—think silver and gold for New Year’s or pastel for Easter. Just remember not to overmix when adding them in to keep that fun, festive burst in every slice!
Irresistible Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining or greasing it.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Combine melted butter and sugar in a large bowl, whisking until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla and buttermilk until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the festive sprinkles carefully, being gentle to avoid deflating the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Top with coarse sugar or additional sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.