Get ready to brighten up your holiday baking with this delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe! This fluffy, tender loaf is bursting with festive red and green sprinkles that add a joyful crunch and pop of color in every bite. Moist and slightly sweet, with a hint of vanilla and the subtle tang of buttermilk, it’s the perfect bread to bring to any holiday gathering or simply enjoy with a warm cup of tea by the fire. This recipe not only tastes amazing but also makes the kitchen smell like Christmas magic. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to holiday treat year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive cheer in your loaf.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides the sturdy but tender base for the bread’s structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise gently for a soft crumb.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with buttermilk to give a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds richness and moisture, ensuring every slice is soft and luscious.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweeps in the right amount of sweetness to complement the festive sprinkles.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients together and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Brings a mild tang and keeps the bread incredibly moist.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the bread with warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- Red and green sprinkles (½ cup): The star of the show, adding festive color and a fun texture.
- Optional coarse sugar (1 tablespoon): For a sparkling, sweet crust if you want to dress it up even more.
- Additional sprinkles: To garnish and amp up the Christmas feel.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread will release easily after baking and keeps the crust beautifully golden.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these early helps distribute the rising agents evenly so your bread rises uniformly without any dense patches.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk your melted butter with sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to create a creamy, well-incorporated base. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk for that important moistness and flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your bread tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Gently Fold in Sprinkles
Now the fun part – fold in your festive red and green sprinkles delicately. Overmixing here can cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors and affect the bread’s appearance, so take it slow for those perfect pops of color.
Step 6: Pour and Decorate Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you want that extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar or additional sprinkles on top before baking. It’s a lovely finishing touch that makes the bread look even more festive.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps set the crumb, making slicing easier without crumbs falling apart.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of softened butter can elevate your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe to snack-time royalty. For extra festive fun, top each slice with a few more sprinkles or a drizzle of honey for a glossy finish that tastes as good as it looks.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with holiday brunch foods such as scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or creamy yogurt. You can also turn it into a sweet treat alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, enhancing the cozy, warm spirit of the season perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the loaf! Slice and toast this bread lightly, then top it with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a grown-up twist. Or, cut it into cubes and serve as part of a festive bread pudding or even as colorful croutons in a holiday-inspired dessert salad. The Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is your canvas for cheerful creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, making it a fantastic make-ahead holiday treat you can enjoy without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe in advance, slice it first and freeze the slices individually in zip-top bags. This way you can thaw just the amount you need, preserving freshness and that wonderful festive crunch.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, toast slices lightly or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method revives the softness inside while keeping the delightful sprinkle texture intact, perfect for a cozy winter morning.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sprinkles?
For best results, use jimmies-style red and green sprinkles as they hold up better during baking. Nonpareils or sugar pearls may melt or discolor the batter, affecting both appearance and texture.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Absolutely! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s tangy effect.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, so choose a blend with xanthan gum for best structure.
How long does this bread stay moist?
Thanks to the buttermilk and butter, this bread stays moist for up to 3 days at room temperature. Proper storage in an airtight container helps maintain its softness and flavor.
Can I add other festive mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, or even a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can add extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful not to overpower the sprinkles that make this recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is one of those joyous dishes that effortlessly brings warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of festive fun to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, this bread offers a perfect balance of moist sweetness and colorful cheer that makes the holidays even brighter. Give it a try and watch it become an instant classic in your holiday baking collection!
Print
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a festive and moist holiday favorite with this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. This buttery, tender loaf is bursting with cheerful red and green sprinkles, making it perfect for holiday celebrations or as a sweet seasonal treat. The combination of buttermilk and melted butter keeps the bread delightfully soft, while the vanilla adds a warm aromatic touch. Topped with coarse sugar and extra sprinkles, this bread is both flavorful and visually festive.
Ingredients
Main 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; avoid nonpareils)
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Additional sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted and slightly cooled butter with the granulated sugar until smooth and well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender and light.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the red and green sprinkles into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed but not overmixed to avoid color bleeding.
- Fill Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar and extra sprinkles if desired for extra festive texture and appearance.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then transfer the bread carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use jimmies style sprinkles to avoid color bleeding, as nonpareils may melt and discolor the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and tender.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled to prevent cooking the eggs when combined.
- For best results, use fresh buttermilk and room temperature eggs.
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
