Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Discover the magic of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, a soft, festive treat that perfectly melts hearts and sweetens holiday moments. This delightful bread combines the rich tang of buttermilk with colorful sprinkles that add joyful bursts of sweetness and crunch, making it a standout centerpiece for any holiday table. With its tender crumb and cheerful appearance, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is more than just a baked good — it’s a heartwarming tradition that invites smiles and cozy memories with every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Fun: Vibrant sprinkles throughout the bread make each bite visually delightful and joyful.
- Perfect Texture: The buttermilk keeps the bread irresistibly soft and moist for days.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime during the holidays.
- Versatile Treat: Great as breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack throughout the Christmas season.
- Heartwarming Tradition: Fun to make with family, creating lasting holiday memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, using a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role. The buttermilk adds a tender crumb and subtle tang, while the sprinkles bring color and festive cheer right into the loaf.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and soft crumb for the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tang of buttermilk and adds sweetness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Key leavening agents that ensure a fluffy, risen bread.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Buttermilk: The hero ingredient that tenderizes and adds a rich flavor.
- Butter: Delivers richness and moisture to each bite.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Festive sprinkles: A colorful mix that brings joy and holiday spirit.
Variations for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. It’s easy to customize this recipe so it fits any dietary need or taste preference while keeping that festive spirit alive.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the bread soft and delicious.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk with a tablespoon of vinegar instead of buttermilk.
- Chocolate Sprinkle Mix: Swap classic sprinkles for chocolate or holiday-themed glitter sprinkles for a twist.
- Citrus Zest Addition: Add lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavors for those who love a fresh note.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper for an easy release later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leaveners and sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. The tang of the buttermilk is what will give the bread its signature moistness and flavor.
Step 4: Gently Fold Wet into Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this could make the bread tough.
Step 5: Add the Sprinkles
Fold in the festive sprinkles carefully to avoid melting their color into the batter while still spreading them evenly throughout.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything combine smoothly for a light, airy crumb.
- Don’t over-mix the batter: Stir gently to avoid tough bread and keep it tender.
- Choose high-quality sprinkles: Look for vibrant, stable sprinkles that won’t bleed color.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling helps the bread set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
- Use buttermilk or its substitute: For the best texture, avoid plain milk as it won’t provide the same tang and moisture.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Garnishes
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze to elevate the festive look and sweetness. Fresh cranberries or peppermint sticks on the side can also add a seasonal touch.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spread of cinnamon butter for an indulgent holiday snack or breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve it with a small pot of honey or fruit preserves. You can also cut it into French toast for a colorful holiday brunch or sandwich layers with whipped cream and berries for an impressive dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and fresh for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive softness and enhance the buttery aroma before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
For best results, use buttermilk or a DIY substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This replicates the acidity that gives the bread its signature tenderness and flavor.
Will the sprinkles melt during baking?
When folded in gently and baked at the right temperature, sprinkles maintain their colorful appearance with just slight softening—adding festive pops of color without bleeding too much.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The fun colors and sweet taste make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread a kid-friendly holiday treat that’s perfect to bake together as a family activity.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh and soft for about 3 days. Refrigerating may dry it out faster, so use freezing for longer storage.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling works well. Just make sure to use a larger loaf pan or divide the batter between two pans and adjust baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the bread as it might bake slightly faster or slower.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is truly a festive delight that brings sweetness, warmth, and color to your holiday celebrations. Whether served as a cozy breakfast or a cheerful snack, this bread offers a perfect balance of soft texture and joyful bursts of sprinkles that everyone will adore. Give it a try this season and watch it become a fast favorite for you and your loved ones!
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PrintChristmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a soft, moist, and festive quick bread that combines the rich tang of buttermilk with colorful sprinkles for joyful bursts of sweetness and crunch. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, desserts, or snacks, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and brings warmth and cheer to your holiday table with every slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Festive Add-ins
- 3/4 cup colorful festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper for an easy release later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leaveners and sweetness.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended to create a rich, moist batter.
- Gently Fold Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined, being careful not to over-mix to keep the bread tender.
- Add the Sprinkles: Carefully fold in the festive sprinkles to avoid melting their color while ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a light, airy crumb.
- Do not over-mix the batter to avoid tough bread.
- Choose high-quality sprinkles that won’t bleed color during baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Use buttermilk or a suitable substitute with vinegar or lemon juice for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas bread, buttermilk bread, festive bread, sprinkle bread, holiday baking, quick bread, holiday dessert
