As the holidays approach, the kitchen becomes a canvas for festive creativity. The delightful aroma of baked goods wafting through the air is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. That’s how I stumbled upon this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread—a cheerful twist on a classic favorite. The moment I added vibrant red and green sprinkles to my buttery loaf, I knew I had discovered something special.
This recipe encapsulates everything joyous about the season, with its tender crumb and sweet, festive flavors. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family breakfast or wrapping it as a thoughtful gift for friends, this bread promises to sprinkle a little magic into your holiday gatherings. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, so cooking enthusiasts and novice bakers alike can join in on the fun. So, let’s put on our aprons, gather some simple ingredients, and create a loaf that shines with holiday cheer!
Why is Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread so special?
Vibrant Colors: The cheerful red and green sprinkles make this bread a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the buttermilk, each slice is irresistibly tender and flavorful.
Easy to Make: With minimal steps, even beginners can master this delightful recipe.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap a loaf to share with loved ones; it’s a festive treat everyone will adore.
Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it with coffee, hot cocoa, or as a festive breakfast with cream cheese.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its sweet, buttery taste makes it a hit at holiday parties and gatherings.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Ingredients
• Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful holiday treat!
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For the Bread
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All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the bread; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
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Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help the bread rise perfectly.
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Baking Soda – Enhances leavening and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
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Salt – Balances sweetness while enhancing flavor; don’t skip this!
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Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; melt and let it cool before mixing.
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Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the loaf and contributes to its delightful moistness.
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Eggs – Provide binding and richness; ensure they are added one at a time while mixing.
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Buttermilk – Contributes to the moist texture and tangy flavor of the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread; can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit.
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Vanilla Extract – Adds delightful depth of flavor that harmonizes with the sprinkles.
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Red and Green Sprinkles – Provide festive color and fun texture; use jimmies style sprinkles to avoid color bleeding.
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Optional Topping
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Coarse Sugar – For added crunch and sparkle on top, enhancing the festive appearance.
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Additional Sprinkles – Sprinkle on top for extra color and fun!
Get ready to bake your way into the festive spirit with these joyful ingredients!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by either lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well to prevent sticking.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create a light and airy mixture that will help your bread rise beautifully.
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Mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
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Combine the dry and wet mixtures carefully. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; be sure not to overmix, as this will keep your bread tender and fluffy.
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Fold in the festive sprinkles gently. Incorporate the red and green sprinkles into the batter, taking care to avoid overmixing, so the colors remain vibrant and don’t bleed into the batter.
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar or a few more sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with few crumbs. Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of cream cheese for a luscious treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Delightful accompaniments can elevate your festive bread to new heights, creating a joyous dining experience.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich and creamy cocoa pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bread, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
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Peppermint Tea: This refreshing drink offers a soothing contrast to the sweet, buttery loaf, enhancing the holiday flavor profile.
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Cream Cheese Spread: A creamy layer of tangy cream cheese on warm slices adds a luxurious touch, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
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Honey Butter: Drizzling honey butter on top creates a sweet, gooey experience that’s perfect for cozy breakfasts or holiday brunch.
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Yogurt Parfait: Serve your bread alongside a bowl of yogurt topped with fresh fruit for a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the loaf.
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Fruit Compote: A dollop of warm fruit compote, like cranberry or raspberry, complements the bread’s flavors, adding a sweet, tangy burst.
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Vanilla Glaze: Drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over each slice takes this festive loaf to a new level of indulgence that everyone will adore.
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Eggnog: For a classic holiday pairing, a glass of spiced eggnog provides a creamy finish that is indulgent and merry.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to spread holiday cheer with your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread!
Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to avoid density issues, ensuring your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread rises perfectly.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently folding ingredients helps maintain a light, tender texture. Overmixing can create a dense loaf.
- Chill the Butter: If using unsalted butter, allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing to achieve better emulsification in the batter.
- Check Closely for Doneness: Test with a toothpick at the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for the best results.
- Use Quality Sprinkles: Opt for jimmies rather than nonpareils to avoid color bleeding in your festive loaf.
- Adjust Bake Time for Mini Loaves: If using smaller pans, reduce baking time to about 30 minutes for perfectly cooked individual loaves.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread loaves are a wonderful option for meal prep, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, ensuring the sprinkles stay vibrant. Simply mix the wet and dry ingredients together, fold in the sprinkles, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and follow the usual baking instructions. To maintain the bread’s delightful moisture, be cautious not to overmix after refrigerating. Enjoy freshly baked slices that are just as delicious as if you had made them right away!
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing your loaf with these delightful ideas!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this bread suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon zest for a burst of bright, zesty flavor that complements the sweet bread beautifully.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks instead of, or in addition to, sprinkles for a rich and decadent twist.
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Nuts for Texture: Stir in a half-cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch and nuttiness with every bite.
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Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the festive sprinkles.
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Mini Loaves: Bake your batter in mini loaf pans for adorable, giftable treats; simply adjust your bake time to about 30 minutes.
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Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
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Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor reminiscent of the holiday season.
Storage Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Room Temperature: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate wrapped for up to 1 week. Just be aware it may become slightly denser.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature as needed.
Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked flavor of your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of sprinkles should I use for my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
I recommend using jimmies style sprinkles because they hold their color well during baking. Nonpareils tend to bleed their color into the batter, which can lead to a less vibrant loaf. The festive red and green jimmies will provide the perfect pop of holiday cheer!
How should I store my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread after baking?
To keep your bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy it later, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Just remember, refrigeration might slightly alter the texture, so it’s best enjoyed at room temperature!
Can I freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, and if so, how?
Absolutely! For freezing, wrap your cooled bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before slicing.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or not measuring the ingredients accurately. Always gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined, and use a kitchen scale for precision. Remember, a tender crumb is the goal!
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes! To make an egg-free version, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). This will help maintain the moisture and binding needed for your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
How can I make my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread more festive?
For extra flair, consider adding a drizzle of vanilla glaze on top made from powdered sugar and milk or sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter along with the sprinkles. These additions can create delightful variations while keeping the spirit of the festive bread alive!
Delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe for Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl: whisk together melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry and wet mixtures gradually; fold in the dry ingredients until just combined to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in the festive sprinkles gently to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar or more sprinkles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.