As the holiday season approaches and homes fill with scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, nothing warms the heart quite like a slice of freshly baked Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as buttery cake meets the festive crunch of red and green sprinkles, each bite a joyful celebration of flavor. I created this easy quick bread recipe to share with friends and family during our cozy brunches and festive gatherings, where smiles are as plentiful as the sprinkles themselves. Perfect for gifting or serving alongside hot cocoa, this bread captures the essence of the holidays, bringing warmth and cheer to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe both simple and satisfying, inviting everyone to join in the fun of baking!
Why will you love this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Moist, Delicious Flavor: Each slice is a delightful blend of buttery goodness and subtle tang from the buttermilk, ensuring satisfaction in every bite.
Easy to Make: This quick bread requires minimal effort, perfect for busy holiday mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Festive Appeal: The vibrant red and green sprinkles bring a fun holiday spirit to your table, captivating both kids and adults.
Versatile Treat: Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or with coffee—this bread fits perfectly into any festive spread.
Ideal for Gifting: Bake a loaf for friends or neighbors and spread joy this season; everyone loves a heartfelt, homemade touch!
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; can be replaced with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free options.
- Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise to fluffy perfection.
- Baking soda – Additional leavening agent that contributes to a light, airy loaf.
- Salt – Enhances flavor while balancing the sweetness, bringing out the best in your bread.
- Unsalted butter (melted) – Imparts richness and moisture; substitute with vegetable oil for a dairy-free variant.
- Granulated sugar – Adds essential sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can enhance flavor depth.
- Eggs – Provide essential structure and moisture; flax eggs can be used for a vegan substitution.
- Buttermilk – Contributes moisture and a slight tang; use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
- Vanilla extract – Elevates flavor, making every slice more delightful.
For the Sprinkles
- Red and green sprinkles (jimmies) – Infuses color and festive charm; avoid nonpareils as they tend to bleed.
- Coarse sugar (optional topping) – Adds a lovely crunchy texture to the bread’s crust.
- Additional sprinkles (optional garnish) – Perfect for enhancing the festive appearance and holiday spirit.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread bakes evenly right from the start. Don’t forget to grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking!
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is essential for an even texture in your festive buttermilk bread.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the eggs, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until fully combined.
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Combine mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep your bread soft and tender!
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Fold in sprinkles: Carefully fold in the red and green sprinkles with a spatula. This adds a beautiful festive touch while ensuring the colors remain vibrant.
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Pour and prepare for baking: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. For an extra special touch, sprinkle coarse sugar or more sprinkles on top before baking.
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Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with a few crumbs attached, indicating your bread is perfectly baked.
Optional: Serve warm with cream cheese or yogurt for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread loaves are perfect for busy holiday schedules! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can also measure and mix the dry ingredients ahead of time, storing them in a sealed bag, and then combine them with the wet ingredients right before baking. Just remember to fold in the sprinkles just before pouring the batter into the loaf pan to keep the colors vibrant. When you’re ready to bake, pour the batter into the pan and bake according to the recipe instructions for that festive aroma and unbeatable taste!
What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
As the cozy scents of baking fill your home, imagine pairing this cheerful bread with delightful accompaniments that elevate your holiday gatherings.
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Cream Cheese Spread: The tangy creaminess perfectly balances the sweet, buttery bread, adding a rich layer of flavor to each bite. Spread it on warm slices for a delightful morning treat.
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Hot Cocoa: Embrace the winter spirit with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The chocolatey richness complements the festive sweetness of the bread, creating a comforting experience perfect for chilly days.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich bread. The natural sweetness comes together beautifully, showcasing a burst of color on your holiday table.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in a warm cup of chai beautifully complement the flavors of this buttermilk bread, enhancing the festive warmth of your meal.
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Vanilla Glaze: Drizzling a sweet vanilla glaze over the bread adds an extra layer of indulgence, turning each slice into a luxurious treat that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
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Holiday Cookies: Serve alongside an assortment of holiday cookies for a festive dessert spread. The variety of textures and flavors lets your loved ones savor the spirit of the season.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layering this bread with yogurt and berries creates a delightful parfait. The creaminess of yogurt paired with sweet sprinkles makes for a fun, colorful breakfast option.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of bubbly apple cider provides a refreshing, fruity contrast to the rich sweetness of the bread, perfect for toast during holiday celebrations.
Storage Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it soft and delicious.
- Fridge: If you need to extend freshness, refrigerate the bread for up to 1 week; however, it may lose some moisture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir until just combined to maintain a soft texture; overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Customize Sprinkles: Choose jimmies over nonpareils to prevent color bleeding in your festive buttermilk bread.
- Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; a few crumbs clinging to it means your bread is perfectly baked.
- Flavor Enhancer: For a richer taste, consider browning the butter before mixing it into the wet ingredients.
- Storage Solution: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture.
Christmas Sprinkle Variations
Feel free to personalize your festive buttermilk bread with these exciting twists that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Dairy-Free: Opt for vegetable oil instead of butter and use a dairy-free milk combined with vinegar in place of buttermilk—just as rich and moist!
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the bread beautifully.
- Flavor Burst: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of orange juice to infuse your bread with a delightful citrus or nutty flavor.
- Mini Loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans for adorable, individual servings; adjust the baking time to about 30 minutes for perfect little gifts!
- Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up your bread with comforting holiday spices.
- Fruity Addition: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots bring a sweet chewiness that enhances every slice with a fruity surprise.
- Sweet Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for an irresistible, sweet topping.
Customize your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to make it uniquely yours, spreading even more holiday cheer with every delicious bite!
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best buttermilk for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting buttermilk for your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, look for fresh products with a nice tangy smell. If you can’t find buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and curdles.
What is the best way to store the bread for freshness?
To keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its life, refrigerate for up to a week, but be aware it may dry out a bit. For longer storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Can I freeze this bread? How do I do it?
Yes! Freezing Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a great idea. First, let the bread cool completely after baking. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to keep out air and prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or leave it out at room temperature, and it will be as delightful as when it was freshly baked!
What should I do if my bread doesn’t rise?
If your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread doesn’t rise, there might be a couple of reasons. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as expired leavening agents will not provide the necessary lift. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter; it can develop gluten and leave you with a dense loaf. Gently mix until just combined for the best results!
Can this recipe cater to dietary restrictions?
Very! This delicious bread can be easily modified to fit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar and use vegetable oil instead of butter. If you want to make it vegan, try flax eggs in place of the regular eggs.
How long can I keep the sprinkles?
You can keep your sprinkles stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years. However, if you notice the sprinkles have faded in color or look sticky, it’s time to get a fresh batch! For your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, opt for jimmies rather than nonpareils to prevent bleeding colors in the batter, giving your bread its festive charm.
These FAQs should help you create the perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread and enjoy every slice with confidence!
Delicious Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread for Festive Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the red and green sprinkles carefully with a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar or more sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.