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Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is everything you want in a festive loaf—tender, moist, sweet, and bursting with a pop of happy colors. Whenever I make this in December my kitchen fills with that nostalgic holiday smell and I cannot resist sneaking a warm slice before anyone else gets home. This loaf combines the simplicity of a classic quick bread with the whimsy of holiday sprinkles, making it a delightful treat for gatherings or just a cozy weekend at home.
I first baked this bread for a Christmas brunch with friends and it disappeared before the main course was served. Now my kids ask for “the sprinkle bread” as soon as December hits, and it is our sweet way to kick off the festivities.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: the sturdy base that creates a light crumb, choose unbleached flour for best results
- Baking powder: gives lift for a soft rise, look for a fresh tin without clumps
- Baking soda: reacts with the buttermilk for extra tenderness, check that it is active
- Salt: balances the sweetness and deepens flavor, choose fine sea salt
- Unsalted butter: melted for richness and moisture, use high quality for best flavor
- Granulated sugar: keeps the loaf light and just sweet enough, organic or superfine sugar blends easily
- Large eggs: bind everything together, use at room temperature for even mixing
- Buttermilk: makes the bread buttery and tender with a hint of tang, shake well before pouring
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor and adds warmth, pure vanilla gives the best aroma
- Red and green sprinkles: bring that Christmas magic, try “jimmies” type which hold their color
- Coarse sugar (optional): adds a sparkling, glittery crust, use clear decorating sugar for extra shine
- Extra sprinkles: for a festive finish just before baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line or grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly, making sure to get into every corner so the bread slides out easily and the edges stay golden, not dark
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Until you have an even color and no visible streaks, this prevents lumps in your finished loaf
- Blend Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with sugar vigorously for at least one minute. The sugar should start dissolving and the mixture will look shiny, light, and smooth
- Add Eggs, Vanilla and Buttermilk:
- Crack in eggs one at a time, whisking well after each one so the batter becomes glossy. Stir in vanilla extract and then slowly pour in buttermilk, whisking gently until smooth. The mixture may look slightly curdled but this is normal
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Add the dry ingredients in thirds. Stir each time slowly and gently. There should be just a streak or two of flour left at the end. Avoid overmixing as it can toughen the loaf
- Fold in Sprinkles:
- Scatter sprinkles into the batter. Use a flexible spatula to fold just until the colors are evenly distributed. Stop as soon as they are mixed in so the colors do not bleed
- Fill and Top the Pan:
- Scrape the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lightly. If using, sprinkle coarse sugar or extra sprinkles over the batter to create a pretty crust
- Bake and Cool:
- Place in the center of a 350 Fahrenheit oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. When a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean, it is done. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before turning it out onto a rack to cool completely so it sets without falling apart
Sprinkles have always signaled celebration in my home. Adding red and green ones to my traditional buttermilk loaf brings back memories of Christmas baking marathons with my mom, when we would let everyone add their “personal touch” with a heavy hand of colorful sprinkles.
Storage Tips
Let the bread cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic or foil. Store at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in a double layer of wrap and thaw on the counter before slicing. The flavors taste even richer the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have buttermilk, you can mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for five minutes before using. Swap regular sugar for coconut sugar for a caramel taste. Instead of colored sprinkles, try white pearls for a wintry vibe or gold for a New Year’s look.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thick slices for brunch with a dusting of powdered sugar. Toast gently and slather with cinnamon butter for a cozy snack. Make it part of a Christmas dessert board alongside cookies and fudge.
Cultural and Historical Context
Sprinkle breads are an American spin on classic pound cakes. Buttermilk quick breads became popular for holiday tables in the early 20th century thanks to mass produced baking powders. Today, festive sprinkles give the oldschool loaf a touch of contemporary sparkle, making it a symbol of playful celebration.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use pastel sprinkles for spring and Easter. Choose chocolate sprinkles for a rich winter version. Add a hint of orange zest in the batter for an extra holiday twist.
Success Stories
I made this bread with my niece and nephew who insisted on doubling the sprinkles. The result was the most colorful loaf we ever ate and the photos made it into our family album. My best friend once made mini loaves for teacher gifts and got rave reviews all around.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze, make sure the loaf has cooled completely. Wrap tightly and freeze whole or sliced. This bread springs back to life with just 30 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven and tastes as fresh as the day it was baked.
This festive loaf will bring instant cheer to your holiday table. Bake it once, and it might just become your family’s new Christmas tradition.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different colored sprinkles?
Yes, any sprinkle colors work, though red and green add a classic festive touch for the holidays.
- → What does buttermilk add to the bread?
Buttermilk enhances moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb with a slight tangy flavor.
- → Can I substitute the butter?
For a similar texture, you may use oil, though butter adds richer flavor and softness to the loaf.
- → How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding colors?
Gently fold in the sprinkles at the end and avoid overmixing the batter to maintain their vibrant colors.
- → How should I store the bread?
Wrap cooled bread tightly and keep at room temperature up to 3 days, or freeze for longer shelf life.