Welcome the festive season with a truly special treat: this delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. It’s an incredibly easy quick bread recipe, perfect for adding a heartwarming touch of holiday cheer to all your baking. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients with vibrant Christmas sprinkles, creating a moist, tender, and irresistibly delicious loaf. Get ready to bake a beautiful, homemade gift or a standout brunch item that everyone will adore.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
You’ll truly adore baking and sharing this incredible Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread for so many wonderful reasons.
- Quick and easy: There’s no yeast or rising time involved, making it perfect for busy holiday bakers.
- Tender, moist crumb: Buttermilk is the secret ingredient, ensuring a wonderfully soft, rich, and flavorful texture. According to the Monterey Herald, buttermilk improves the taste and texture of baked goods.
- Vibrantly festive: Bright red and green sprinkles create an instant holiday mood, adding joy to every slice.
- Ideal for gifting: Wrap individual mini loaves or slices for a thoughtful, personal homemade present.
- Crowd-pleasing: This sweet, colorful, and festive bread is a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering or brunch.
Ingredients
Whip up this festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread with just a few pantry staples. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your holiday loaf, creating a truly memorable treat.
Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup Christmas colored sprinkles (jimmies)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk, plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Christmas colored nonpareils
Notes & Substitutions
- Flour: Measure precisely by spooning flour into your measuring cup, then leveling it off gently. This prevents a dense bread.
- Buttermilk: For a quick substitute, combine 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and curdles.
- Extracts: Almond extract brings a wonderful, classic holiday aroma, but pure vanilla extract also works beautifully if you prefer.
- Sprinkles: Jimmie sprinkles hold their shape and color best in the batter during baking. Save delicate nonpareils for topping the glaze only, as they tend to bleed color when baked into the batter.
- Salt: If using salted butter, remember to reduce the added kosher salt to just 1/2 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
Equipment
Gather these essential, basic kitchen tools to effortlessly bake your delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. These items ensure a smooth baking process and a perfectly shaped, delicious loaf every time.
- 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this delicious Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a straightforward process, perfect for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a beautifully baked loaf.
Prepare Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); move rack to upper third. Line a 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray the pan to secure parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined for even leavening throughout your loaf.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and almond extract. Confirm butter is completely cool.
Combine & Add Sprinkles
Pour wet ingredients into dry. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix, which leads to tough bread. Fold in Christmas jimmie sprinkles. This adds the vibrant, festive touch to your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
Bake Bread
Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Bake this festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread for 45-50 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Crust should be golden-brown.
Cool Completely
Let bread cool in pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for 1-2 hours. Complete cooling is essential for neat slicing and proper glaze setting.
Make Glaze
Once bread is cooled, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons buttermilk, and light corn syrup. Add more buttermilk, teaspoon by teaspoon, until glaze is thick and pourable.
Glaze & Decorate
Spoon glaze evenly over the cooled Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, allowing it to drip gracefully. Immediately top with Christmas colored nonpareils for an extra festive finish. Allow glaze to set before slicing.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve a perfect loaf every time with these helpful hints for your delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
- Do not overmix: Mixing the batter too much develops gluten, leading to a tough, dry bread. Stop once ingredients are just combined.
- Proper baking: Always check the center with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked through and avoids a raw middle.
- Cool completely: This step is vital for clean slices and for the glaze to set properly without melting or running off.
- Parchment trick: Spraying the pan lightly before adding parchment helps it stick and prevents the paper from shifting.
- Sprinkle types: Use jimmie sprinkles in the batter as they are more robust. Reserve delicate nonpareils for the top glaze.
- Prevent sunken center: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active for proper lift.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Ideas
Enjoy this delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. This festive loaf makes an excellent addition to any holiday gathering. Wrap individual loaves as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family, spreading holiday cheer.
Storage
For optimal freshness, store your cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, as recommended by food safety guidelines for baked goods storage. Refrigerate for up to 5 days; the glaze may soften.
Make Ahead & Freezing
Bake the bread a day in advance, then glaze just before serving. To freeze, wrap unglazed slices or a whole loaf of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
Flavor & Glaze Variations
For a twist, add orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. White chocolate chips also make a great addition. Try a cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla glaze for alternative toppings.
Nutrition
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a sweet indulgence, perfect for a holiday treat. The nutrition information below is an estimate per serving, providing a general overview of the caloric and macronutrient content. While delicious, remember to enjoy this festive quick bread in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations. It’s a joyful treat best shared with loved ones.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 511 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 92 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 58 mg |
| Sodium | 411 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 67 g |
| Vitamin A | 447 IU |
| Calcium | 86 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
FAQ
Here are some common questions about baking a perfect loaf of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
- What type of sprinkles should I use? Use jimmie sprinkles in the batter; they hold their color well. Nonpareils are best for decorating the glaze, preventing color bleed.
- Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk? Yes, combine 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking? The bread is ready when golden brown and springs back to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Can I make this bread ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the bread a day in advance. Glaze just before serving for the freshest appearance.
- How should I store leftover Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
This delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread truly embodies the spirit of holiday baking. Its quick preparation, tender crumb, and vibrant festive look make it a standout treat. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones, gifting it, or enjoying it yourself, this recipe promises joy in every slice. Embrace the simple pleasure of homemade goodness this season. Happy baking, and may your holidays be merry and bright!
Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread – Soft and Sweet!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper; whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients including 1 cup buttermilk, then combine with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined before folding in sprinkles.
- Transfer batter to the loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set; cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely for 1-2 hours.
- Once bread is cool, whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons buttermilk, and corn syrup for the glaze, adjusting buttermilk for desired pourable consistency.
- Spoon the glaze over the cooled bread and immediately top with nonpareils.