Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

There is nothing quite like a loaf of Christmas sprinkle buttermilk bread coming out of the oven when you want to bring a touch of holiday cheer to your kitchen. This recipe creates a soft moist bread scattered with colorful sprinkles that always takes me right back to decorating treats as a child during the winter holidays.

I first made this bread for a cookie swap after running out of cookies and it was the only thing gone before the event ended. Since then my family has requested it every December and it is especially fun to bake with kids.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the loaf body and tender structure always check for freshness by sniffing for off or musty smells
• Baking powder: enables the bread to rise and stay light and fluffy check your baking powder date so it is not expired
• Salt: balances sweetness and makes the flavor pop use fine sea salt for consistency
• Unsalted butter, melted: for easy mixing brings unmatched richness choose a brand you love for the best flavor
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the bread and helps it brown evenly look for fine granules that dissolve smoothly
• Large eggs: hold everything together and add moisture always start with eggs at room temperature
• Buttermilk: provides a subtle tang and keeps every bite ultra moist shake the carton well before measuring
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor with aromatic warmth use pure vanilla for the best taste
• Coarse sugar or sprinkles: go on top for sparkle and crunch colored sprinkles offer a festive touch but feel free to use plain coarse sugar for a classic look

How to Make It

Prepare Your Pan:

Grease or line a nine by five inch loaf pan thoroughly so the bread will release easily after baking

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together all purpose flour baking powder and salt until everything is fully combined and lump free

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl whisk melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar until glossy and slightly thickened then add eggs one by one whisking well after each add vanilla extract and buttermilk whisk until totally smooth and emulsified

Fold Together:

Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in two or three additions gently using a spatula stir only until you no longer see streaks of flour to avoid overmixing gently fold in most of the sprinkles saving some for the top

Pour and Top:

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan smoothing the top sprinkle with coarse sugar or reserved sprinkles for sparkle

Bake:

Place the pan in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven bake for thirty to forty five minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean the top should be golden and springy

Cool and Slice:

Let the bread cool in the pan for ten minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing this prevents it from crumbling

The buttermilk is my secret ingredient for keeping every crumb tender and soft I remember my youngest once trying to sneak a slice right off the cooling rack because the colors and smell were just too tempting

Flavor Boosters

Let the bread cool entirely then wrap tightly in plastic or foil Store at room temperature for up to three days For longer storage place the loaf or individual slices in a zip top bag in the freezer for up to three months To serve from frozen let thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in a toaster oven

Serving Suggestions

Serve thick slices as a centerpiece for holiday breakfast Spread with soft butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent touch It is also amazing lightly toasted alongside coffee or spiced tea

Creative Twists

No buttermilk on hand You can use an equal amount of plain yogurt mixed with a splash of milk As for holiday flair swap in pastel or themed sprinkles for other occasions If using salted butter simply omit the added salt

Every time I bake this bread the kitchen fills with laughter and anticipation especially when kids help sprinkle the colorful topping It is a recipe that brings out true holiday joy in every slice

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I keep the bread moist?

Use real buttermilk and avoid overbaking to preserve the bread’s soft, moist texture. Store in an airtight container once cool.

→ Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! Choose festive nonpareils or jimmies for color, or opt for your favorite sprinkle variety for added fun.

→ What kind of pan should I use?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for even baking and a classic loaf shape.

→ Is it possible to substitute buttermilk?

If buttermilk is unavailable, combine one cup milk with one tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, then let sit for five minutes.

→ How long does the bread stay fresh?

The bread will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.