Pin
This playful Christmas sprinkle buttermilk bread brings holiday magic to the table with every tender bite. Buttermilk makes the crumb soft and rich while a confetti of sprinkles turns each slice into a celebration. It is the perfect answer to chilly mornings or cheerful gift-giving and bakes up in just under an hour so you can whip one up even in the holiday rush.
I made this bread on a snowy December morning when my kids begged for something fun. Little hands loved adding the sprinkles and now it has become a Christmas breakfast tradition for us.
Gather Your Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Gives the bread a sturdy but delicate structure so choose a fresh bag with no lingering odors
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the bread rise tall and soft always check the expiration date
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens flavor opt for a fine grain
- Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor when melted and cooled it blends easily
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes for golden edges go for cane if possible
- Eggs: Bind and add richness use fresh large eggs at room temperature
- Buttermilk: Delivers moisture and signature tang use real cultured buttermilk for best results
- Vanilla extract: Brings a cozy depth pure extract makes a difference here
- Coarse sugar: Adds a crunchy sparkling top look for decorating sugar in baking aisles
- Red and green sprinkles: Add festive color stick to classic jimmies for best texture
- Note: Look for sprinkles that will not bleed into the batter choose a well-sealed container for freshness
How to Make It
- Prep the Pan:
- Line or generously grease a nine by five inch loaf pan making sure to cover all corners for easy removal
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and fluff thoroughly to combine breaking up any clumps
- Blend Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until glossy and smooth no lumps should remain. Add eggs one at a time whisking well after each for a creamy mixture that emulsifies beautifully. Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk blending slowly to avoid splashing and make sure mixture is even
- Combine and Fold:
- Sprinkle half of the dry mixture over the wet ingredients fold gently with a spatula just until a few flour pockets remain. Add the rest of the dry mix and fold again avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender. Gently fold in a generous handful of red and green holiday sprinkles making sure they disperse evenly but do not overwork or colors may bleed
- Pour and Decorate:
- Scrape batter into prepared pan smoothing the surface with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Scatter coarse sugar and extra sprinkles across the top for sparkle and color
- Bake:
- Place loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake thirty to forty five minutes. Check at thirty minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center if it emerges clean or with just a crumb the bread is ready. Cool in the pan for five minutes then lift gently onto a wire rack until completely cool before slicing
The buttermilk in this bread makes every bite unbelievably tender while adding a subtle tangy note. One Christmas my family devoured the loaf before I could even make a cup of coffee so now I always bake two just in case.
Flavor Boosters
Use vanilla extract for cozy holiday depth and generously top with coarse sugar and extra sprinkles for a crunch and color burst. Swap in a spoonful of citrus zest or a handful of chopped cranberries to brighten the flavor and add festive flair.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect with a mug of hot cocoa or a scoop of mascarpone cheese. For the ultimate festive touch dust slices with powdered sugar or dress them up with a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
Creative Twists
Change up the sprinkle colors for other holidays or swap in citrus zest for a springy variation. Add chopped cranberries for extra pop of color and tartness or use dairy-free substitutes for a vegan friendly treat.
Even friends who dislike sprinkles rave about the tender crumb and mellow sweetness. Bake a double batch because this loaf disappears fast at every gathering.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of sprinkles work best for this bread?
Colorful jimmies or nonpareils add a bright, festive touch and hold up well during baking.
- → Can I substitute the buttermilk in the batter?
Yes, you can use plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk as a substitute.
- → How should I store leftover bread?
Keep the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can I freeze this bread after baking?
Absolutely, wrap cooled bread in plastic and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before slicing.
- → Is this bread suitable for breakfast or dessert?
It’s delicious either way—serve warm with coffee for breakfast or add a dusting of sugar for a cheerful dessert.