Name: Delicious Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to Brighten Your Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend); 2 teaspoons Baking powder (Make sure it's fresh for best results); 1 teaspoon Baking soda (Helps brown the bread); 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Replace with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option); 1 cup Granulated sugar (Can be reduced for less sweetness); 2 large Eggs (Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option); 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla for the best taste); 1 cup Buttermilk (Can substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice); 1/2 cup Red and green sprinkles (Avoid nonpareils, which may bleed); 3 tablespoons Coarse sugar (Optional; adds crunch and sweetness on the crust)

The holidays have a way of awakening the child within all of us, don’t they? One of my favorite ways to embrace this joyful spirit is through baking, and this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the perfect festive treat! With its soft, buttery crumb and vibrant red and green sprinkles, this easy-to-make loaf is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a cozy afternoon baking project, this Christmas bread promises to fill your home with warmth and cheer. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for both inexperienced bakers and seasoned chefs craving a quick and tasty recipe. Ready to make your kitchen a holiday haven? Let’s dive into this delightful festive baking adventure!

Why is Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread special?

Colorful and Fun: This festive bread is bursting with vibrant sprinkles that bring cheer to any holiday table.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Moist and Buttery: The rich buttermilk creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, making each slice irresistible.

Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even warmed up with cream cheese or honey butter for dessert—perfect for any occasion!

Perfect for Gifting: Make mini loaves to share with friends and family as a heartfelt holiday gift or add it to your festive dessert spread, alongside options like Christmas Toffee Indulge and Christmas Pecan Turtles.

Baking this bread will undoubtedly fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and create cherished memories during the holiday season!

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need for this delightful festive baking!

For the Batter

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Baking powder – Leavening agent for rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Baking soda – Helps brown the bread; do not confuse with baking powder.
Salt – Enhances flavor; essential for balancing sweetness.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; replace with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and contributes to browning; can be reduced for less sweetness.
Eggs – Provides binding and structure; can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
Vanilla extract – Adds flavor; use pure vanilla for the best taste.
Buttermilk – Contributes moisture and tenderness; can substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

For the Festive Touch

Red and green sprinkles – Provide festive color and a playful touch; avoid nonpareils, which may bleed.
Coarse sugar (optional) – Adds crunch and sweetness on the crust for that extra special finish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This step ensures that your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread releases easily once baked and keeps it moist as it rises.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination serves as the foundation of your bread, providing structure and flavor balance. Set this mixture aside to let the leavening agents activate while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a whisk or electric mixer to cream the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and slightly fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should appear light in color, which indicates it’s ready to incorporate the remaining wet ingredients—eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully integrated. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk, creating a rich, creamy batter that will keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread tender and moist.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This blending technique helps maintain that soft, fluffy texture that’s essential for a delightful bread experience.

Step 6: Fold in the Festive Sprinkles
Now, gently fold in the red and green sprinkles. This is the magic moment when your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread gets its delightful pop of color! Be cautious to avoid overmixing, as you want those sprinkles to remain whole and vibrant throughout the batter.

Step 7: Pour into the Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for an extra festive crunch. This little touch not only enhances the bread’s visual appeal but also adds a delightful sweetness to the crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes; the bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly domed, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure each piece maintains its lovely shape and texture. Now you’re ready to enjoy your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, sharing it with loved ones or savoring it yourself!

What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?

The holiday feast is never complete without delightful companions that elevate each bite of your colorful creation.

Creamy Butter Spread: A luscious honey butter spread complements the sweetness of the bread, adding a delightful creaminess that melts seamlessly into each slice.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate paired with a hint of peppermint creates a festive drink that pairs beautifully with the light, sweet bread.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, tart fruits like cranberries and oranges add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, balancing the flavors for a joyful bite!
Yogurt Parfait: Layer the buttermilk bread pieces with yogurt and berries for a cozy breakfast, turning your festive treat into a well-rounded meal.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For a dessert twist, spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting on warm slices for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing!
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve with a warm mug of spiced apple cider to enhance the cozy vibes—its sweetness and warmth highlight the festive flavors of the bread.
Mini Eggnog Shakes: These delightful shakes echo holiday flavors and add a playful richness that makes each bite of the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread even more special!
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the slices for an unexpected sweetness that pairs perfectly with the buttery, moist loaf.

Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Choose the Right Sprinkles: Opt for jimmies instead of nonpareils to prevent bleeding in your festive bread and maintain vibrant colors.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; this helps keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread tender and fluffy.
Cooling Time Matters: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing; this ensures cleaner cuts and preserves its delightful texture.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to guarantee proper rise and a perfect loaf every time!
Add Variety: Feel free to fold in other fun ingredients like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra flavor twist in your festive baking.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread and tailor it to your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with melted coconut oil for a delicious dairy-free version.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure that everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a delightful nutty twist that complements the sweetness.
Textural Twist: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for an exquisite flavor contrast that adds a crunchy element.
Mini Loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans for adorable gifting options, baking for about 30 minutes.
Decadent Glaze: Drizzle a sweet vanilla glaze on top after cooling—just mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth for that charming finish.
Fruity Additions: Mix in dried cranberries or currants to add a tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness.

Whether you’re savoring a slice with your morning coffee or sharing with family alongside treats like Christmas Cranberry Honey and Twisted Christmas Cookies, there’s a delightful variation for everyone. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread loaves are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and combine them just before baking to ensure freshness. Alternatively, you can also pre-measure the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, mix in the wet ingredients and sprinkles, then pour the batter into the pan. This way, you’ll enjoy the deliciousness of freshly baked Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread with minimal effort, perfectly retaining that soft, buttery texture and colorful sprinkles!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Room Temperature: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and freshness.

Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the bread tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. This will help preserve its flavor and prevent drying out.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the wrapped bread in foil and place it in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. This keeps it safe from freezer burn while keeping it tasty.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Refresh the slices in a toaster or oven for a warm, delightful treat.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness of bananas for this recipe?
While bananas aren’t an ingredient in this specific bread, when using fruits in baking, like bananas for similar recipes, select ones that are golden yellow with a few brown spots. Overripe bananas, with dark spots, add the perfect sweetness and moisture to baked goods.

How should I store my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Store your cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain moisture. If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week. Always ensure it’s completely cool before sealing it to avoid sogginess.

Can I freeze my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Absolutely! For best results, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. You can warm slices in a toaster or oven for that fresh, delightful taste!

What should I do if my bread comes out too dense?
If your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. To avoid this, carefully mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—lumps are okay! You can also try leveling your flour when measuring, using the spoon-and-sweep method to prevent packing.

Is this recipe suitable for someone with egg allergies?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs in this recipe with flax eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Use this for each egg in the recipe to maintain the right texture and binding.

What type of sprinkles should I use for the best color?
I recommend using jimmies instead of nonpareils for a vibrant finish. Nonpareils are prone to bleeding, which can muddy the colors in your festive bread. Jimmies hold their color beautifully and create a fun, decorative touch that makes your bread even more inviting!