Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
If you’ve been searching for a festive holiday treat that brings both charm and deliciousness to your table, look no further than Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. This delightful recipe blends the tangy richness of buttermilk with a burst of colorful sprinkles, creating a bread that’s as joyful to eat as it is to share. Perfect for cozy winter mornings or as a sweet companion to your holiday meals, this bread offers a fresh twist on traditional seasonal baking that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unexpected Festive Flavor: The combination of tangy buttermilk and sweet sprinkles creates a unique holiday taste.
- Beautifully Colorful: Vibrant sprinkles throughout the bread make each slice visually inviting and fun.
- Comforting Texture: Soft crumb and a lightly crisp crust make every bite satisfyingly cozy.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip it up even on a busy schedule.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious fresh, toasted, or as a base for creative toppings throughout the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread calls for basic pantry staples you probably already have, each thoughtfully chosen to contribute a lovely balance of taste, texture, and holiday spirit. The buttermilk lends moisture and tang, while the sprinkles add cheerful colors and subtle sweetness that make it truly festive.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation for a soft yet sturdy crumb perfect for slicing.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness without overwhelming the buttermilk’s tang.
- Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a tender crumb with a subtle tang.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to the bread.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure and color.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the bread rises nicely, working perfectly with buttermilk’s acidity.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting note.
- Festive Sprinkles: The star of the show, bringing holiday cheer right inside each slice.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and helps to bring all flavors together.
Variations for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply craving something a little different, experimenting with substitutions and additions is simple and rewarding.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to keep it friendly for all diets.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond or oat milk combined with lemon juice instead of buttermilk for a dairy-free version.
- Extra Spice: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove to the batter for a warm holiday spice touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the festive sprinkles for a sweeter variation.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature and the eggs are ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of sugar. This helps distribute the rising agents evenly throughout the flour for consistent texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract to combine all the smooth, flavorful elements.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them together just until combined to avoid overmixing and tough bread.
Step 5: Add Festive Sprinkles
Fold in the colorful sprinkles carefully, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to create joyful specks of color in every slice.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for around 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir batter just until combined to keep the bread nice and tender.
- Choose the Right Sprinkles: Use jimmies or sanding sugar sprinkles instead of nonpareils to avoid color bleeding.
- Grease the Pan Well: Use butter and a light dusting of flour for an easy release.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer for perfect baking results every time.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Garnishes
Top slices with a light spread of butter or cream cheese and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple but festive touch that highlights the bread’s colors and flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even your favorite holiday soup or stew for a cozy, complete meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it thick and toast lightly, then layer with jam or honey for breakfast. Or, cut into cubes and turn into festive bread pudding or French toast for a special holiday brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap helps retain moisture and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, toast slices lightly or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This revives the bread’s softness and brings back its inviting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This mimics buttermilk’s tang and acidity needed for the bread’s texture.
What type of sprinkles work best?
The best sprinkles for this recipe are jimmies or coarse sanding sugar because they maintain their shape and color without bleeding into the batter during baking.
Is this bread sweet or savory?
This bread leans toward the sweet side, thanks to the sugar and sprinkles, but the buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess that balances the flavor nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute plant-based milk with added lemon juice for buttermilk, use flax eggs or another egg replacer, and swap butter for a vegan spread.
How long will the bread keep fresh?
At room temperature in a sealed container, the bread stays fresh for about three days. Refrigeration can extend it to a week but may dry it out slightly.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the joy and color of the season straight to your kitchen, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a must-try holiday treat. It’s wonderfully simple, yet full of cheer and flavor that will brighten your mornings and gatherings alike. Give this recipe a try—you’re sure to make it a beloved staple in your festive baking repertoire!
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PrintChristmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive and colorful holiday bread that combines the tangy richness of buttermilk with bursts of joyful sprinkles throughout. It offers a soft crumb with a lightly crisp crust, making it perfect for cozy winter mornings or as a sweet addition to your holiday meals. Easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients, this bread brings holiday cheer in every slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitute)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (plus a pinch for dry mix)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or almond/oat milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special Ingredients
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (use jimmies or coarse sanding sugar for best results)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients carefully. Soften butter at room temperature and have eggs ready. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of sugar to evenly distribute the rising agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Festive Sprinkles: Carefully fold in the sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to create colorful specks in every slice.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for even baking and smooth blending.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined.
- Choose jimmies or coarse sanding sugar sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
- Grease the loaf pan thoroughly with butter and flour for easy removal.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: holiday bread, Christmas bread, buttermilk bread, festive sprinkles, holiday baking, colorful bread, sweet bread