Festive Christmas Sprinkle Bread

This colorful and ultra-moist Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the celebratory centerpiece my family looks forward to every December. Its tender crumb and buttery taste bring out the nostalgia of holiday mornings, while those festive red and green sprinkles create a sense of pure Christmas joy. Whether you slice it for brunch, wrap it as a gift, or include it in your dessert spread, this quick bread packs homemade magic and is incredibly beginner friendly.

I can still remember my daughter helping me toss in the first batch of sprinkles years ago. Since then it has become our must have Christmas tradition and everyone asks for a loaf to take home.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the bread structure and tenderness Choose unbleached for a softer crumb
• Baking powder and baking soda: work together for the perfect lift Always check that they are fresh for best rise
• Fine salt: balances the sweetness without overpowering Look for sea salt or kosher for clean taste
• Unsalted butter melted: adds richness and ensures a moist interior Grab a good quality European style for one of the best flavors
• Granulated sugar: sweetens but also helps with a golden top Try organic or cane sugar if you wish
• Large eggs: add structure and help the loaf stay tender Select fresh eggs for best texture
• Real buttermilk: brings classic tang and moisture Many grocery stores sell whole buttermilk for better results
• Vanilla extract: highlights the holiday aroma Choose pure vanilla for the best flavor
• Red and green jimmies style sprinkles: provide festive color Stick to jimmies to avoid color bleeding and soft spots
• Coarse sugar and extra sprinkles optional for topping: give a delicious crunch and festive finish Demerara sugar works well

When selecting ingredients use the freshest dairy possible and avoid using nonpareil sprinkles for best results

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center Line a nine by five inch loaf pan with parchment so you can easily lift the bread out later or grease well to prevent sticking

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt until fully combined This step ensures even distribution of all leavening agents for a uniform crumb

Blend Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk melted butter and sugar until glossy Add eggs one by one fully blending each before adding the next Blend in vanilla then stir in the buttermilk until the mixture looks smooth and cohesive

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly sprinkle the dry ingredients into the wet mixture Using a spatula gently stir just until you no longer see dry flour This step helps keep the bread from getting tough by not overworking the batter

Fold in Sprinkles:

Add red and green jimmies and use a very light hand to fold them in Stop as soon as they are mostly blended to avoid colors bleeding or crushing the sprinkles

Transfer to Pan and Bake:

Pour batter into the prepared pan and even out the top If desired add extra sprinkles or coarse sugar across the surface Place in the oven and bake forty five to fifty five minutes Begin checking at forty minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center It should come out with a few moist crumbs not wet batter

Cool and Slice:

Let the bread cool in the pan for about ten to fifteen minutes Gently lift it onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely This will help the loaf slice more cleanly and not crumble

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Buttermilk is my personal favorite for baking because it gives anything I make an unmistakable bakery style aroma My children love helping to swirl the sprinkles in and claim the first slice every Christmas Eve

Storage Tips

Cool the loaf completely before storing as any leftover warmth will cause condensation and sogginess Keep it at room temperature in a tightly sealed container for up to three days For longer storage wrap the bread in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to one week This bread also freezes well for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

If you ran out of buttermilk you can make your own by stirring one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into one cup of milk and letting it sit for five to ten minutes Gluten free flour blends can be used in place of all purpose but the texture will be slightly more delicate Almond extract or even a splash of orange zest can be added for a festive twist Try white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts as a tasty extra mix in

Serving Suggestions

Slice thick and serve warm with salted butter for a holiday breakfast For dessert add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze Serve in finger thick pieces alongside cocoa and cut up fruit or stack on a platter with holiday cookies for a party Make mini loaves to give as sweet homemade gifts

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Cultural and Holiday Touch

This bread is inspired by the joyful flavors and colors of classic American Christmas sweets Sprinkles have always reminded me of childhood memories It is a perfect treat to bake with kids and brings an old fashioned charm to modern holiday gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

Yes, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

→ What type of sprinkles should I use?

Use jimmies sprinkles in red and green to avoid color bleeding. Nonpareils tend to bleed and affect the bread’s appearance.

→ How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Stir the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing results in a tougher texture, so fold in sprinkles gently and stop once everything is evenly blended.

→ Can this batter be baked as muffins?

Yes, pour the batter into lined muffin cups about ¾ full and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

→ How should I store the bread to keep it moist?

Store covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate wrapped tightly for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Are there ways to add extra flavor or texture?

Consider adding white chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or a splash of almond extract for a nutty, bakery-style twist.