Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive bread recipe that tastes as joyful as it looks, you’re in the right place. This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is exactly the kind of treat that brightens up holiday mornings or sweetens surprise gifts for friends and neighbors. It’s got that delightful tang from the buttermilk mixed with the soft crumb of a classic quick bread, and of course, those red and green sprinkles bring that unmistakable Christmas charm.

I first made this recipe on a chilly December weekend, and let me tell you, the house smelled like a holiday café in no time. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving — even if you’re new to baking quick breads, you’ll find it manageable and oh-so-rewarding. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can keep a loaf on hand for unexpected guests or a festive snack anytime the holiday spirit strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect balance of fluffy texture, sweet flavor, and holiday cheer. Let me walk you through why I chose these and how to pick them for the best results.

• All-purpose flour: This is your bread’s foundation. Measure it properly by spooning into your cup and leveling off for accuracy—no dense bread here!
• Baking powder: This helps give your bread a nice rise, making it light and airy.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Melting it first adds moisture and richness. Make sure it’s slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the natural tang of buttermilk.
• Large eggs: Adds structure and moisture, and helps bind everything together.
• Buttermilk: The star ingredient for tenderness and that classic tangy note.
• Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in deepening the flavor.
• Red and green sprinkles: Use jimmies style for texture—avoid nonpareils since they can get soggy.
• Optional coarse sugar: Sprinkled on top for a little crunch and sparkle after baking.

Variations

What I love about this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tried a few spins depending on the season or occasion, so I highly encourage you to experiment a bit to find your favorite version.

• Gluten-free version: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend once, and while the texture was a bit denser, it was still delicious—just be sure to use a blend meant for baking.
• Different sprinkles: You can play with colors based on the season—think pastel sprinkles for Easter or autumn tones in the fall.
• Add mix-ins: Sometimes I toss in chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor that still complement the sprinkles.
• Vegan adaptation: Substituting eggs with flax eggs and using a plant-based buttermilk works, though the bread may be slightly less tender.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. I like using a balloon whisk for this—it really helps to evenly distribute everything so your bread rises uniformly. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth and a little creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla, mixing until everything is blended but don’t overmix or you risk tough bread.

Step 3: Fold Wet and Dry Together with Sprinkles

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. This part is key: you want to avoid stirring too much to keep your bread tender. Carefully fold in the Christmas sprinkles last—this helps prevent them from melting or bleeding into the batter.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Finishing Touches

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle the coarse sugar and a few extra sprinkles on top before baking. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. A little tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent the loaf with foil halfway through.

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze if serving it as a fancy brunch treat. The sprinkles on top already bring a festive look, so I keep additional garnishes minimal to avoid overpowering the bread’s sweet, buttery flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of creamy butter or whipped cream cheese. For an indulgent holiday breakfast, I love serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad—balances the sweetness perfectly without feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve wrapped slices in parchment with a festive ribbon for easy grab-and-go treats. Serving it on a wooden board with small bowls of spreads or jams invited everyone to customize their slices. It’s simple but adds a warm, homemade touch to any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 3 days, but in my experience, it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

Freeze slices individually wrapped in parchment paper and then placed in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need, and the bread retains its texture and flavor for up to 3 months. It’s such a lifesaver when you want a quick festive snack anytime.

Reheating

I gently warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat to keep the crust slightly crisp while softening the crumb. Microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but just for 15-20 seconds to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is close to my heart because it combines simplicity with that unmistakable holiday joy. It’s not fussy, it’s delicious, and it brings smiles every time I serve it. Whether you’re looking for a festive breakfast, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, I promise this bread won’t disappoint—so go ahead and give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!

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