The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm loaf of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread? As the sweet scent of vanilla and butter wafts through my kitchen, it instantly transports me to cherished memories of festive gatherings and cozy brunches. This delightful bread, infused with vibrant red and green sprinkles, not only brightens up your holiday table but also adds a playful touch that will have kids eagerly helping in the kitchen.
In just a few simple steps, you can create a moist, tender loaf that's perfect for sharing-or keeping all to yourself! Whether you're looking to impress guests at a holiday party or seeking a sweet treat for your family, this recipe is incredibly versatile, with options to make it gluten-free or vegan. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with a delicious baking project that's sure to become a favorite tradition!
Why Love Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Bright, festive looks: Each slice dazzles with colorful sprinkles that catch the eye, making it a visual treat at any holiday gathering.
Simple to make: With just a few steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful loaf.
Kid-friendly fun: Involve the little ones in the kitchen-they’ll love adding sprinkles and mixing batter!
Versatile flavors: This recipe serves as a wonderful base for endless adaptations, be it gluten-free, vegan, or with extra flavors like citrus zest.
Perfect for sharing: Warm slices are great with hot cocoa or for gifting, spreading joy all around.
Make this delightful bread part of your holiday traditions, bringing warmth and happiness to your festivities!
Ingredients for Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• For the Batter
- All-Purpose Flour - Provides structure for the bread; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder - A leavening agent that helps the bread rise to fluffy perfection.
- Baking Soda - Reacts with acidic ingredients to create an airy texture, ensuring a light crumb.
- Salt - Enhances flavors and balances sweetness, creating a delightful taste.
- Unsalted Butter - Adds richness and moisture; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Granulated Sugar - Sweetens the bread and contributes to its moistness; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Large Eggs - Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; flax eggs can serve as a vegan substitute.
- Buttermilk - Infuses tanginess and moisture; substitute with a mix of milk and vinegar if needed.
- Vanilla Extract - Enhances the flavor profile with warmth and sweetness.
- Red and Green Sprinkles - Adds a festive touch; opt for jimmies to maintain color during baking.
• For the Topping
- Coarse Sugar (Optional) - Sprinkles on top for added crunch; feel free to use extra sprinkles for garnish.
Get ready to delight in this Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread - a pure holiday baking treat that brings joy and cheer with every slice!
How to Make Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure a smooth release after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk for that rich flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, ensuring there are no visible streaks of flour left.
Add the Fun: Carefully fold in the red and green sprinkles, taking care not to crush them as you create a festive swirl in your batter.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For an extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar or additional sprinkles on top before baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Optional: Serve warm with a spread of cream cheese for an indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to retain freshness. The butter can also be melted ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the prepped dry ingredients with the wet ones, fold in the sprinkles, and follow the instructions to bake. By prepping ahead, you save precious time during the busy holiday season, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade bread with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Pair this delightful loaf with a few tasty sides and drinks to create a memorable holiday experience.
Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich and warm flavors of hot cocoa perfectly complement the sweet, buttery bread. Cozy up with a comforting mug for a delightful pairing.
Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bread, brightening up your holiday table.
Cream Cheese Spread: A smooth spread enhances the moist texture of the bread, creating a luxurious experience with every bite. This combination is simply irresistible!
Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea provides a warming accent, making this pairing ideal for chilly holiday mornings or cozy gatherings.
Christmas Jam: A fruit jam, especially one with festive flavors like cranberry or spiced apple, brings an extra touch of holiday cheer to each slice.
Holiday Ambiance: Lay out some twinkling lights and festive decorations to complement your treats, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances the entire experience.
Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delightful recipe to match your taste and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create a loaf everyone can enjoy without worry.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, and use almond milk mixed with vinegar in place of buttermilk for a plant-based version.
- Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor profile and give a zesty lift.
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist that complements the bread’s sweetness.
- Textural Delight: Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added crunch and richness in every bite.
- Holiday Spices: Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to infuse warm, festive aromas into your bread.
- Mini Loaves: Bake in smaller pans for adorable mini loaves, reducing the baking time to about 30 minutes for giftable treats.
- Dried Fruits: Include dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a chewiness that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the batter to achieve a light, fluffy texture. Stir until just combined, ensuring no streaks of flour remain.
Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. This ensures optimal rise and prevents dense bread.
Watch the Time: Begin checking for doneness around 40 minutes. Remove the bread from the oven when a toothpick comes out clean to prevent overbaking.
Choose Wisely: Opt for jimmies instead of nonpareils for your sprinkles. This keeps their colors vibrant and prevents bleeding during baking.
Experiment with Flavors: Don't hesitate to enhance your Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread with additional flavors like citrus zest or almond extract for a unique twist!
Storage Tips for Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist.
Fridge: If you want to extend its life, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Slice it before wrapping for easy access later.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw slices at room temperature or reheating in a toaster or microwave until warm. This Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is just as delightful when enjoyed later!
Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs
What kind of flour should I use for the Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
You can use all-purpose flour for a traditional texture. If you need a gluten-free option, I recommend a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works beautifully and gives a similar result.
How should I store the Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze the Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. I recommend slicing it before wrapping in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag for easy access later. Thaw at room temperature or heat slices in the microwave to enjoy that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my bread turns out dense?
This can happen from overmixing the batter or using stale leavening agents. To avoid this, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active. A light touch makes all the difference for fluffy bread!
Is this bread suitable for those with allergies?
You can easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs. For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use almond milk mixed with vinegar instead of buttermilk. Always check for specific allergies related to sprinkles or other ingredients.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Feel free to experiment by adding zest from citrus fruits or vanilla bean for a more complex flavor. White chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits can also be delicious additions, bringing different textures and tastes to each slice!
Delicious Festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before each addition. Stir in the vanilla and buttermilk.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Carefully fold in the red and green sprinkles without crushing them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Optional: sprinkle coarse sugar or additional sprinkles on top before baking.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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