As I unwrapped the festive sprinkles stored away since last Christmas, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. There's something undeniably cheerful about the sight of colorful sprinkles that brings back warm memories of baking with family during the holidays. Today, I’m excited to share my delightful recipe for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Not only is this lovely loaf a feast for the eyes, but it’s also incredibly quick to make—perfect for those last-minute gatherings. The combination of moist buttermilk and buttery goodness ensures a tender crumb that pairs perfectly with a light glaze. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce a little whimsy to your holiday table. Are you ready to spread some joy and laughter with every slice? Let’s get baking!
Why Is This Bread So Special?
Irresistible flavors come together in a delightful blend of buttermilk and almond extract, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Festive sprinkles add not just color but also a fun texture, making it an instant hit at any gathering. Quick and easy, this recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy bakers! Versatile enough to serve as a holiday centerpiece or a cozy afternoon treat, it promises to enchant everyone. And don’t forget the glaze—it’s the perfect finishing touch to elevate your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to new heights! Looking for more ways to incorporate festive flavors? Check out my tips for fun holiday baking.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – Essential for structure, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness that balances the tangy buttermilk.
- Baking powder – A crucial leavening agent, helping the bread to rise and become fluffy.
- Baking soda – Boosts fluffiness and works with the buttermilk for perfect texture.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk – Provides moisture and a deliciously tender crumb, making this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread memorable.
- Large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Unsalted butter – Gives a buttery flavor and keeps the bread moist.
- Almond extract – Infuses a warm, nutty aroma that complements the sweet notes.
- Sprinkles – Adds color and a touch of whimsy to make holiday baking even more festive.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet glaze for topping your bread.
- Buttermilk – Adjust for the perfect glaze consistency; it should be thick yet pourable.
- Light corn syrup – Adds sweetness and shine to the glaze.
For Topping
- Nonpareils – Perfect for that festive touch on top of your delicious bread!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by positioning your oven rack in the upper third and preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your 9x5 inch aluminum loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring it's ready for your delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread once the batter is mixed.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This mixture will create a flavorful base for your bread. Aim for a well-combined blend for an even texture, allowing the dry ingredients to be fully incorporated before moving on to the wet components.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and almond extract. You want this mixture to be smooth and homogenous, as these wet ingredients will infuse your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread with moisture and rich flavor. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot to prevent cooking the egg.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and light. You've created a satisfying batter, now it's time to add a colorful touch for that festive flair!
Step 5: Add Sprinkles
Carefully fold in the sprinkles into your batter, making sure they are evenly distributed. This step adds a fun and cheerful element to your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, transforming it into a holiday treat; be sure not to overstir, allowing the sprinkles to keep their vibrant colors.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will begin to fill with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 7: Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove your loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This may take 1-2 hours, providing ample time to prepare the delicious glaze that will top your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread cools, make the glaze by whisking together the sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of buttermilk, and light corn syrup. Adjust the consistency by adding more buttermilk as needed; the glaze should be thick yet pourable. This sweet finish will enhance the festive charm of your bread.
Step 9: Glaze and Decorate
Once your bread is completely cool, drape the glaze over the loaf, letting it cascade down the sides for a lovely effect. Finish by generously sprinkling nonpareils on top, adding that delightful crunch and visual appeal. Now your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is ready to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Room Temperature: Keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and sweetness.
Fridge: If you expect to keep the bread longer than 3 days, wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. This helps preserve freshness but may slightly alter the texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread in slices or as a whole. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy later, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast for a delightful texture!
Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend better, resulting in a lighter, fluffier bread.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread. Aim for a tender crumb in your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread!
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Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center to test for doneness; it should come out clean. If it isn’t done, bake in 5-minute increments to avoid overbaking.
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Cool Completely: Allow your bread to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures a beautiful finish with the nonpareils.
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Customize Sprinkles: Feel free to mix different types or colors of sprinkles for a unique touch. You can even incorporate holiday-themed sprinkles to add extra cheer!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients, then combining them just before you're ready to bake. Store the mixed dry ingredients in an airtight container and whisk the wet ingredients just before adding, ensuring freshness and preventing any browning. The bread itself can also be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after cooling, wrapped tightly to maintain its delightful moisture. When you’re ready to serve, simply glaze and top with nonpareils for a cheerful, last-minute festive touch—ensuring each bite is just as delicious as when it was freshly baked!
What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
There's something magical about the festive spirit that lifts each bite of this cheerful bread, especially when paired with delightful accompaniments.
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Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream enhances the sweetness of the bread, creating a cozy holiday treat.
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Citrus Salad: Bright, refreshing citrus salad balances the sweetness and adds a burst of color to your holiday table. The zesty flavors will awaken your palate.
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Cream Cheese Spread: Savory cream cheese spread or frosting pairs beautifully, providing a rich, creamy complement to the sweet loaf. Spread it generously for a delectable combination.
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Garden Fresh Herbs: A herb salad with parsley and mint offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy glaze, highlighting the sweet and savory notes.
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Sparkling Cider: Raise a glass with bubbly sparkling cider for a festive toast that complements the sweetness and celebrates the joyful atmosphere of the season.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Serve alongside gingerbread cookies for a delightful duo that embodies the holiday spirit. The spices from the cookies enhance the almond notes in the bread.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side provides a creamy, dreamy finish to the sweetness of the bread, perfect for indulging on special occasions.
This festive array will surely delight your guests and spread joy, making every slice of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread a memorable experience.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own, creating delightful alternatives that spark joy!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously tender bread suited for gluten-sensitive guests.
Adding an extra egg can help with structure, giving your loaf a wonderful rise. -
Extra Flavor: Swap almond extract for vanilla extract for a delightful twist.
This simple change can bring a new layer of warmth and sweetness to your bread, captivating all flavor lovers! -
Fruit-Infused: Incorporate 1 cup of dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture.
Dried fruits bring a cheery pop of color and sweetness, making each slice even more festive and inviting! -
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Nuts add not only a pleasing texture but also a wonderful depth of flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the bread. -
Citrus Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a zesty kick.
This bright element can really elevate your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, making it a refreshing treat at any gathering! -
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich sweetness.
This twist transforms your bread into a decadent dessert, perfect for chocolate enthusiasts during the holidays! -
Heat it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
These aromatic spices can invoke feelings of holiday nostalgia, warming hearts and homes alike as the bread bakes. -
Vegan Option: Substitute buttermilk with non-dairy milk and use flaxseed meal as an egg replacement.
This creates a delightful vegan version that's just as moist and flavorful—everyone will be thrilled to enjoy a slice!
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this bread?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose high-quality, fresh ingredients. Make sure your buttermilk is not expired; it should have a pleasant tang without any off-smells. When it comes to the egg, look for one that is free-range and at room temperature for optimal blending with the other ingredients.
How should I store my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Very simple! Keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge where it can last up to 1 week. Just remember that refrigeration may affect the texture slightly.
Can I freeze leftover bread and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For added protection, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!
What should I do if the bread doesn’t rise properly?
If your bread fails to rise, don't fret! Check if your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. They should be able to provide ample leavening. Also, make sure you haven't overmixed your batter, as too much mixing can develop gluten and lead to a dense loaf. Always mix until just combined.
Is this bread safe for those with allergies?
Very important to consider! This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread contains common allergens such as gluten from the wheat flour, dairy from the buttermilk and butter, and egg. If you are baking for someone with allergies, try substituting gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk, and an egg replacer. Always double-check individual product labels for comprehensive allergen information.
What can I substitute for almond extract if I have allergies?
If you're looking to avoid almond extract due to allergies, you have some great alternatives! Try using vanilla extract for a sweet and warm flavor, or even a splash of lemon extract to give a refreshing twist. Adjust the amount to taste, starting with around ¼ teaspoon and adding more as desired.
Delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and almond extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup, adjusting the consistency as needed.
- Once cool, glaze the bread and sprinkle with nonpareils before serving.
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