Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that brings a splash of joy and a burst of color to your holiday table, look no further than this delightful Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. This dense yet tender loaf is infused with the warmth of buttermilk and almond extract, studded with cheerful sprinkles throughout, and crowned with a sweet, glossy glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the perfect combination of classic comfort and playful celebration, making it a standout recipe to share with friends and family during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute to the loaf’s moist texture, subtle tang, and irresistible sweetness. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this bread so special.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tang of the buttermilk perfectly.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise to a fluffy yet dense perfection.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for just the right lift.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring everything shines.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Gives the bread a tender, moist texture and that signature tang.
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten): Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Contributes richness and a soft crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Brings a delightful hint of nutty sweetness that feels festive.
• 1/2 cup sprinkles: The star of the show, adding fun pops of color throughout the loaf.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted): For the glaze, providing a smooth and sweet finish.
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed): Used in the glaze to keep it light and perfectly pourable.
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup: Adds shine and ensures the glaze sets beautifully.
• Nonpareils: Tiny decorative sprinkles to scatter on the glaze for that extra festive flair.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Begin by moving your oven rack to the upper third position and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and maintain the loaf’s shape perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt for consistent rise and flavor throughout your bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and almond extract. These wet ingredients will add moisture and a subtle nutty aroma to your bread.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the bread, so fold in the ingredients carefully until no dry patches remain.

Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles

Now the fun part: gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed but without over-stirring, so their fun colors stay vibrant and don’t melt into the batter.

Step 6: Bake Your Bread

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center of the bread sets. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool the Loaf

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Because this buttermilk bread is dense, it will take 1 to 2 hours to cool completely, which is crucial before adding the glaze.

Step 8: Prepare and Add the Glaze

Once your bread has cooled, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, buttermilk, and light corn syrup until you get a thick but pourable glaze. Adjust buttermilk as needed. Spoon the glaze over the top of the bread and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils for a festive look that matches the sprinkles inside.

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Garnishes

To make your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread even more eye-catching, garnish with extra nonpareils or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add edible glitter or crushed peppermint candies to elevate the festive vibe.

Side Dishes

This bread shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or holiday coffee. For an indulgent brunch, serve it alongside creamy mascarpone, fresh berries, or a melty smear of cinnamon butter to complement its rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread into thick, colorful slabs and arrange on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of jams and nut butters for a DIY holiday spread. You can also toast slices lightly and top with whipped cream cheese and a sprinkle of more festive sprinkles for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your festive treat throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bread longer, freeze it by wrapping the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive your bread’s soft texture and warm it through, pop slices in the toaster or warm them in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes. If glazed, be careful not to melt the decorations too much by reheating gently.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While regular milk can be used in a pinch, buttermilk’s acidity is key to achieving the tender, moist texture and slight tang that makes this bread special. For the best results, try to use buttermilk or create a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

What kind of sprinkles work best in this bread?

Bright, festive nonpareils or small jimmies work wonderfully because they hold their shape and color during baking. Avoid large or chocolate sprinkles as they might melt or bleed color into the batter.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but you may need to adjust the liquid ratios and leavening agents. Gluten-free baking can be tricky, so it’s best to test with smaller batches first to get the texture just right.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze adds an irresistible sweet finish and a beautiful glossy sheen that complements the sprinkles perfectly. While you can enjoy the bread without it, the glaze really elevates the presentation and flavor.

How long does it take to cool completely before glazing?

Because the bread is dense, it typically takes 1 to 2 hours to cool down to room temperature. Applying the glaze too soon can cause it to melt and run off, so patience here really pays off!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is truly a magical holiday treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Its tender crumb, festive speckles, and luscious glaze make it a wonderful centerpiece for any seasonal gathering. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this joyful loaf as much as I do—happy holidays and happy baking!

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