Introduction to Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
As the holiday season approaches, I find joy in creating warm, comforting treats. One such delightful recipe is my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. This bread bursts with festive colors and flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Its tender texture and sweet notes will surely impress your family during those busy holiday gatherings.
What I love most is how quick and easy it is to whip up. You can have this festive bread baking while you tackle your holiday to-do list, making it a true lifesaver for any busy mom or professional!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive gem that combines ease with deliciousness. In just over an hour, you can create a mouthwatering treat that fills your home with the aroma of the holidays. It’s perfect for impressing guests or satisfying the kids after school. Trust me, this colorful bread will become a cherished tradition, adding joy to your festive gatherings without keeping you tethered to the kitchen!
Ingredients for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Creating my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread requires a handful of simple yet delightful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is your base, giving the bread its structure and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder: Essential for leavening, helping the bread rise to delightful heights.
- Baking soda: Works synergistically with the buttermilk’s acidity for a perfect lift.
- Salt: Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness of the bread.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; let it cool a bit before mixing for the best results.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread, giving it a lovely golden hue.
- Eggs: They act as binding agents, contributing to the bread’s tender crumb.
- Buttermilk: This provides a tangy flavor and moist texture; a must for a rich and satisfying loaf.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, sweet aroma, making each bite extra inviting.
- Red and green sprinkles: The star of the show, adding festive flair and a pop of color.
- Optional Topping: Coarse sugar can be sprinkled on top for an extra sweet crunch.
- Additional sprinkles: For garnishing, they make the bread even more lively and fun!
Exact quantities for these ingredients are available at the bottom of the article for easy printing, helping you create this delightful festive treat without hassle!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part: making this delicious Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread! This process is not only simple but also a joyous way to fill your kitchen with holiday spirit. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll create a tender loaf that dazzles with sweetness and color.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread rises perfectly as soon as it goes in. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, or give it a good greasing. This little step is crucial; a well-prepared pan helps the bread release easily after baking, preventing that pan-stuck panic!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Take your time with this step! Mixing these dry ingredients well is vital as it evenly distributes the leavening agents. This simple action will ensure that your bread rises beautifully, giving it that lovely, fluffy texture we all adore.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth, creating a creamy base. Next, add the eggs one at a time, stirring gently to incorporate them fully. Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, letting their lovely, warm aromas fill the air. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly adds moisture to the bread, important for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to gently introduce your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Pour the dry mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. A few lumps are perfectly fine! This step is crucial for maintaining the tender crumb of your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles using a spatula. Make sure to do this carefully; you want to maintain that airy texture while evenly distributing those colorful gems throughout the batter. The sprinkles will give your bread a playful, festive look as they dance through the dough!
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. If you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar or a few extra sprinkles on top for that added sparkle. This is optional, but trust me, it adds a delightful crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Tips for Success
- Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing; this ensures a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix when combining the wet and dry ingredients; a tender crumb comes from gently folding.
- Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.
- Opt for jimmies sprinkles instead of nonpareils for vibrant colors and better baking results.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean for perfect bread!
Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan: A must-have for this recipe; parchment paper makes for easy removal.
- Medium and large mixing bowls: Use any size you have on hand.
- Whisk: A fork can do the job if you’re in a pinch!
- Spatula: Great for folding in those sprinkles.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Christmas Sprinkle Bread: Replace half the sprinkles with mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe option.
- Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap out buttermilk for a plant-based option, such as almond milk combined with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for a similar tang.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
- Pair with a rich cream cheese spread or butter for extra indulgence.
- A hot cup of cocoa or a spiced chai complements the festive flavors beautifully.
- For a charming presentation, slice and serve on a decorative platter with extra sprinkles on the side.
- Wrap slices in festive parchment for a delightful holiday gift that your friends will adore!
FAQs about Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Can I make this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store the baked loaf in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh for your holiday gatherings!
What type of sprinkles should I use?
I recommend using jimmies sprinkles instead of nonpareils. Jimmies hold their shape and flavor better during baking, making your bread visually appealing and simply delicious!
Can I freeze the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Yes, you can freeze this bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever you crave a festive treat!
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken, and you’re good to go!
Is this bread good for gift-giving during the holidays?
Absolutely! This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread makes a delightful gift. Slice it and wrap it beautifully in festive parchment. Your friends and family will appreciate this sweet, homemade treat that spreads holiday cheer!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table to share this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, a warm sense of togetherness fills the air. Every bite not only tastes like joy but also carries the spirit of the season. Whether you bake it for a festive gathering or a cozy family breakfast, this colorful bread is sure to bring smiles and laughter. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished tradition in your home, just as it has in mine. Here’s to making sweet memories together, one delightful slice at a time – after all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
Print
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and colorful bread featuring buttermilk and sprinkles, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style; avoid nonpareils)
- Optional Topping: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Additional sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and buttermilk.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or more sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure to let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing.
- Do not use nonpareils for better baking results.
- This bread can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
