Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

The holiday season always seems to bring with it a special kind of magic—twinkling lights, the hum of Christmas carols, and the irresistible smell of baked goods wafting from the kitchen. One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking treats that feel as festive as the season itself, and this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread checks all the boxes. It’s simple, festive, and oh-so-delicious, with a tender crumb and bursts of color that will make anyone smile. Whether you’re looking for something to bring to a holiday party or a cozy baking project to do on a snowy afternoon, this bread is a winner.

I first made this recipe a few years ago during a last-minute holiday baking spree. You know, the kind where you suddenly realize you need something festive to share at a gathering. I grabbed some pantry staples, a jar of sprinkles that had been sitting in my cupboard since summer, and hoped for the best. The result? A buttery, tender loaf that tasted like the holidays in every bite, with just the right amount of almond-y sweetness and the playful crunch of sprinkles. Let’s just say, it became an instant favorite.

this RECIPE

A sweet bread with a festive history

Quick breads like this one—simple loaves leavened with baking soda or powder rather than yeast—have been around for centuries. The buttermilk version likely has its roots in traditional European baking, where dairy products were often used to tenderize and enrich baked goods. What makes this recipe feel so uniquely “Christmas” is the addition of sprinkles and a snowy glaze, turning a classic quick bread into something whimsical and holiday-ready. It’s the edible equivalent of a cozy holiday sweater—cheerful, a little over-the-top, but utterly lovable.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

Every ingredient in this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread plays a special role. Here’s why they matter and how you can make substitutions if needed:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out half the flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps achieve that golden-brown crust. You could use coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note, though it will darken the bread slightly.
• Baking powder and soda: These are your leavening agents, giving the bread its rise and soft texture. No substitutes here!
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the almond extract.
• Buttermilk: The secret to this bread’s moist crumb and slightly tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk.
• Egg: Adds richness and binds the batter together. Flax eggs can work in a pinch if you’re looking to make it egg-free.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the bread its tender, buttery texture. Coconut oil is a good dairy-free alternative.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty sweetness that feels fancy. You could substitute vanilla extract if almond isn’t your thing.
• Sprinkles: The fun factor! Use red, green, and white sprinkles for a festive look, but avoid nonpareils in the batter—they tend to bleed color.
• Powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup (for the glaze): These create a shiny, smooth glaze that ties everything together. The corn syrup isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps the glaze set beautifully.

Tools you’ll need for holiday baking success

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, but there are a few tools that make the process easier.

• A 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan: Aluminum pans bake more evenly than dark metal or glass, which can cause the bread to brown too quickly. If you don’t have aluminum, just check on your bread a few minutes earlier.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal. No one wants to wrestle their beautiful bread out of the pan!
• Mixing bowls: One large and one small will do the trick.
• A whisk and a spatula: The whisk ensures your dry and wet ingredients are well combined, while the spatula is perfect for folding in those sprinkles without overmixing.
• A wire rack: Crucial for cooling the bread properly, so the bottom doesn’t get soggy.

Step-by-step: Let’s bake this festive loaf together

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the upper third of the oven. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make lifting the bread out easier later.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed—nobody wants a mouthful of baking soda!
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled!), and almond extract. I like to add the almond extract last—it’s such a satisfying final touch.
4. Bring it all together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense. Finally, fold in the sprinkles, being careful not to over-stir.
5. Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the glaze: Once the bread is fully cooled (patience is key!), whisk together the powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. Drizzle it over the bread and sprinkle with nonpareils.

Fun variations to try

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk with vinegar as a buttermilk substitute, vegan butter, and a flax egg.
• Seasonal spin: Switch up the sprinkles to match other holidays—pink and red for Valentine’s Day, pastel for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
• Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, spiced notes, or fold in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Presentation ideas to impress your guests

This bread is naturally eye-catching, but you can take it up a notch by serving it on a holiday platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a pop of color. Slice the loaf thickly and arrange the pieces slightly overlapping. Bonus points if you serve it with a pot of hot cocoa or mulled wine!

What to drink with it?

Speaking of drinks, this bread pairs beautifully with warm beverages. Coffee or tea works great, but if you’re in the holiday spirit, try a creamy eggnog or a spiced latte. For something bubbly, Prosecco or sparkling cider adds a celebratory touch.

How to store and reheat leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer (unglazed) for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let it come to room temperature naturally.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd

Want to make mini loaves for gifting? Divide the batter between smaller loaf pans and reduce the bake time to about 25-30 minutes. For a double batch, you can easily double all the ingredients—just make sure to use a large enough mixing bowl!

Final thoughts: Your new holiday baking tradition

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the perfect pick. It’s festive, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. Plus, there’s something magical about watching those sprinkles turn into bursts of holiday cheer as the bread bakes. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new holiday tradition in your home!

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread without sprinkles?
Of course! The sprinkles are just for fun. You can leave them out or replace them with chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a more sophisticated vibe.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem—just mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà!

3. Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze or even cream cheese frosting would be delicious.

4. Why is my bread too dense?
You might have overmixed the batter. Be sure to stir just until the ingredients are combined.

5. How do I keep the glaze from running off?
Make sure the bread is completely cool before glazing, and keep the glaze thick but pourable.

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