Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

This festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful treat that brings joy and color to your holiday festivities. With its soft and tender texture, sweet almond flavor, and vibrant sprinkles, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a charming gift during the holiday season. Easy to make and fun to decorate, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Bread:
• For the Glaze:
• How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
• Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Make the Batter
• Step 5: Bake the Bread
• Step 6: Cool
• Step 7: Make the Glaze
• Step 8: Finish and Serve
• How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• For Breakfast
• As a Snack
• For Gifting
• How to Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• Reheating Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other extracts instead of almond?
• How do I know when my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is done?
• Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
• What makes this bread perfect for Christmas?
• How do I customize my glaze?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The sweet almond taste paired with colorful sprinkles creates a joyful experience with every bite.
• Quick and Easy: This quick bread comes together in just about an hour, making it a hassle-free baking option for busy holiday schedules.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a gift, this bread suits any occasion during the holiday season.
• Fun to Decorate: The thick buttermilk glaze topped with cheerful nonpareils makes it visually appealing and perfect for festive gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its bright colors and delicious taste, everyone will love this cheerful addition to your table.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure with our Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: Essential for giving shape to your bread while it bakes evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate until they are mixed together properly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed)
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• Nonpareils, for topping

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How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Move the rack to the upper third of the oven. Line a 9×5-inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1½ teaspoons baking powder
4. ½ teaspoon baking soda
5. 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 cup buttermilk
2. 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
3. ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
4. ½ teaspoon almond extract

Ensure everything is well combined before mixing with dry ingredients.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined—do not overmix! Fold in the Christmas-colored sprinkles, being careful not to let their colors bleed into the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should be set when done.

Step 6: Cool

Once baked, let bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for at least 1–2 hours due to its dense texture.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

After cooling, whisk together:
1. 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
2. 3 tablespoons buttermilk (add more if needed)
3. 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Continue adding buttermilk gradually until you achieve a thick yet pourable consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Spoon the glaze over your cooled bread generously and top with nonpareils. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into this festive treat!

How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Serving Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread can elevate any festive occasion. This delightful quick bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your holiday gatherings even more special.

For Breakfast

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve slices with a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Spread with Cream Cheese: A layer of cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the bread.

As a Snack

• Paired with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy this bread alongside your favorite warm beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
• With Whipped Cream: Top slices with whipped cream for an indulgent snack that feels like dessert.

For Gifting

• Wrapped in Festive Paper: Slice and wrap portions in decorative paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Accompanied by a Holiday Card: Add a personal touch by including a handwritten card with serving suggestions.

How to Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

To ensure your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature helps the batter mix evenly, resulting in a tender loaf.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to maintain the bread’s soft texture; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can confirm that your oven is at the right temperature, which is crucial for proper baking.
• Let It Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allowing the bread to cool completely prevents the glaze from melting off, ensuring it stays beautifully on top.
• Store Properly: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh longer and avoid drying out.

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Best Side Dishes for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread enhances its festive charm. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.

1. Holiday Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet bread.
2. Eggnog French Toast Casserole: This rich dish brings holiday flavors together, perfect for brunch alongside the bread.
3. Maple Sausage Links: Savory sausage adds a wonderful flavor balance when served next to sweet buttermilk bread.
4. Creamy Potato Soup: A warm bowl of soup makes for a comforting pairing that will satisfy guests on chilly days.
5. Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing: The lightness of this salad complements the richness of the bread while adding crunch.
6. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses offers various flavors that pair beautifully with slices of sweet bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined for the best results.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into your bread too soon can cause it to crumble. Let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours before slicing.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring techniques, such as spooning flour into a cup and leveling it off, to avoid an imbalance in your recipe.
• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs blend better into the batter. Allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before starting your recipe.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep chilled in the original loaf pan covered with plastic wrap if you prefer.

Freezing Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you know when to use it.

Reheating Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping once until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other extracts instead of almond?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla or another flavor of your choice for a different taste profile.

How do I know when my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges start pulling away from the pan.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or dried fruit can give additional texture and flavor. Just be sure not to overmix when folding them in.

What makes this bread perfect for Christmas?

The festive sprinkles combined with sweet almond flavor create a fun and cheerful treat that’s ideal for holiday gatherings and gifting.

How do I customize my glaze?

You can add food coloring or flavored extracts to the glaze to match your holiday theme or personal preference!

Final Thoughts

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for breakfast or as a delightful gift. Feel free to customize it with various flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy baking this festive treat!