Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread brings a burst of festive color and sweet holiday flavor to your table in under an hour. If you are searching for non candy Christmas treats or need an easy Christmas loaf recipe that balances nostalgic charm, quick preparation, and unbeatable flavor, this bread is the answer. With just 10 minutes of hands on prep and 45 minutes in the oven, it is ideal for busy holiday mornings or gifting homemade Christmas breads that look beautiful and taste even better.

My family calls this the Christmas fun bread because it has become the highlight of our December mornings. I first baked this right before our annual tree decorating party and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared from the table, with the kids sneaking extra slices. Baking this is now our tradition, especially because it doubles as both a cheerful breakfast treat and a centerpiece for our British inspired Christmas recipes collection.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour for Christmas bread: Creates a sturdy but tender base; opt for unbleached flour for best texture, or substitute one to one gluten free blend for celiac friendly bread
• Granulated sugar for moistness: Adds balanced sweetness and ensures a soft, moist crumb; you can swap half the sugar for light brown sugar if desired
• Baking powder and baking soda duo: These leaveners work together for a lofty, fluffy loaf; check both are fresh to avoid heavy bread
• Kosher salt enhancement: Brightens overall flavor and balances the sweetness; if using salted butter, reduce added salt
• Buttermilk for tangy crumb: Gives this Christmas bread its signature moisture and delicate texture; full fat buttermilk yields the best results, or use plain yogurt plus a splash of lemon juice for a quick substitute
• Large egg, lightly beaten: Binds everything together and adds richness; use room temperature egg for even mixing
• Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures a lush, soft crumb without greasiness; substitute plant based butter for dairy free needs
• Almond extract flavor: Delivers a subtle marzipan note that makes this bread extra celebratory, or use vanilla for nut free version
• Christmas colored sprinkles: Key to the bread’s holiday look; use jimmies or confetti for the batter, as nonpareils may bleed color
• Powdered sugar, sifted: Makes a lump free glaze and smooth finish; sift before mixing for the best result
• Extra buttermilk and light corn syrup for glaze: Create an extra shiny, pourable glaze that drapes beautifully; honey may be used if corn syrup is not available
• Nonpareils or extra sprinkles for garnish: Sprinkle on top for sparkle and final festive flair; choose colors to match your holiday table

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Preheat and Prepare:

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position a rack in the lower third to prevent over browning. Generously grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan with softened butter or line it with a parchment paper sling for easy removal, ensuring the glaze will adhere well to the loaf’s surface.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until fully blended. This step ensures your leaveners are evenly dispersed for an airy, even crumb that bakes up golden every time.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Using a separate bowl, blend buttermilk, lightly beaten large egg, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and almond extract. All liquids should be at room temperature so the butter stays smoothly incorporated; if needed, briefly warm your bowl to dissolve any small butter bits for a perfect mix.

Create the Batter Base:

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick and scoopable; avoid over mixing to maintain a tender texture even if a few small flour streaks remain.

Fold in the Festive Sprinkles:

Add Christmas colored sprinkles and carefully fold them in using broad, gentle strokes. This keeps the colors vivid and prevents bleeding while distributing bits of holiday joy throughout the loaf.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Scrape batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes until risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. The top should set and become golden with a gentle crack down the middle as it cools.

Cool Completely Before Glazing:

Allow bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This helps the crumb set and prevents sticking; let the loaf cool entirely for 1 to 2 hours so glaze goes on thick and glossy rather than soaking in.

Mix and Pour the Buttermilk Glaze:

In a small bowl, stir together sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup until you achieve a thick, smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread, letting excess drip over the sides, and immediately top with nonpareils or extra festive sprinkles before the glaze sets for that ultimate holiday look.

Slice and Serve:

After the glaze has set, use a serrated knife to neatly slice the bread into generous pieces. The glaze remains slightly soft underneath the shiny top and each serving reveals colorful bursts inside the fragrant, tender crumb.

The first time I tried almond extract in this loaf, the aroma instantly took the bread from simple to something magical and holiday worthy. Our favorite family tradition is decorating the cooled loaf together; each of us chooses a handful of nonpareils or festive sprinkles to scatter over the glaze before it sets. This recipe always brings the family together and has become a cherished part of our annual holiday baking ritual.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This Christmas bread recipe is as flexible as it is festive, making it easy to suit any taste or dietary approach. Use a quality gluten free flour blend for a celiac safe version or swap dairy for unsweetened plant milk plus lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. Add orange zest or vanilla extract for a new flavor, mix in white chocolate chips for extra richness, or simply tailor sprinkles to match any other celebration throughout the year—this quick loaf is endlessly customizable to what you have on hand.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

For best freshness, allow Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to cool completely before glazing or wrapping in plastic wrap. The glazed loaf stays moist at room temperature for up to 3 days, while unglazed slices may be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months—separating slices with parchment paper is great for grab and go snacks. To reheat, microwave a piece for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven just until heated through; for the freshest presentation, always add glaze a few hours before serving rather than before freezing.

What to Serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

This festive bread shines at any holiday breakfast or brunch and also works as a cheerful dessert or afternoon snack. Serve thick slices with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced Christmas morning, or pair with spiced coffee, mulled cider, or holiday hot chocolate for a cozy treat. Dress it up with an extra drizzle of glaze or whipped cream and berries to create a show stopping finish for parties or gifting occasions.

Nutritional Benefits

While Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a sweet treat, it still brings a touch of wholesomeness thanks to buttermilk, eggs, and minimal fat. Buttermilk contributes calcium, protein, and B vitamins, so each slice contains a small boost of key nutrients. Enjoy this festive loaf as a once in a season indulgence that can be easily adapted for gluten free or dairy free diets with a few mindful substitutions.

Recipe Success Tips

If you find your bread sinking in the middle, double check that your baking powder is fresh and always measure flour by the spoon and level method for accuracy. For streak free sprinkles, always fold them in at the very end and bake the loaf promptly. Allowing the bread to cool thoroughly before glazing ensures you get crisp, glossy icing that makes for a beautiful, gift worthy loaf every time.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the ultimate quick holiday baking recipe—packed with color, easy to make ahead, and wonderfully adaptable for all ages. Bake it once and your family will ask for it every year as a joyful new tradition.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Yes, any colorful sprinkles will work as long as they are bake-safe. Nonpareils and jimmies both add festive color without melting excessively.

→ What substitutions work for buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, you can use milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes before using.

→ How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Check with a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

→ Can the bread be prepared ahead?

Absolutely. This buttermilk bread keeps well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.

→ Is it possible to freeze this bread?

Yes, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before glazing.

→ What glaze variations can I use?

You can add citrus zest, swap almond extract for vanilla, or adjust the glaze thickness to your preference for a custom touch.