Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread – A Festive Treat for the Holidays

There’s something undeniably joyful about baking during the holidays, and few recipes capture the spirit quite like Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. With its moist crumb, cheerful red-and-green sprinkles, and buttery vanilla flavor, this quick bread isn’t just delicious—it’s visually magical. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas brunch, wrapping edible gifts, or adding sparkle to your holiday dessert table, this recipe will win hearts and taste buds alike.

Looking for more festive treats? Check out our Peppermint Cookies Christmas Recipe for another colorful dessert that’s perfect for the season.

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Why Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a Must-Bake This Season

A Colorful Holiday Twist on Classic Quick Bread

Quick breads are beloved for their simplicity and comforting texture, but when you mix in holiday sprinkles and a dash of vanilla magic, you get something special. Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread turns an everyday loaf into a centerpiece-worthy dessert. The red and green sprinkles don’t just add color—they melt slightly during baking, creating bursts of sweetness throughout.

Family-Friendly, Fun, and Easy to Make

This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect baking activity for families since it doesn’t require yeast or complicated steps. Just mix, bake, and decorate. Plus, the sight of colorful sprinkles stirred into the batter brings instant holiday cheer. If your little helpers want to join, hand them a whisk and let them add the sprinkles—it’s messy fun with tasty results.

Ideal for Gifting, Brunches, or Dessert Tables

Looking for an edible gift that’s easy to wrap? This bread fits beautifully into mini loaf pans and can be dressed up with parchment and ribbon. It’s also a festive addition to brunch spreads or post-dinner dessert trays. Serve slices warm with a touch of butter, or toast it lightly and pair with holiday drinks like our Cranberry Orange Mimosa.

Don’t miss our Cranberry Pistachio Babka for another holiday-themed baked good that pairs elegance with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Buttermilk Sprinkle Bread

Core Baking Staples and Festive Additions

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this festive bread to life:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Baking powder	2 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Eggs	2 large
Buttermilk	¾ cup
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Red and green sprinkles	½ cup (jimmies)

Note: Avoid nonpareils or sanding sugar, as they may bleed into the batter or melt unevenly.

Why Buttermilk is Key to the Moist Texture

Buttermilk isn’t just for pancakes—it’s a miracle ingredient in baking. Its slight acidity reacts with the baking soda to create a tender crumb and rise. It also brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness from the sugar and sprinkles. If you’re in a pinch, you can make a quick substitute using milk and lemon juice or vinegar, but real buttermilk is worth it for the texture alone.

Optional Mix-ins and Flavor Variations

Want to personalize your bread? Try mixing in a handful of white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even chopped maraschino cherries for an extra punch of flavor and color. Just remember to keep additions light so the batter doesn’t become overly wet or dense.

Discover great ideas like our Dreamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake if you’re looking to diversify your holiday dessert table with equally indulgent options.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

Prepping the Batter with the Right Consistency

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Slowly mix in the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, until everything is just combined. Do not overmix, as that could make the bread dense.

Finally, gently fold in the sprinkles. Use the classic “jimmies” style sprinkles for best results—they won’t melt or bleed color excessively in the batter.

Baking Time, Temperature, and Tips

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. You can add a few extra sprinkles on top for a festive finish. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pro Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake for another playful twist on classic flavors.

Cooling, Storing, and Freezing the Bread

After the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its life up to a week.

Want to freeze it? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Check out our Chocolate Peppermint Cookies for another freezer-friendly dessert that’s perfect for December make-ahead planning.

Decorating and Serving Ideas for Christmas Bread

Fun Ways to Top It with Sprinkles and Glaze

Although this bread looks gorgeous straight out of the oven, a simple glaze can take it to the next level. Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk and a dash of vanilla extract, then drizzle over the cooled loaf. Add more sprinkles on top before the glaze sets for extra sparkle.

You could also try a cream cheese frosting layer if you’re serving this as a dessert centerpiece.

Don’t miss our Christmas Monster Cookies Recipe for another sprinkle-packed treat that pairs beautifully with this bread.

Creative Wrapping for Gifts and Holiday Parties

If gifting, bake the bread in disposable mini loaf pans, wrap them in cellophane, and tie with holiday ribbons. Add handwritten tags or attach a small ornament for extra charm. These loaves also make thoughtful hostess gifts or festive stocking stuffers.

For parties, slice and serve on a tiered dessert platter alongside items like cranberry bars or peppermint bark.

Pairing with Holiday Drinks and Meals

This bread makes a delightful pairing with morning coffee or holiday cocktails. Serve it for brunch alongside items like cranberry muffins or scrambled eggs. For drinks, try it with something festive like our Jack Frost Cocktail—the perfect balance of sweet and frosty to match the mood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking This Bread

Overmixing and Its Effects on Texture

One of the biggest pitfalls in quick bread recipes is overmixing the batter. It’s tempting to stir until completely smooth, but doing so develops too much gluten, leading to a dense or rubbery loaf. For light and fluffy texture, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—lumps are totally fine.

Using the Wrong Type of Sprinkles or Flour

Not all sprinkles are created equal. Avoid nonpareils or sanding sugar, which tend to melt, bleed, or clump during baking. Stick to jimmies, which hold their shape and color better in batter.

Also, using cake flour or bread flour instead of all-purpose flour can throw off the texture. All-purpose provides the ideal balance of structure and softness.

Baking Too Long or Too Short – Know the Signs

Underbaked bread may appear done on the outside but will sink or stay gummy in the center. Overbaked bread, on the other hand, becomes dry and crumbly. Always check for doneness with a toothpick—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with dry crumbs, the bread is ready.

Nutrition Info and Allergen Tips

Calories, Sugar, and Fat Breakdown (Per Slice)

Here’s an approximate breakdown based on a 10-slice loaf:

Nutrient	Amount Per Slice
Calories	230
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Sugar	18g
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	30g

This bread is a treat, so enjoy in moderation during your holiday feasting.

How to Make It Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

For gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your sprinkles are gluten-free too—check labels carefully.

To make it dairy-free, use plant-based butter and replace buttermilk with a combo of unsweetened almond milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar. Let the mix sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Healthier Substitutions for Conscious Eaters

Looking to cut back on sugar or fat? You can:

• Replace ½ of the sugar with applesauce or honey
• Use Greek yogurt in place of some butter
• Try whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients

FAQs About Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Conclusion – Spread Joy with Every Slice

With its vibrant sprinkles, buttery flavor, and moist crumb, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make year after year. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers, festive enough for parties, and delicious enough to become a new holiday tradition.

Whether you’re gifting it to neighbors, serving it at brunch, or sneaking a slice with coffee, this cheerful bread captures the spirit of the season in every bite. For more giftable bakes, don’t miss our Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle—it’s a decadent crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday tables.

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