As the holiday season unfolds, the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and warm butter waft through my kitchen, instantly igniting memories of festive gatherings and cozy breakfasts. It was during a cheerful afternoon of baking that I discovered the joy of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread—a treat that doesn’t just taste like the holidays; it looks like them, too! With its vibrant red and green sprinkles, this quick bread is perfect for elevating any festive table, gifting to neighbors, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
What makes this bread truly special is its incredible ease of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe invites you to create something magical without fuss. Moist, buttery, and bursting with flavor, it’s a delicious solution for holiday get-togethers or seasonal breakfasts that will leave everyone smiling. So, let’s get baking and spread some holiday cheer!
Why is Festive Christmas Bread a Must-Bake?
Joyful Baking Experience: This Festive Christmas Bread brings fun to your kitchen with its simple steps, making it suitable for all skill levels.
Vibrant Appearance: The delightful red and green sprinkles not only brighten your table but also add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.
Moist and Flavorful: The buttery richness and tender crumb make every bite a cozy reminder of holiday warmth.
Versatile Treat: Serve it as a festive breakfast, a sweet snack, or an impressive gift that family and friends will adore.
Quick to Prepare: With minimal active time required, you can whip this up and focus on enjoying your celebrations.
Make this delicious treat the centerpiece of your holiday baking and watch it become a cherished seasonal favorite!
Festive Christmas Bread Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability to the bread; swap for a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Baking Powder – A key leavening agent for a light rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Baking Soda – Reacts with buttermilk to create lift and tenderness.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness for a delightful taste.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds rich moisture; can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bread and contributes to its tender crumb; brown sugar can deepen the flavor.
- Large Eggs – Binds everything together and adds moisture; consider flax eggs as a vegan substitute.
- Buttermilk – Imparts a slight tang to the bread, making it incredibly tender; mix milk with vinegar as a substitute if necessary.
- Vanilla Extract – Introduces warm aromatic flavor; almond extract can offer a unique touch.
- Red and Green Sprinkles – Adds festive color and texture; use jimmies for better results while avoiding nonpareils, as they bleed.
Optional Topping
- Coarse Sugar – Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual appeal, making your Festive Christmas Bread shine beautifully.
How to Make Festive Christmas Bread
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ready a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it to prevent sticking.
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This essential step helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and buttermilk, stirring well after each addition.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
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Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the festive red and green sprinkles, making sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter, adding playful pops of color.
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Pour and Smooth: Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar or extra sprinkles on top for added texture and sparkle.
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Bake: Place the loaf in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Start checking at the 40-minute mark with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
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Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This important step helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week, helping to keep this festive Christmas bread fresh and delicious.
Freezer: Freeze the bread for up to 2 months; slice it first for easy thawing. Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, removing excess air.
Reheating: To enjoy the bread again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked aroma.
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Bread?
Prepare to elevate your holiday gatherings with delightful complements that perfectly enhance every slice!
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Hot Cocoa: A rich and creamy cup of cocoa makes every bite of bread feel even more indulgent and warming.
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Honey Butter: This sweet and creamy spread adds a touch of luxury, melting beautifully over the warm bread for a festive treat.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: A luscious, tangy addition that balances the sweetness, making each bite feel like a dessert.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and tart fruits such as cranberries, oranges, and apples add refreshing bites that cut through the richness of the bread.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer your bread with yogurt and holiday spices for a delightful breakfast option that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzling a homemade maple glaze over the top brings a cozy sweetness and a festive flair that guests will adore.
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Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts adds a crunchy texture to your spread, offering a satisfying contrast to the soft bread.
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Mulled Wine: The warm spices of mulled wine perfectly match the holiday spirit and make the meal feel especially cozy and inviting.
Festive Christmas Bread Variations
Feel free to make this delightful bread your own with these fun and festive twists!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously moist option that everyone can enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and substitute buttermilk with a mix of almond milk and vinegar for a dairy-free delight.
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Flavor Boost: Add half a teaspoon of almond extract to deepen the flavor profile, giving your bread a unique twist!
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Mini Loaves: Prepare smaller servings by dividing the batter into mini loaf pans; bake for about 30 minutes for perfectly portioned gifts.
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Extra Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before baking to add a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the bread.
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Festive Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top after cooling for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
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Add-Ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries to create variations that burst with seasonal flavor.
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Spice It Up: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced holiday flavor that everyone will love.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Christmas Bread creations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Simply mix all the ingredients, including those cheerful sprinkles, and pour the batter into a loaf pan. To finish, allow the batter to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the bread ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and delicious. This way, your Festive Christmas Bread is not only simple to prepare but ready to impress when it’s time to serve!
Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Bread
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Avoid Overmixing: This is key to ensuring a tender crumb. Mix just until combined; the batter should be lumpy.
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Check Freshness: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for a proper rise in this festive Christmas bread; expired ingredients can affect texture.
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Use the Right Sprinkles: Opt for jimmies instead of nonpareils to prevent color bleeding, keeping the vibrant look of your bread intact.
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Cooling Time Matters: Allow the bread to cool before slicing—it improves texture and makes for cleaner cuts, enhancing the presentation.
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Taste Variations: Consider adding white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra flavor depth, making your festive Christmas bread even more delightful.
Festive Christmas Bread Recipe FAQs
What kind of flour should I use for this bread?
You can use all-purpose flour for this Festive Christmas Bread, as it provides the best structure and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend works well too! Just be sure it’s specifically formulated for baking to balance the recipe’s other ingredients.
How should I store leftover Festive Christmas Bread?
To keep your leftover bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week. This helps maintain its deliciously moist texture and flavor.
Can I freeze this bread, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Festive Christmas Bread, it’s best to slice it first for easy thawing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag to remove excess air. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to refresh its taste and aroma.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your Festive Christmas Bread turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined—lumps are okay! Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version of this Festive Christmas Bread, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Also, use plant-based butter and substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Is it okay for pets to have this bread?
While this Festive Christmas Bread is a delicious treat for humans, it is not advisable to share it with pets, especially since it contains ingredients like sugar and potentially chocolate if you add chocolate chips. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.
Festive Christmas Bread: Bake Joy and Cheer This Season
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ready a 9x5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and buttermilk, stirring well after each addition.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the festive red and green sprinkles until evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
- Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking at the 40-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.