As the holiday season approaches, what better way to spread cheer than baking a soft, moist, and colorful bread that embodies the spirit of Christmas? This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive and delicious quick bread, perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, gift-giving, or enjoying cozy mornings with family.

Table of Contents

With its rich buttery texture, subtle tang from buttermilk, and cheerful red and green sprinkles, this bread brings not only flavor but also holiday charm straight to your table. Plus, it’s easy to make and kid-friendly, making it a perfect baking activity for the whole family.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

George Law

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a soft, moist, and colorful quick bread that perfectly captures the festive spirit. With buttery richness, a tangy hint from buttermilk, and cheerful red and green sprinkles, it’s ideal for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Course Bread, Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 10 slices

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

9×5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
whisk
spatula
wire rack
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies)
2 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and buttermilk until fully combined.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep bread tender.
Fold in the red and green sprinkles carefully to distribute evenly without color bleeding.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra sprinkles if desired.
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use jimmies instead of nonpareils to prevent color bleeding. Do not overmix the batter for a tender crumb. You can also bake this recipe as muffins (18-22 minutes at 350°F). Wrap the cooled loaf in wax paper and festive ribbon for gifting. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.

Keyword buttermilk bread, Christmas bread, festive loaf, holiday baking, quick bread

Why This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Moist and Tender Texture: The secret to this bread’s delightful texture is the use of buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs, which combine to create a moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
Festive Appeal: Red and green sprinkles (preferably jimmies to prevent color bleeding) add a joyful burst of color that screams Christmas in every slice.
Versatility and Ease: This bread is a quick bread no yeast or lengthy rising times so you can enjoy it fresh from the oven in under an hour. It’s also easy to customize or convert into muffins for portion control and mini snacks.
Ideal for Gifting: Wrapped in wax paper with a twine bow, this bread makes a beautiful and thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors, friends, or coworkers.

Ingredients and Their Roles
To create this delightful bread, you will need:

All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups / 210g): Forms the base and provides structure.
Baking powder (1 tsp) & baking soda (½ tsp): Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become fluffy.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted butter (½ cup/1 stick, melted): Adds richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup/200g): Sweetens while helping to tenderize.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients while adding moisture and richness.
Buttermilk (1 cup/240 ml): Gives a gentle tanginess and keeps the bread moist.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and enhances sweetness.
Red and green sprinkles (½ cup): Festive decoration that adds fun and holiday cheer.
Optional toppings include coarse sugar and additional sprinkles for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Preheat and Prepare Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk until uniform.
Bring Together Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently and only until just combined. Overmixing can create a tougher bread texture, so be gentle.
Fold in Sprinkles:
Carefully fold in the red and green sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter to avoid bleeding colors.
Pour and Garnish:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and extra festive sprinkles if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oven times vary, so start checking at 45 minutes.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Success and Variations You’ll Love
Use Jimmies Instead of Nonpareils: Nonpareils tend to bleed their color into the batter, creating a less vibrant look. Jimmies maintain their shape and bright hues through baking.
Avoid Overmixing: To keep your bread tender and soft, mix only until the dry ingredients disappear and the batter is just combined.
Presentation: After cooling, wrap the loaf in wax paper and tie it with a festive ribbon or twine. It’s instantly gift-ready!
Make Muffins: For snack-sized treats, pour batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. These are perfect for holiday parties or lunchboxes.
Add Spice: To add warmth, consider mixing in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a more seasonal flavor.
Sprinkle Alternatives: Replace sprinkles with mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different twist.

Why Buttermilk Is Essential in This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Buttermilk is key to balancing sweetness and adding a slight tang, which brightens the flavor of this bread. It also interacts with baking soda to help the bread rise perfectly and maintain moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by stirring 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Perfect Occasions to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Holiday Breakfasts or Brunch: Serve warm with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam alongside coffee or hot cocoa.
Gifting: Share with loved ones as a homemade festive present.
Holiday Parties: Cut into slices or muffins for colorful, easy-to-eat snacks.
Kids’ Holiday Baking Projects: Simple enough for children to help fold in sprinkles and pour batter.
Cozy Mornings: A comforting treat for chilly winter days, evoking the warmth and joy of the season.

How to Store and Freeze Your Bread

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Highlights of This Holiday Bread

While this bread is a sweet treat, it is a homemade delight free from artificial additives. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and sprinkles, it is vegetarian and can be part of a balanced holiday diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts on This Festive Quick Bread

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a celebration in every bite bringing together simple ingredients, seasonal colors, and cozy flavors into one easy-to-make loaf. Whether you make it for family breakfasts, festive gatherings, or thoughtful gifts, it promises smiles and warmth in each slice.

Try this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread to add a burst of holiday cheer to your kitchen and create joyful moments with loved ones around the table!