Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is the kind of holiday treat that instantly brightens the kitchen. Soft, buttery, and beautifully speckled with red and green sprinkles, this festive loaf delivers a sweet vanilla flavor with the rich tenderness that only buttermilk can create. It has the nostalgic charm of a classic pound cake but feels lighter, softer, and perfect for Christmas mornings, dessert tables, or edible gifting. Each slice is moist, colorful, and incredibly cheerful—exactly the kind of recipe that becomes a yearly holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
You’ll love this bread because it’s incredibly easy while still tasting bakery-fresh. The buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, ensuring each bite is soft and melt-in-your-mouth. The sprinkles bring festive color without changing the flavor, so the loaf stays elegant yet playful. Additionally, it slices beautifully, stays moist for days, and makes a stunning gift wrapped in parchment and ribbon.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re searching for a holiday treat that isn’t heavy or overly sweet, this buttermilk bread is a perfect choice. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests. Since it bakes in one loaf pan, cleanup stays minimal. It’s also freezer-friendly, ideal for meal prep, and pairs effortlessly with coffee, cocoa, or spiced tea. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or dessert, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread always brings holiday joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
● 1 cup granulated sugar
● 2 large eggs
● 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
● 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
● 1 teaspoon baking powder
● ½ teaspoon baking soda
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ½ cup buttermilk
● ½ cup red and green Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
Optional Glaze:
● ½ cup powdered sugar
● 1–2 tablespoons milk
● Extra sprinkles for topping
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure clean lifting after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes pale, creamy, and lightly fluffy. This creates the base for a tender crumb.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. The batter should look smooth and emulsified.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Make sure the mixture is evenly blended.
5. Incorporate Buttermilk and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir gently until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf soft.
6. Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles using a spatula. Use “jimmies” to avoid color bleeding.
7. Fill and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Add Glaze
Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then move it to a rack. Once cooled completely, drizzle the optional glaze over the top and add extra sprinkles.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Slice)
Calories: 210
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 32g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 3g
Tips for the Best Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming.
- Choose jimmies—not nonpareils—to avoid color bleeding.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added.
- Use full-fat buttermilk for the softest crumb.
- Bake in the center of the oven for even browning.
- Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract for extra holiday flavor.
- Allow it to rest overnight—the flavor improves.
- Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts.
Variations & Substitutions
● Lemon Sprinkle Loaf: Add lemon zest and swap vanilla for lemon extract.
● Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in mini white chocolate chips.
● Cranberry Sprinkle Bread: Add dried cranberries for tartness.
● Almond Holiday Bread: Add almond extract and slivered almonds.
● Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon-sugar ribbon inside.
● Funfetti Christmas Cake: Add a simple vanilla buttercream on top.
● Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
● Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.
What to Serve With Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
This festive loaf pairs beautifully with:
● Peppermint hot chocolate
● Holiday spiced coffee
● Chai latte or cinnamon tea
● Christmas breakfast platters
● Fresh fruit bowls
● Whipped butter or cream cheese spread
It also shines on holiday dessert boards and makes a beautiful Christmas gift loaf.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Overmixing the batter, leading to dense texture
● Using nonpareil sprinkles—they bleed quickly
● Underbaking the center
● Skipping the parchment lining
● Cutting before the loaf fully cools
Storing Tips for the Recipe
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
In the Refrigerator: Lasts up to 1 week when well-covered.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To Serve Warm: Microwave a slice for 8–10 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
Conclusion
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a soft, festive, and irresistibly cheerful holiday recipe that brings together simplicity and charm. Its tender crumb, vibrant sprinkles, and smooth vanilla flavor make it ideal for Christmas mornings, winter gatherings, or gifting to loved ones. Whether you bake it once or all season long, this festive loaf always delivers joy.
Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I use low-fat buttermilk? Yes, though full-fat gives the best texture.
- Why did my sprinkles melt? You may have used nonpareils—jimmies work best.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, use two loaf pans.
- Can I make mini loaves? Absolutely—adjust baking time to 22–25 minutes.
- Can I freeze it with glaze? Yes, let the glaze set completely first.
- Do I have to use buttermilk? You can substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar.
- Can I add nuts? Pecans or walnuts work beautifully.
- Can I make this into muffins? Yes—bake at 350°F for 16–18 minutes.
- Why is my bread dense? Overmixing is the most common cause.
- Can I use cake flour? Yes, but reduce by 2 tablespoons.