There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, and this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread captures that festive spirit in every bite. With its soft, moist texture and vibrant holiday sprinkles, this quick bread is a joy to bake and share. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, gifting homemade treats, or simply enjoying a slice with hot cocoa, this recipe delivers festive flavor with minimal effort. The buttermilk gives it a rich tang, while the colorful sprinkles make it irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Buttermilk Bread
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread checks all the holiday baking boxes: it’s quick to make, family-friendly, and eye-catching on any dessert table. It uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in one bowl — perfect for busy holiday schedules. The buttermilk ensures the loaf stays tender and moist, while the sprinkles add both crunch and visual cheer. It’s ideal for breakfast, snack time, or gifting in a pretty wrap.
Festive Ingredients That Make It Shine
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft base of the quick bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Essential for helping the bread rise evenly and achieve a fluffy crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Buttermilk: The star ingredient for a moist texture and tangy flavor.
• Large Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
• Canola Oil: Provides moisture without overpowering the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor profile and pairs beautifully with the sprinkles.
• Christmas-Colored Sprinkles: Brings festive color, texture, and fun to the loaf.
Festive Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Greek Yogurt + Milk: If you’re out of buttermilk, mix ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt with ¼ cup milk.
• Melted Butter: Swap canola oil with melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
• Natural Dye Sprinkles: For a cleaner ingredient list, use sprinkles colored with natural dyes.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add buttermilk, egg, canola oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix just until no dry flour remains—do not overmix.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top before baking.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and add the remaining sprinkles. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Holiday Loaf
• Use Fresh Sprinkles: Old or low-quality sprinkles may bleed into the batter. Opt for jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles) which hold up best during baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until ingredients are incorporated.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Cool Before Slicing: This prevents crumbling and helps the texture set perfectly.
Fun Pairings and Tasty Variations
Pair your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread with:
• Hot Chocolate: A cozy holiday drink makes this bread even more magical.
• Eggnog Glaze: Drizzle with a sweet eggnog glaze for extra holiday flair.
• Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese Frosting: Serve with a dollop for dessert-like indulgence.
• Holiday Charcuterie Boards: Cut into mini squares and add to a sweet board with cookies, fruit, and candy canes.
• Gifting: Wrap cooled slices in wax paper and festive ribbon for a thoughtful edible gift.
Variations:
• Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring in warm holiday spice.
• Mini Loaves: Use mini loaf pans for adorable individual gifts — reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
A Delicious Holiday Tradition
Baking Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread can become a cherished tradition in your home. It’s simple enough for kids to help with, and the result is a beautiful, festive loaf that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast or wrapping it up for neighbors, this colorful, fluffy treat spreads holiday cheer one slice at a time.
Final Thoughts on This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is more than just a festive treat — it’s a celebration of simplicity, joy, and holiday flavor. With its moist crumb, colorful sprinkles, and classic vanilla notes, it brings a little magic to every bite. Whether you’re baking for your family, holiday guests, or gift-giving, this easy buttermilk bread never fails to impress. Add it to your holiday traditions and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table — one delicious slice at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Can I make this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread keeps well for 2–3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
What kind of sprinkles work best for baking in this recipe?
Use “jimmies,” the rod-shaped sprinkles, as they hold their shape and color during baking. Avoid nonpareils (tiny round balls), which tend to bleed into the batter and may affect the color.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk + 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy acidity. Also, use a neutral oil like avocado or coconut oil in place of canola.
More Relevant Recipes
- Cranberry & Apricot Couronne: A Festive French-Inspired Christmas Bread
- Cranberry Eggnog Bread: A Festive Holiday Favorite
- Cheddar and Herb Soda Bread: A Rustic, No-Yeast Loaf Full of Flavor
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a moist, festive quick bread made with buttermilk and holiday sprinkles. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or edible gifts during the Christmas season, this easy recipe delivers joyful flavor and colorful charm in every slice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: base structure of the bread
- 1 cup granulated sugar: adds sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: helps the bread rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: balances flavors
- 1 cup buttermilk: adds moisture and tang
- 1 large egg: binds ingredients together
- 1/2 cup canola oil: keeps the bread moist
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: adds warm flavor
- 1/2 cup Christmas-colored sprinkles: festive color and fun texture
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in most of the sprinkles, reserving some to sprinkle on top of the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Add the remaining sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use jimmies sprinkles for best results — they hold their color during baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
- This bread makes a great edible holiday gift wrapped in festive paper.
- You can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months if wrapped well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread, Holiday, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
