Name: Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg lightly beaten; 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled; 0.5 teaspoon almond extract; 0.5 cup sprinkles; 2 cups powdered sugar sifted; 3 tablespoons buttermilk plus more as needed; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; Nonpareils

Introduction to Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

When the holiday season rolls around, there's nothing quite like a cozy kitchen filled with the delightful scents of baking. Enter Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread—the perfect addition to your holiday festivities! This easy-to-make quick bread combines the tangy richness of buttermilk with sprinkles in festive colors, transforming a simple loaf into a cheerful centerpiece for breakfast or brunch.

Why Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a Must-Make This Holiday Season

Imagine starting your Christmas morning with a warm slice of this decadent bread, its soft texture melting in your mouth. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also looks stunning on the table! The colorful sprinkles add a touch of whimsy, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.

Plus, this recipe is incredibly simple, taking just about 10 minutes of prep time before popping it into the oven. Great for busy hosts or last-minute bake sales! If you’re looking for quick and budget-friendly recipes, this one truly checks all the boxes.

Whether slathered in butter, paired with Turkey Bacon, or enjoyed alongside a warm cup of cocoa, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is sure to become a new holiday tradition—one that will put smiles on the faces of everyone you share it with.

If you're ready to dive into this delightful recipe, continue reading for the full instructions and tips to make it a star on your holiday table!

Ingredients for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Creating the perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread begins with a few key ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver a tender, flavorful loaf. Gather the following essentials before you start:

Bread Components

All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for a light texture that holds up well.
Sugar: 1 cup adds sweetness and moistness to your bread.
Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons for a nice rise.
Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon to balance the buttermilk's acidity.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all the other flavors.
Buttermilk: 1 cup contributes to that special tang and moistness.
Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten for binding.
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, melted, gives richness.
Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon adds a lovely hint of nuttiness.
Sprinkles: ½ cup to bring in the festive cheer!

Glaze Ingredients

Powdered Sugar: 2 cups for sweetness in the glaze.
Buttermilk: 3 tablespoons, adjust for desired consistency.
Light Corn Syrup: 1 tablespoon helps the glaze shine.
Nonpareils: For a final touch of holiday sparkle!

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! For more creative ideas, check out King Arthur Baking or Food Network for other festive recipes. Your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is just a whisk away!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit, filling your kitchen with a warm aroma and adding a festive touch to your breakfast table. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious loaf ready to enjoy in no time!

Gather Your Ingredients

First things first, let’s assemble everything you’ll need. This recipe is straightforward and requires commonly found ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:

Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ cup sprinkles (go for Christmas colors for that festive vibe)
Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons buttermilk (you might need a bit more)
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
Nonpareils for decoration

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Loaf Pan

It’s time to get the oven ready! Move your oven rack to the upper third and preheat to 350°F (about 175°C). Meanwhile, line your 9x5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures your bread releases easily after baking—no one wants a loaf that sticks!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This simple step is crucial, as it ensures that all of these dry components are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten egg, melted butter, and almond extract. This mixture adds the moisture and flavor that makes our bread so delectably tender.

Bring It All Together and Fold in the Sprinkles

Now for the magic! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! Gently fold in those Christmas sprinkles. This is where you can feel the holiday cheer come alive!

Bake to Perfection

Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean from the center. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This is a perfect time to enjoy the delightful smells wafting through your kitchen.

Cool and Prepare the Glaze

Once your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread has cooled completely (which could take an hour or two), it’s time to whip up that luscious glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup. Adjust the consistency with more buttermilk if necessary—it should be pourable but thick enough to stay put.

Drizzle the Glaze and Top with Nonpareils

Finally, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with nonpareils for that extra festive touch. Now, gather your friends or family to share this delightful treat. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and revel in the joy of the season!

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread isn’t just delicious; it’s a lovely centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. For more festive recipes, check out this guide on holiday baking. Happy baking!

Variations on Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

The beauty of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread lies in its versatility. By simply switching up the sprinkles you use, you can create an entirely different feel each time! Consider festive options like:

Red and green sugars for a classic holiday touch
Gold and silver nonpareils for a touch of elegance
Holiday-themed shapes like stars and trees to delight the kids

Adding fruit or nuts can also elevate your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Try folding in:

Chopped cranberries for a tart burst of flavor
Pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch
Zest from oranges or lemons to brighten things up

Explore more ideas to customize your holiday baking by checking out these tips for enhancing quick breads. Enjoy your baking journey!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Importance of Ingredient Temperature

Using room temperature ingredients, particularly the buttermilk and egg, makes a world of difference in your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. This ensures a smooth batter that incorporates easily, allowing for an even rise. If you forgot to take them out ahead of time, a quick solution is to place the egg in warm water for about 10 minutes and let the buttermilk sit at room temperature for a bit before mixing.

How to Achieve a Moist and Dense Bread

To ensure your bread stays moist and dense, don’t overmix your batter! Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated will help retain that scrumptious texture. Additionally, consider adding an extra tablespoon or two of buttermilk if the batter feels too thick. This simple step can enhance the overall richness of your Christmas creation!

For more tips, check out Baker's Journal.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Perfect pairings for breakfast or brunch

Imagine starting your holiday morning with a warm slice of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. It pairs beautifully with a variety of breakfast items. Serve it alongside:

Turkey bacon for a savory kick
Creamy scrambled eggs, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs
A light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast
Hot coffee or a cozy chai latte to sip alongside

These combinations will elevate your breakfast table and leave guests feeling festive!

Creative ways to serve during holiday gatherings

When it comes to holiday gatherings, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread can shine as a delightful centerpiece. Here are some festive serving ideas:

Slice it into bite-sized pieces for a charming appetizer.
Drizzle the glaze and top with seasonal fruits, like pomegranate seeds, for a show-stopping presentation.
Incorporate it in a dessert buffet table, surrounded by other sweet treats.

Consider wrapping your bread in festive paper and attaching a little card with serving suggestions as adorable favors. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touch!

Time Breakdown for Making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Preparation time

The joy of making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread begins with a quick 10 minutes of preparation. Gather your ingredients, measure everything precisely, and mix those delightful colorful sprinkles in.

Baking time

Next, you’ll spend about 45-50 minutes watching your bread rise in the oven. The aroma will fill your kitchen and create a warm, festive atmosphere.

Cooling time

Once baked, it’s important to be patient! Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this takes about 1-2 hours for the dense loaf to set perfectly. Enjoy the anticipation as you wait to drizzle on that sweet glaze!

For more tips on baking or to learn how to make the perfect glaze, check out this resource.

Nutritional Facts for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

When indulging in Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, it's good to know what you're savoring. Each serving (⅛ of the loaf) contains approximately 511 calories. This delicious treat boasts 92g of carbohydrates, providing a hearty energy boost, along with 5g of protein. The delightful sweetness is balanced with 14g of fat, making it a truly festive addition to your holiday breakfast table.

For more details on how to maintain a balanced diet during the holiday season, check out this nutrition guide. Enjoy your treats in moderation and pair them with healthy options to keep the festive spirit both joyful and balanced!

FAQs about Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Can I use different types of milk?
Absolutely! While buttermilk is key to making this bread tender and flavorful, you can substitute it with any milk of your choice. If you want to mimic buttermilk’s tanginess, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it.

How can I store leftovers?
To keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer. Just ensure it's well-wrapped, and it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw it at room temperature.

What are some substitutions for the sprinkles?
If you’re looking to customize your bread, feel free to swap out the classic sprinkles. Chopped dried fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips can make delightful alternatives. Just remember, whatever you choose should match the festive spirit of your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread!

Conclusion on Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

In summary, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful treat that captures the joyful spirit of the holiday season. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it combines tender texture with vibrant sprinkles. Serve it at gatherings or gift it to friends; this bread will surely spread cheer!