Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful quick bread that combines the tangy flavor of buttermilk with colorful sprinkles, making it a cheerful addition to any holiday gathering. This easy-to-make recipe results in a tender loaf that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive gift. The vibrant sprinkles add a fun touch that both kids and adults will love!
Ingredients
For the Bread
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 cup buttermilk (reduced fat works well)
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
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½ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies)
For the Glaze
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2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed)
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1 tablespoon light corn syrup
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Nonpareils (for topping)
Method of Preparation
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, beaten egg, melted butter, and almond extract until well combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the sprinkles.
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Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup until smooth. Adjust with more buttermilk if needed for a pourable consistency.
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Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with nonpareils for an extra festive touch.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Mix Gently: To achieve the tenderest bread, mix the batter as little as possible once you combine wet and dry ingredients.
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Check Doneness: Ensure that you bake until the center is just set; if it’s still jiggly, bake it longer.
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Cool Completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before glazing helps achieve clean slices and a firm glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This festive bread is perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches. Serve it warm or at room temperature with coffee or hot cocoa. It also makes a lovely gift wrapped in cellophane with a festive ribbon!
Health Benefits of Ingredients
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Buttermilk: Provides calcium and probiotics which are beneficial for gut health.
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Sprinkles: While primarily for decoration, they add fun color and can enhance mood during celebrations.
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Almond Extract: Adds flavor without adding calories; almonds themselves are rich in healthy fats.
Summary of Recipe
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is an easy-to-make festive loaf that combines buttermilk with colorful sprinkles, resulting in a tender quick bread perfect for holiday celebrations. This recipe yields one loaf and takes about one hour from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This bread is loved for its delightful combination of flavors and textures—tender bread with sweet sprinkles makes it appealing to all ages. It’s an easy way to spread holiday cheer and can be made ahead of time for convenience during busy holiday seasons.
Interesting Facts
The tradition of adding sprinkles to baked goods dates back centuries, often used to celebrate special occasions. This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread brings that tradition into modern baking with its festive flair, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
In summary, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is not only delicious but also brings joy to your holiday table! Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends during your festive celebrations!
