Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
There’s something magical about festive baking, and this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread embodies that spirit perfectly! Prepare yourself for a soft, fluffy loaf delightfully speckled with colorful sprinkles that bring holiday cheer to any table. Having made this recipe in multiple kitchens with countless friends and family, I can confidently say it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Why Make This Recipe
- Flavorful and Moist: The buttermilk in this bread gives it a rich, tangy flavor and a tender crumb that can’t be beaten.
- Festive Touch: The colorful sprinkles make it visually appealing and perfect for holiday gatherings or breakfast celebrations.
- Simple Process: This bread comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Shared Joy: Whether as a gift or centerpiece, baking this bread spreads joy and can be a treasured holiday tradition.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Involving kids in the colorful sprinkle addition turns baking into an enjoyable family activity. I remember making this bread with my niece, who loved watching the sprinkles transform the dough!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 10
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This recipe involves mixing, pouring into a loaf pan, and baking until golden brown, resulting in a delightful bread that’s perfect for slicing.
My Experience Making This Recipe
The first time I tried this bread, I was surprised by how fluffy and soft it turned out. Initially, I worried about balancing the sweetness with the tang of the buttermilk, but it harmonizes beautifully. One batch even disappeared before I could slice it, thanks to eager taste testers who couldn’t resist the aroma wafting from the oven!
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
To create this festive bread, you’ll start by combining dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and sugar. Then, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix everything gently until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense texture. You’ll fold in sprinkles at the end to maintain their vibrant colors. Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake. The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature to help with better incorporation and overall texture.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix the batter only until combined to keep the bread light and airy – a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Quality Sprinkles: Use nonpareils or jimmies instead of sugar sprinkles; they hold their shape better during baking and keep their colors bright.
- Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary greatly. Start checking for doneness at the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center.
- Cooling Time: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Serve warm, sliced with a pat of butter for a delectable breakfast treat. Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy morning, or slice it and toast it for a delightful brunch spread. The festive look makes it a fantastic centerpiece for holiday tables or lunch boxes in December!
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and toast it in a toaster oven or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until just heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a safe alternative, and consider adding xanthan gum for structural support.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Use almond or coconut milk yogurt in place of buttermilk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Flavor Boosts: Incorporate vanilla or almond extract for added flavor, or mix in festive spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a seasonal touch.
- Fruit Additions: Toss in chopped dried fruit or chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Highlights
This bread is a delightful treat, giving you a boost of calcium from buttermilk and a bit of protein from eggs. While it’s not a health food per se, moderation is key, and a slice can fit into many balanced diets. Please note: Contains wheat and dairy.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dense Bread: Over-mixing the batter can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until combined.
- Bread Sinking In Center: This could mean it was underbaked. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick, and place it back in the oven as needed.
- Sprinkles Bleeding: If you’re using lower-quality sprinkles, they can bleed color into the bread. Using high-quality sprinkles can help maintain their vibrant appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using. -
How can I tell when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready. -
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day ahead, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day for fresh bread. -
What can I do with leftover bread?
Leftover bread is perfect for French toast or bread pudding, adding a festive twist to those classics! You can also slice and freeze for quick breakfasts on busy days.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive baking embodies the holiday spirit with this soft, fluffy buttermilk bread speckled with colorful sprinkles, perfect for gatherings and breakfast celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, ensure ingredients are at room temperature and avoid over-mixing the batter. Use quality sprinkles to maintain color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg