Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread – Best Festive Recipe

Nothing says holiday magic quite like a warm slice of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread fresh out of the oven. This festive quick bread is a delightful mix of rich buttermilk flavor and colorful holiday sprinkles, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or gifting. With its moist crumb and vibrant look, this easy Christmas bread recipe brings joy to every bite—and it comes together with pantry staples in under an hour.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or entertain the kids with a holiday baking activity, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, beautiful, and irresistibly tasty. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Buttermilk Bread

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread isn’t just adorable—it’s also full of practical benefits for busy holiday bakers.

  • Quick and Easy: As a no-yeast, one-bowl quick bread, it requires minimal effort and no fancy tools.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids love the colorful sprinkles and soft texture, and they can help with mixing and decorating.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it up in festive parchment or a holiday tin, and it makes an ideal edible gift.
  • Customizable: Change the sprinkles, glaze it, or slice it up into mini loaves—there are endless ways to make it your own.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The subtle vanilla flavor and moist buttermilk crumb make it a hit with all ages.

Whether you serve it for breakfast on Christmas morning or as an afternoon snack with cocoa, this holiday bread is a guaranteed winner.

Festive Ingredients That Make This Bread Shine

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise evenly and gives it a light texture
Baking Soda: Reacts with the buttermilk to create a tender, airy interior
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and enrich the batter
Buttermilk: The star ingredient, adding tang and tenderness to the loaf
Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and holiday aroma
Canola Oil: Keeps the bread ultra-moist without overpowering flavor
Christmas Sprinkles: Bring the holiday cheer with color and crunch

Each ingredient works together to deliver the signature texture and flavor of this beloved Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.

Need a Substitute? Try These Simple Swaps

Whether you’re out of a key ingredient or cooking for dietary needs, here are easy alternatives:

  • Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
  • Canola Oil Replacement: Use vegetable oil, melted butter, or even applesauce for a lighter option.
  • Egg Alternative: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
  • Sprinkle Variety: Use jimmies, nonpareils, or themed sprinkles for other holidays like Valentine’s or Easter.

These variations help maintain the festive spirit while offering flexibility for what you have on hand.

How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread – Step by Step

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and canola oil until smooth.
  4. Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Add the sprinkles: Gently fold in most of the Christmas sprinkles, reserving a few for topping.
  6. Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing.

This step-by-step guide ensures your holiday bread comes out picture-perfect and irresistibly moist every time.

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Expert Tips for the Perfect Holiday Bread

A few extra tips will elevate your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread from good to unforgettable:

  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the flour disappears to avoid a dense texture.
  • Sprinkle Smart: Use jimmies instead of nonpareils to prevent color bleeding.
  • Use Parchment Paper: It makes removing the bread from the pan a breeze.
  • Check for Doneness: If the top is browning too fast, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
  • Cool Before Slicing: Letting it cool fully keeps the slices clean and even.

Following these tricks ensures your holiday baking goes off without a hitch.

Serving Suggestions and Tasty Variations

Pair your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread with one of these delicious ideas:

  • Warm Beverage Pairings: Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, or mulled cider for a cozy holiday moment.
  • Festive Toppings: Add a vanilla glaze or cream cheese drizzle for extra indulgence.
  • Mini Loaf Gifts: Use mini pans to bake smaller loaves, perfect for holiday gifts or party favors.
  • Add Mix-Ins: Try white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or crushed peppermint for extra holiday flair.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Bake a day early—this bread tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

You can also slice and toast leftovers with butter for a comforting holiday breakfast.

A Festive Tradition with a Buttermilk Twist

What makes this holiday bread truly special is the use of tangy buttermilk, which not only enriches the flavor but also creates a delightfully soft texture. The red and green sprinkles tucked into each slice evoke memories of childhood, baking with family, and the joyful anticipation of Christmas morning.

Buttermilk breads have long been a staple in Southern kitchens, and this updated holiday version offers a nostalgic nod with a colorful twist. It’s a feel-good recipe that celebrates comfort and creativity—all in one loaf.

Wrap-Up: A Holiday Bread Worth Baking Every Year

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a joyful holiday tradition wrapped in sprinkles and baked with love. With its moist texture, subtle vanilla sweetness, and festive flair, this easy quick bread is sure to become a family favorite. It’s ideal for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging during the cozy days of December.

Whether you’re a seasoned holiday baker or just getting started, this recipe delivers all the magic with none of the stress. From its simple prep to its eye-catching results, this is one Christmas bread you’ll come back to every year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I store Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?

Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped loaf in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use different sprinkles for other holidays?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses red and green for Christmas, you can swap them out for pastel sprinkles at Easter, red and pink for Valentine’s Day, or orange and black for Halloween. The base recipe remains the same—it’s perfect for year-round celebrations.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. To make it dairy-free, replace buttermilk with a plant-based alternative (like almond milk plus vinegar or lemon juice), and use dairy-free sprinkles. The results will still be moist and delicious.

More Relevant Recipes

  • Eggnog Bread – Festive Moist Holiday Treat: A holiday favorite, this quick bread uses creamy eggnog for a rich, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with seasonal baking traditions. Perfect for breakfast or gifting like Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread.
  • Christmas Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls: While not a bread, this sweet-and-savory treat is festive and easy to prepare. The tart cranberries echo the seasonal notes found in buttermilk breads and make a great addition to holiday platters.
  • Cinnamon Bread – Easy Recipe for Gifting: This sweet loaf shares the same gifting potential and warm flavor profile as Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. It’s a cozy, cinnamon-swirled treat ideal for holiday mornings.
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Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread


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  • Author: Elina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist, festive, and easy-to-make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread loaded with red and green sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gifting, breakfast, or dessert. This quick bread is made with tangy buttermilk and a touch of vanilla for a nostalgic holiday flavor.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise evenly
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the buttermilk for a tender texture
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture
  • 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and enriches the batter
  • 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the bread moist
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aroma
  • 1/3 cup canola oil: Keeps the bread moist
  • 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles (plus more for topping): Adds festive color and crunch


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and canola oil until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in 1/2 cup of Christmas sprinkles gently.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle additional sprinkles on top.
  7. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure a soft texture.
  • Use jimmies-style sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
  • Wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Try white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for variation.
  • Parchment paper makes for easy removal from the pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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