The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and unforgettable memories, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful treat? Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a sweet, festive loaf that perfectly captures the spirit of holiday baking. With its light texture and colorful bursts of sprinkles, this bread is a delightful addition to your holiday table or as a comforting snack enjoyed with loved ones.
Why We Love This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a perfect example of holiday cheer in culinary form. This recipe marries a classic quick bread with the fun and festive colors of sprinkles, making it an irresistible choice for your holiday baking. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: This bread comes together quickly, which means you can have it fresh from the oven in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: Get the little ones involved! They’ll love adding sprinkles, making it a fun family activity.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain or adorn it with a simple glaze for an extra special touch.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap a loaf in festive paper to share with friends, neighbors, or teachers. It’s a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s appreciated during the busy holiday season.
- Delicious and Soft Texture: You’ll love the moist and tender crumb that comes from using buttermilk, making each bite feel special.
Understanding why this bread holds a special place in our hearts makes it easy to appreciate its role in holiday traditions.
Ingredients for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
To create this festive loaf, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed for the glaze)
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Nonpareils for topping
Gathering these ingredients ahead of time ensures a smooth baking experience. You will create something truly special that speaks to the joy of the season.
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful and straightforward process. Follow these steps for a successful baking experience:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by moving your oven rack to the upper third and preheat the oven to 350°F. This temperature helps the bread rise beautifully while developing a lovely golden color. Prepare a 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal once your bread is baked.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, take your all-purpose flour and sift it in. Add the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, and almond extract. Mixing these ingredients separately allows for a smooth integration into the dry mix, giving you a consistent batter.
- Combine Ingredients: Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. It’s essential to mix these together gently. Stir just until combined; over-mixing can lead to dense bread.
- Add the Fun Element: Gently fold in the sprinkles, which add that festive touch. This is the moment where the bread transforms into a celebration of color!
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Ride the waves of anticipation as you bake the bread for 45-50 minutes. The center should be set, ensuring that a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as every oven is a little different.
- Cool Down: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about five minutes. Then, carefully lift the bread out using the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling takes about 1-2 hours, but the aroma wafting through your home will be worth the wait!
- Make the Glaze: While your bread cools, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, three tablespoons of buttermilk, and light corn syrup in a bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more buttermilk if needed until you reach a pourable state.
- Glazing Time: Once the bread is cooled, drizzle the glaze over it, allowing it to cascade down the sides. To finish, sprinkle nonpareils on top, giving it that extra festive flare.
The joy comes not just from the baking process but from sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
When serving Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, make it an occasion. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience:
- As a Breakfast Treat: Slice the bread and enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with your morning beverage, adding a festive touch to your breakfast table.
- Holiday Snack: Serve slices on a festive platter during gatherings. It’s a fun and easy snack that guests can grab and enjoy as they mingle.
- Pair it Up: Complement the bread with spreads like butter or cream cheese to enhance its flavor. A light smear will elevate each bite.
- Festive Toppings: Consider adding seasonal toppings, like orange zest or cranberries, on the side to create a beautiful, colorful presentation.
- For Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option everyone will love.
By presenting the bread in creative ways, you can make your meals even more memorable.
Expert Tips for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
To ensure your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a success, consider these expert tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature. This helps the batter come together more smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix: Incorporate the wet ingredients gently into the dry. Too much mixing can make the bread tough, so mix just until combined.
- Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder and baking soda. Expired leavening agents can affect the bread’s rise and texture.
- Watch Your Oven: Since different ovens may vary, keep an eye on the bread. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: While almond extract is lovely, consider experimenting with other extracts, such as vanilla, for a unique twist.
With these tips, your baking adventure will be a hit!
How to Store Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
To maintain the freshness of your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, proper storage is key:
- Short-Term Storage: Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days.
- Long-Term Storage: If you’d like to save it for longer, consider freezing the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
- Thawing: To enjoy cold slices, simply remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a cozy touch.
Following these storage tips allows you to savor your festive creation for days!
Variations of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
While the classic version is fantastic, you can try some variations to keep things exciting:
- Chocolate Chip Add-ins: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist on the original recipe. The combination of chocolate and sprinkles creates a delightful treat.
- Citrus Zest: Adding orange or lemon zest to the batter provides a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens every bite, giving a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
- Nutty Finish: Walnut or pecan pieces can be integrated into the batter for a crunchy texture. They bring a lovely contrast to the softness of the bread.
- Brown Butter: Instead of regular melted butter, try brown butter. Its nutty flavor adds depth to the bread, making it even more indulgent.
- Swirl the Glaze: Consider using different colors of icing or glaze. You can create patterns or swirls on your bread for a visually striking presentation that’s perfect for the holidays.
Exploring these different variations allows you to customize your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread according to your preferences.
FAQ about Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with a non-dairy option like almond or soy milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tanginess. Be sure to find a suitable butter substitute as well.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free for the best results.
Can I add spices to the bread?
Absolutely! Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can infuse warm, aromatic flavors into your bread, perfect for the holidays.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t available, feel free to use vanilla extract instead. It will provide a different yet delightful flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Doubling the recipe can be done without any issues. Just ensure to use two separate loaf pans or adjust the baking time if using one larger pan.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk plus 3 tablespoons for glaze
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
Add-ins & Toppings
- 0.5 cup sprinkles for the bread
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted for glaze
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup for glaze
- Nonpareils for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the lightly beaten egg, buttermilk, melted and cooled butter, and almond extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
Baking
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Glazing
- While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of buttermilk, and light corn syrup until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and top with nonpareils.
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