Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
A festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations, Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful way to bring the spirit of the season to your table. This recipe combines the rich tang of buttermilk, the subtle sweetness of almond extract, and the cheerful burst of colorful sprinkles. Topped with a luscious glaze and nonpareils, this bread is as festive as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for gifting or enjoying with loved ones.
Ingredients Overview
Crafted from pantry staples, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create a showstopping dessert. Buttermilk lends a tangy richness, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and glaze. Almond extract adds a nutty aroma, elevating the flavor profile to something truly special. The sprinkles and nonpareils bring vibrant holiday cheer, transforming this bread into a visual delight that captures the essence of Christmas. Each element plays a vital role, ensuring a moist, flavorful, and festive result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this bread is as enjoyable as eating it, thanks to its straightforward process and delightful results.
Preparing Your Kitchen and Tools
Selecting the right loaf pan is crucial for achieving an even bake. Aluminum pans are preferred for their ability to distribute heat evenly, ensuring the bread cooks uniformly. Lining the pan with parchment paper is a game-changer, allowing for easy removal without sticking or breaking. Taking these small preparatory steps can make a significant difference in the final product.
Mixing the Bread Batter
Achieving a balanced batter requires a gentle touch. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so it’s important to combine the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated. Sprinkles should be folded in at the very end to prevent color bleeding and maintain their festive appearance. Using a light hand ensures the batter remains airy and perfectly textured.
Baking to Perfection
The oven is where the magic happens. Baking at 350°F on the upper rack ensures even browning and a well-set center. Checking doneness with a toothpick is a foolproof method; a clean toothpick means the bread is ready. After baking, allow the bread to rest for five minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Proper cooling is essential to develop the dense, moist texture that defines this bread, which may take up to two hours.
Creating the Glaze
A silky, pourable glaze is the crowning glory of this bread. Whisking powdered sugar with buttermilk and corn syrup creates a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the loaf. Adjusting the buttermilk ensures the perfect consistency, and a steady drizzle technique adds an elegant touch. Topping with nonpareils completes the festive look, making the bread ready for any holiday celebration.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Why room-temperature ingredients matter:
Room-temperature butter and eggs incorporate more easily, creating a smoother batter.
Substitutions for almond extract:
Vanilla or orange extract can be used for a different, equally delightful flavor.
Suggestions for adding a personal touch:
Consider festive food coloring in the glaze or using holiday-themed sprinkles for added charm.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Whole wheat flour adds nuttiness, while gluten-free flour works with slight adjustments to liquid ratios.
How do I store the bread to keep it fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to a month.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Bake the bread a day ahead and glaze just before serving for the freshest presentation.
What type of sprinkles work best for this recipe?
Non-melting sprinkles are ideal, as they maintain their vibrant color during baking.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair this festive bread with warm holiday beverages like spiced cider or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Its sweet flavor also complements lighter desserts, such as fruit salads or chocolate truffles, creating a balanced spread. Serve it as part of a holiday breakfast alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, or feature it as a dessert centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Showcase this bread on a decorative platter lined with parchment or festive tissue paper for a charming presentation. For gifting, wrap slices individually in wax paper and tie with a ribbon, or place the whole loaf in a holiday tin. These thoughtful touches elevate this bread from a simple treat to a heartwarming gift.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition waiting to be shared. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or given as a heartfelt gift, it embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Bring cheer to your loved ones with this delightful bread, a true celebration of the magic of Christmas.
Ingredients
Bread
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sprinkles
Glaze
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons buttermilk, plus extra if needed
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
Nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
Bread
Position your oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch aluminum loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt, ensuring they are well-mixed. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten egg, melted butter, and almond extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the batter comes together—avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring an even distribution.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center of the bread is fully set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely—this dense buttermilk bread may take 1-2 hours to fully cool.
Glaze
Once the bread has completely cooled, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup until the mixture reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Add a little more buttermilk if necessary to achieve the desired texture.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Finish by sprinkling nonpareils on top for a festive touch. Let the glaze set before serving for the best presentation.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk plus extra if needed
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
Bread
- Position your oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch aluminum loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt, ensuring they are well-mixed. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten egg, melted butter, and almond extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the batter comes together—avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring an even distribution.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center of the bread is fully set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely—this dense buttermilk bread may take 1-2 hours to fully cool.
Glaze
- Once the bread has completely cooled, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup until the mixture reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Add a little more buttermilk if necessary to achieve the desired texture.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Finish by sprinkling nonpareils on top for a festive touch. Let the glaze set before serving for the best presentation.