One of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is baking with my grandchildren while holiday music fills the house. The kitchen becomes a happy little workshop of flour-dusted counters, sticky fingers, and sprinkles scattered everywhere. Last year, I decided to surprise them with something new: a cheerful loaf that looked like Christmas itself had landed in the oven.
We pulled out the sprinkles—bright red and green jimmies—and folded them into a sweet buttermilk batter that smelled of vanilla and butter. I remember the kids crowding around the oven window, pointing every time they spotted a sprinkle peeking through the golden crust. My husband was nearby, wrapping gifts at the dining table, and even he stopped to ask when the bread would be ready because the aroma was irresistible.
When the loaf finally cooled enough to slice, the speckles of color looked just like little ornaments hidden inside. The kids immediately declared it “Christmas confetti bread.” I’ll admit, I liked that name too.
Short Description
A soft, buttery buttermilk loaf dotted with festive red and green sprinkles, perfect for Christmas morning or holiday gatherings.
Key Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles (jimmies style; avoid nonpareils)
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Extra sprinkles for garnish
Tools Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until blended.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well, then stir in vanilla and buttermilk.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles
Gently fold in sprinkles, being careful not to stir too much so they don’t bleed.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or extra sprinkles if desired. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let cool completely before slicing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive and Fun: The colorful sprinkles make every slice feel like a celebration.
Moist and Tender: Buttermilk keeps the loaf soft and flavorful.
Kid-Friendly: A recipe kids can help with, from stirring to sprinkling.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or wrapped up as a homemade gift.
Simple to Make: Uses pantry staples with just one festive twist.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using nonpareils instead of jimmies: Nonpareils will bleed color. Stick to jimmies for bright pops.
Overmixing the batter: This can make the bread tough. Stir only until combined.
Not cooling fully before slicing: Warm bread can crumble. Be patient for neat slices.
Skipping parchment paper: It makes removal easier. If you forget, run a knife along the edges.
Overbaking: Start checking at 45 minutes; ovens vary.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Slice warm with butter for Christmas morning breakfast.
Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
Serve thin slices on a holiday dessert table alongside cookies and fudge.
Wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon for a festive edible gift.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend freshness.
Freeze slices individually in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
Warm slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes, plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk works as a substitute.
2. Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?
Absolutely. Adjust the bake time to about 25–30 minutes and check with a toothpick.
3. Will this recipe work with gluten-free flour?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, fold in up to ½ cup of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips along with the sprinkles.
5. How do I keep the sprinkles from sinking?
Toss them lightly in a spoonful of flour before folding into the batter.
Tips & Tricks
Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
Don’t skip the coarse sugar topping—it adds sparkle and crunch.
Cool completely before slicing to let the crumb set.
Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for New Year’s brunch.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip Holiday Bread: Replace sprinkles with mini chocolate chips and add a drizzle of glaze.
Citrus Christmas Bread: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the batter for a bright twist.
Glazed Sprinkle Bread: Top cooled loaf with powdered sugar glaze, then scatter sprinkles on top.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread has quickly become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s festive without being fussy, simple enough for a busy December evening, and joyful enough to spark smiles from everyone at the table.
When the loaf cools and the kids proudly decorate it with extra sprinkles, I can’t help but feel that this is what the season is all about—sharing laughter, creating together, and enjoying something sweet straight from the oven. For me, it’s not just bread; it’s a slice of holiday cheer wrapped in every colorful bite.
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 210g
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk 240ml
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup red and green sprinkles jimmies style; avoid nonpareils
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
- Extra sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth, then add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.
- Stir dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Fold in sprinkles gently to avoid bleeding.
- Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with coarse sugar or more sprinkles if desired.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10–15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
