Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe

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Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe. This delightful bread is easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to brighten up your holiday table. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a homemade gift, this buttermilk bread is a holiday favorite that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Preparing the Bread:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The buttermilk adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense and tough bread.
  5. Fold in the Sprinkles: Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the batter, distributing them evenly. Be careful not to overmix as this can cause the colors to bleed.
  6. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Preparing the Glaze:

  1. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. The glaze should be thick enough to set but thin enough to drizzle.
  2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.
  3. Decorate with Sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles over the glaze before it sets for an extra festive touch.

Tips for the Best Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread:

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the batter mix more evenly and the bread to rise properly.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
  • Customize Your Sprinkles: Feel free to use any type of sprinkles that suit the occasion, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a birthday celebration.
  • Proper Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Breakfast Delight: Serve slices of the bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a festive breakfast treat.
  • Holiday Dessert: Pair the bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
  • Gift Idea: Wrap the bread in decorative cellophane or a holiday-themed gift box to share with friends, family, or neighbors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

Healthier Variations:

  • Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking to reduce the sugar content.
  • Greek Yogurt: Replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while adding protein.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread ahead of time. Bake the bread and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Glaze and add sprinkles just before serving for the best presentation.

Can I Use Other Types of Milk?

Yes, you can use other types of milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. However, buttermilk gives the bread a unique tangy flavor and tender crumb, so it’s highly recommended.

How Do I Prevent the Sprinkles from Sinking?

To prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the bread, you can lightly coat them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps to keep them suspended throughout the bread.

Conclusion:

This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe is a festive and delicious addition to your holiday baking lineup. With its tender crumb, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles, it’s sure to bring joy and smiles to anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re looking for a holiday breakfast treat, a delightful dessert, or a homemade gift, this bread is the perfect choice. Happy baking and happy holidays!