This festive Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is not only delightful to look at, but it also brings joy with every bite. The soft texture, sweet almond flavor, and colorful sprinkles make it a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or sharing as a gift, this bread captures the essence of the season with its cheerful appearance and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This quick bread requires no yeast and minimal prep time, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Festive Flavor: Infused with sweet almond extract, this bread offers a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional recipes.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped in decorative paper or placed in a festive loaf box, it makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
- Customizable Decor: You can personalize the sprinkles to match any holiday theme, ensuring your bread looks as good as it tastes.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it warm with butter or drizzle on extra glaze for an indulgent treat at any time of day.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will help streamline your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×5-inch aluminum loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf Pan: A sturdy loaf pan ensures even baking so your bread rises perfectly without collapsing.
- Mixing Bowls: Using separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients prevents clumping and allows for better mixing.
- Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your mixtures, leading to a lighter texture in the finished bread.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ 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 Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Nonpareils, for topping
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Move the rack to the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1½ teaspoons baking powder
4. ½ teaspoon baking soda
5. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 cup buttermilk
2. 1 large egg, lightly beaten
3. ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4. ½ teaspoon almond extract
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in:
– ½ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles (jimmies)
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely (approximately 1–2 hours).
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Once cooled, whisk together until smooth:
– 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
– 3 tablespoons buttermilk (add more if needed)
– 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
Aim for a thick yet pourable consistency.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Spoon the glaze over your cooled bread and sprinkle generously with nonpareils. Let it set before slicing into this festive treat!
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a festive brunch or gifting it to loved ones, here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your holiday experience.
For Breakfast
- Toast with Butter: A warm slice topped with butter melts beautifully, enhancing the bread’s almond flavor.
- With Jam or Jelly: Spread your favorite fruit preserves for a sweet and fruity twist.
As a Dessert
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair this bread with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the bread adds an indulgent touch.
Gift Ideas
- Wrap It Up: Package slices in festive bags for easy gifting during the holidays.
- Include a Note: Attach a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.
How to Perfect Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Perfecting your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread can elevate your baking game. Follow these simple tips for the best results.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combining wet and dry ingredients prevents tough bread; mix just until combined.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly; an incorrect temperature can affect baking time.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Letting the bread cool fully allows the glaze to set perfectly without melting away.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to complement this festive treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
- Egg Casserole: Savory egg casseroles provide protein and make for a hearty brunch alongside the sweet bread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the bread’s flavors.
- Sausage Links: Crispy sausage links offer a savory contrast to the sweet bread, perfect for breakfast gatherings.
- Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses for guests to enjoy with their slices of bread; creamy cheeses work particularly well.
- Holiday Spiced Tea or Coffee: A warm beverage enhances the cozy experience of enjoying this festive quick bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the outcome.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a dense texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough bread rather than the light, fluffy texture you want.
- Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for both dry and wet ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing. Glazing warm bread can cause the glaze to melt away rather than set nicely on top.
- Not checking for doneness: Always test with a toothpick before removing from the oven. If it comes out wet, give it more time to bake.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to maintain moisture.
Freezing Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.
Reheating Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds each, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize my Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
You can add other mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.
What makes this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread special?
The use of almond extract paired with colorful sprinkles gives this quick bread a festive twist perfect for celebrations.
How long will leftovers last?
Properly stored, leftovers will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is not only delightful with its soft texture and sweet almond flavor but also versatile enough for various occasions. Enjoy it as part of breakfast or brunch, or wrap it up as a lovely gift during the holiday season. Feel free to get creative with your own mix-ins!
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