There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, don’t you think? The air is crisp, the lights twinkle, and the aroma of freshly baked goods fills your home, inviting everyone to come together and celebrate. One delightful treat that encapsulates this festive spirit is the Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. As you prepare for gatherings with friends and family, this colorful and flavorful bread not only adds a festive touch to your table but also delights the taste buds of everyone who takes a slice.
Why We Love This Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Recipe
This holiday bread is more than just a treat; it’s an experience. The combination of buttermilk and almond extract brings a unique flavor twist, making each bite a delightful surprise. The burst of color from the sprinkles will certainly appeal to children and adults alike. The best part? It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a star on your holiday table.
You’ll find that this bread is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed warm, slathered with butter, or served alongside your favorite holiday spreads. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to engage your kids in the kitchen—let them help measure, mix, and, of course, sprinkle!
With all its festive charm and deliciousness, it’s hard not to fall in love with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up some holiday cheer.
Ingredients about Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
Creating this delightful bread requires some simple yet essential ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your festive bread to life:
- 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 glazing)
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Nonpareils for topping
How to Make Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread Directions
Making your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a simple and rewarding process. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To ensure your bread releases easily, line a 9×5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper.
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your bread, ensuring it rises nicely and has that perfect fluffy texture.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, lightly beaten egg, and almond extract until smooth. The addition of buttermilk not only keeps your bread moist but also adds a delightful tang.
Once your wet and dry ingredients are ready, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf. Finally, fold in the sprinkles, adding a splash of color and fun to your batter.
Now it’s time to transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels set to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Once baked to perfection, allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack, where it should cool completely for 1-2 hours.
While your bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, additional buttermilk, and corn syrup. Whisk until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency. Feel free to add more buttermilk if necessary to get the desired thickness.
Once your bread has fully cooled, generously spoon the glaze over the top. For a final festive touch, sprinkle with nonpareils, creating a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
How to Serve Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
When it comes to serving your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread, there are endless possibilities. This delightful loaf can be sliced and served as a standalone treat, perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunch spreads.
Consider pairing it with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or oranges, which can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the bread. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese can elevate it even more, making it a decadent choice for holiday gatherings.
Additionally, you can use this bread as a base for fun sandwiches for your little ones during festive parties. With its sweet flavor, it can be a great option for creative combinations paired with nut butter, jam, or even cream cheese spreads.
For a unique twist, serve it as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm bread, combined with the cool ice cream, creates a delightful contrast that everyone will enjoy.
However you choose to serve it, your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that adds happiness to your holiday celebrations.
Expert Tips: Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
To make your baking experience even smoother, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they mix evenly into the batter, contributing to a better rise and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: It’s crucial to mix the batter only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, which we definitely want to avoid for this light and fluffy treat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Check the expiration dates on your baking powder and baking soda. Fresh leavening agents ensure your bread rises perfectly during baking.
- Sprinkle Variations: Feel free to get creative with the colors of your sprinkles! Holiday-themed sprinkles can enhance the festive appeal, or you might choose a variety that matches your party’s color scheme.
- Glaze Consistency: When preparing your glaze, you want it to be pourable yet thick enough that it coats the bread without running off completely. Adjust the buttermilk gradually until you find that perfect texture.
- Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allowing your bread to cool completely will enhance its flavor and texture, making it even more enjoyable when served.
By keeping these tips in mind, you set yourself up for a successful baking experience, ensuring your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread turns out beautifully every time.
How to Store Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
To keep your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread fresh, it’s important to store it correctly. After your bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out and keep it moist.
If you plan to keep it for more than a couple of days, consider freezing it. Slice the bread first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a slice whenever the craving hits.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bread, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, you can even pop slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds.
Following these storage tips will ensure that your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread stays delicious for days to come!
Variation of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
One of the best things about baking is the ability to customize your recipes to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are some fun variations you might consider for your Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread:
- Flavor Enhancements: While almond extract is delicious, you can explore other flavor extracts like vanilla, hazelnut, or even peppermint for a festive twist.
- Add Fruits or Nuts: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Alternatively, you can include colorful dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a fruity surprise.
- Chocolate Swirl: For chocolate lovers, consider creating a marbled effect. Fold in cocoa powder to half the batter, and then swirl it with the plain batter before baking.
- Zest Up: Adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, can bring a bright, refreshing taste that complements the sweetness of the bread beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend includes a binding agent for best results.
Exploring these variations allows you to make this recipe your own while still keeping the festive spirit alive.
FAQ Section
What is Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread is a festive loaf that combines the tangy flavor of buttermilk with colorful sprinkles, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. It’s sweet and moist, making it ideal for various occasions.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and store the bread up to three days in advance. It’s also freezable for longer storage, just slice and wrap before freezing.
What can I serve with Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread?
This bread is versatile! Enjoy it plain, with butter, or alongside fresh fruits. It’s also delicious as a dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.
How do I achieve the best texture for this bread?
Be sure not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to dense bread. Use room temperature ingredients and let the bread cool completely for the best texture.
Can I customize the sprinkles?
Yes! Feel free to use a variety of sprinkles to match your celebration’s color theme or to create a unique look.
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
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- 0.5 cup sprinkles Colorful, for batter
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed) For glazing
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- to taste Nonpareils for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5 inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, beaten egg, and almond extract until smooth.
Combining
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
Baking
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cooling in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for 1-2 hours.
Preparing the Glaze
- In a mixing bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, additional buttermilk, and corn syrup, whisking until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
- Spoon the glaze generously over the cooled bread and sprinkle with nonpareils.
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