The idea for this Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread came to me when I wanted a festive breakfast that felt special but wasn’t overly sweet or complicated. I remember that first Saturday morning test bake vividly. The scent of vanilla and buttermilk filled my kitchen as it baked, with a subtle, warm note from the batter rising in the oven. When I pulled the golden loaf from the pan, dotted with colorful sprinkles like edible confetti, and sliced into the tender crumb, I knew I had created something truly magical. It was the perfect centerpiece for our holiday breakfast table, bringing a smile to everyone’s face before the day even began.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, celebratory loaf that’s perfect for sharing. It’s moist, tender, and just sweet enough, with cheerful sprinkles in every bite that make it feel like a party. It comes together quickly with no yeast or kneading required, making it a stress-free baking project during the busy holidays. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, or just want to make an ordinary morning feel special, this bread delivers joy in every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter, cooled
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup rainbow jimmies-style sprinkles (plus extra for top)
Let’s talk ingredients. The buttermilk is the star here—it creates an incredibly tender, moist crumb with a slight tang. Don’t skip it; it makes a huge difference. If you’re in a pinch, you can make a “soured milk” substitute with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup, but real buttermilk is best. For the sprinkles, be sure to use “jimmies” (the little rod-shaped ones). Nonpareils (the tiny round balls) will bleed their color into the batter and turn it a murky gray, as I learned the hard way. The pure vanilla extract is essential for that warm, bakery-style flavor.
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