Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread

A tender, festive buttermilk quick bread loaded with colorful sprinkles and topped with a sweet, glossy glaze. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifting, or a cheerful winter treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

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 recommended)

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk (plus more as needed)
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• Holiday nonpareils, for topping

Instructions

Make the Bread

1. Prep the Oven & Pan:
   Move the oven rack to the upper third position. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch aluminum loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, melted butter, and almond extract.
4. Make the Batter:
   Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the sprinkles.
5. Bake:
   Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool:
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Because the bread is dense, allow 1–2 hours for it to cool completely before glazing.

Make the Glaze

1. Whisk Together:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more buttermilk if needed until the glaze is thick but pourable.
2. Glaze the Bread:
   Once the bread is fully cooled, spoon the glaze over the top. Immediately sprinkle with holiday nonpareils before the glaze sets.

Notes

• Sprinkle Tip: Use jimmies rather than nonpareils in the batter—they bleed less color when baked.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Make Ahead: Bread can be made a day in advance. Glaze just before serving for best texture and appearance.

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