Ingredients
For the Bread:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs, room temperature
-
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
-
½ cup holiday sprinkles (use jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Glaze:
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Extra sprinkles for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven & Pan
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Flavor Add-In Note Cranberry Vanilla ½ cup dried cranberries Tangy and festive Chocolate Chip ½ cup mini chips For chocolate lovers Lemon Almond 1 tsp lemon zest + ½ tsp almond extract Bright and fragrant Peppermint Twist ½ tsp peppermint extract + crushed candy canes Perfect for December parties -
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
-
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix.
-
Mix just until combined — do not overmix, or the loaf will become dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles
-
Gently fold in ½ cup holiday sprinkles using a spatula.
-
Toss sprinkles in a teaspoon of flour beforehand to prevent sinking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
-
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
-
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
-
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
-
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
-
Drizzle over cooled bread and decorate with extra sprinkles.
Notes
-
Don’t overmix – it can make the bread tough.
-
Storage: Store at room temperature up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
-
Sprinkle tip: Use “jimmies” (rod-shaped sprinkles) — they don’t bleed color.
-
Make it ahead: Bake a day early; flavors develop overnight.
-
Variation idea: Add dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for extra holiday flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Category: dessert