Description
This Christmas Quick Bread—often called a Holly Jolly Sprinkle Loaf—is a festive, bakery-style holiday bread that’s soft, moist, and beautifully speckled with red and green sprinkles. Made without yeast, this quick bread comes together easily and bakes into a tender vanilla loaf with a buttery crumb and cheerful holiday charm. It’s the perfect alternative to dense fruitcake and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser during the Christmas season.
Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as a homemade edible gift, this loaf brings warmth, color, and joy to any holiday table.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Christmas quick bread recipe is ideal for:
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Home bakers looking for an easy holiday baking recipe
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Beginners who want a fail-proof festive loaf
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Families baking with kids during the holidays
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Anyone who loves soft, moist quick breads with a touch of vanilla
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Holiday hosts who need a make-ahead Christmas dessert or snack
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Gift-givers searching for a homemade Christmas food gift
Why It’s Great
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No yeast required – simple and fast to prepare
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Moist and tender texture thanks to buttermilk and butter
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Festive appearance with baked-in holiday sprinkles
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Customizable with glazes, citrus zest, or extracts
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Perfect for make-ahead baking during busy holidays
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Excellent shelf life compared to cakes or muffins
This recipe balances sweetness, softness, and visual appeal—everything a Christmas loaf should be.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this Christmas quick bread successfully, you’ll need:
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9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan
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Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and measuring spoons
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Wire cooling rack
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Parchment paper (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup red and green holiday sprinkles
Wet Ingredients
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold in the sprinkles to prevent color bleeding later. -
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth. -
Make the Batter
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the loaf tender. -
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. -
Cool
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store wrapped tightly for up to 3 days
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Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 7 days
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Freezer: Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months
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Thaw overnight at room temperature for best texture
FAQ
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Do sprinkles bleed into the batter?
Using jimmies or baking-safe sprinkles helps prevent color bleeding.
Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze works beautifully.
Can I turn this into muffins?
Yes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes in a lined muffin tin.
Is this bread very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet and well-balanced, perfect for both breakfast and dessert.
Conclusion
This Christmas Quick Bread recipe is the ultimate festive loaf—easy to make, incredibly moist, and full of holiday cheer. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and eye-catching sprinkles, it’s a reliable go-to for Christmas mornings, holiday gatherings, and homemade gifts. If you’re looking for a stress-free yet impressive holiday bake, this Holly Jolly Sprinkle Loaf deserves a spot in your seasonal recipe collection.
Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🍞✨
