Fairy bread is a beloved Australian children’s party staple: white bread spread with butter and covered in hundreds and thousands (rainbow sprinkles). It’s simple, sweet, and nostalgic, and it works because the butter acts as a glue for the sprinkles, creating a crunchy, buttery, sugary treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. While its exact origins are disputed, it has been a fixture at Australian birthday parties for generations.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of soft white bread (such as Wonder White or a similar fluffy loaf)
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (150 g) hundreds and thousands (rainbow sprinkles), plus extra if needed
Instructions
- Lay the bread slices on a clean cutting board. Using a serrated knife, trim off the crusts if you prefer a classic, soft fairy bread. (Some people leave the crusts on, but the traditional version is crustless.)
- Spread a thin, even layer of butter over one side of each bread slice. Use enough butter to cover the entire surface, but not so much that it soaks through the bread. The butter should be at room temperature so it spreads easily without tearing the bread.
- Pour the hundreds and thousands into a shallow dish or plate. Press the buttered side of each bread slice into the sprinkles, gently pressing down so the sprinkles stick evenly. Shake off any excess.
- Cut each slice into triangles or fingers (strips). Triangles are the most common shape for fairy bread.
- Serve immediately. Fairy bread is best eaten fresh, as the sprinkles can soften if left to sit.
Tips
- Use soft, fresh bread: Stale or dense bread will crack when you spread the butter. Choose a soft, fluffy white loaf for the best texture.
- Butter temperature matters: Cold butter will tear the bread. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before spreading, or microwave it for 5-10 seconds to soften (but don’t melt it).
- Don’t skimp on sprinkles: Use a generous amount of hundreds and thousands. If you’re making a large batch, you may need more than 1 cup (150 g).
- Cut after sprinkling: It’s easier to cut the bread after applying the sprinkles, as the butter and sprinkles can make the bread stick to the knife if you cut before.
Serving Suggestions
Fairy bread is a party food through and through. Serve it on a platter at children’s birthday parties, baby showers, or school events. It pairs perfectly with fruit punch, lemonade, or a simple cup of tea for the adults. For a fun presentation, arrange the triangles on a plate in a circular pattern or on a stick for easy grabbing.
Variations
- Colored bread: Use a few drops of food coloring mixed into the butter to make the bread pink, blue, or green.
- Different sprinkles: Swap the rainbow hundreds and thousands for chocolate sprinkles, silver balls (though these are hard), or seasonal colors (e.g., red and green for Christmas).
- Vegan version: Use vegan butter and ensure your bread is dairy-free. Most sprinkles are vegan, but check the label.
- Fancy fairy bread: Cut the bread with cookie cutters into shapes like stars, hearts, or animals for a themed party.
Storage and Reheating
Fairy bread is best eaten immediately. If you must store it, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but note that the sprinkles will soften and the bread may become slightly soggy. Do not freeze fairy bread, as the texture will be ruined. There is no reheating method for fairy bread—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called fairy bread?
The name is believed to come from the idea that it’s a magical, whimsical treat for children. The exact origin is disputed, but it has been known in Australia since the 1920s, and it’s often associated with fairy tales and childhood wonder.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine works well and is a common substitute. It spreads easily and holds the sprinkles just as well. However, butter gives a richer flavor.
What are hundreds and thousands?
These are tiny, round, rainbow-colored sprinkles. In Australia, they are called “hundreds and thousands,” while in the US they are often called “rainbow sprinkles” or “jimmies.” You can find them in most supermarkets in the baking aisle.
Do I have to remove the crusts?
No, it’s a matter of personal preference. Traditional fairy bread is crustless, but leaving the crusts on is fine, especially if you’re making it for a more rustic presentation. Just make sure the bread is soft.
Can I make fairy bread ahead of time?
It’s not recommended, as the sprinkles will soften and the bread can become soggy. If you need to prepare in advance, you can butter the bread and cut it, but wait to add the sprinkles until just before serving.
Is fairy bread only for kids?
While it’s a children’s party classic, adults often enjoy it too as a nostalgic treat. It’s also popular at baby showers and retro-themed events.
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