Fairy bread is a beloved Australian children’s party treat made from soft white bread, butter or margarine, and hundreds and thousands (rainbow sprinkles). It is loved for its simplicity, sweet crunch, and nostalgic appeal, and it comes together in under five minutes with just three ingredients. This recipe delivers the classic version that is a staple at birthday parties across Australia, and it is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 12 slices soft white sandwich bread (about 340 g / 12 oz)
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, softened, or margarine
- 1 cup (150 g) rainbow hundreds and thousands (nonpareil sprinkles)
Instructions
- Lay the slices of bread out on a clean, dry work surface. If the bread is very fresh and soft, you can leave it as is; if it is slightly stale, you may lightly toast it for 30 seconds to make it easier to spread, but traditional fairy bread uses untoasted bread.
- Using a butter knife or an offset spatula, spread a thin, even layer of softened butter or margarine over one side of each slice of bread. The butter should be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread but not so thick that it is gloppy. Cover the entire surface right to the edges.
- Pour the hundreds and thousands into a wide, shallow dish, such as a pie plate or a small baking tray. The dish needs to be large enough to fit a slice of bread flat.
- Take one buttered slice of bread and gently press the buttered side down into the sprinkles. Press evenly so the sprinkles stick to the entire surface. Lift the bread and shake off any excess sprinkles back into the dish.
- Repeat with the remaining slices of bread, working one at a time. If the butter becomes too hard to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften again.
- Once all the slices are covered, use a sharp knife to cut off the crusts. For a classic look, cut each slice into four triangles. You can also cut them into squares, fingers, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Serve immediately. Fairy bread is best enjoyed right after it is made, while the bread is soft and the sprinkles are crunchy.
Tips
- Use the right sprinkles: The authentic Australian ingredient is “hundreds and thousands,” which are tiny, round, rainbow-colored sprinkles. In the US, these are often called “nonpareils.” Avoid using long jimmies-style sprinkles, as they do not stick as well and look different. If you can only find jimmies, chop them finely before using.
- Butter vs. margarine: Traditional fairy bread is made with margarine, which spreads very thinly and has a neutral flavor. Unsalted butter works beautifully and adds a richer taste, but make sure it is very soft so it doesn’t tear the bread.
- Don’t skip the crusts: The crusts are always removed. It is much easier to cut them off after the sprinkles are applied, as the sprinkles help hold the bread together and prevent it from crumbling.
- Make it ahead (sort of): You can butter the bread and cut off the crusts a few hours in advance, storing the buttered bread in an airtight container. However, only add the sprinkles right before serving, or they will become soggy and lose their crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Fairy bread is the quintessential party food. Serve it on a large platter at a children’s birthday party, a baby shower, or a school celebration. It pairs perfectly with other classic party foods like sausage rolls, party pies, and fruit skewers. For a fun afternoon tea, serve it alongside a glass of milk, a fruit punch, or a cup of tea for the adults. It is also a delightful addition to a themed “Down Under” brunch or an Australia Day celebration.
Variations
- Chocolate Fairy Bread: Swap the plain white bread for chocolate-flavored bread, or spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread under the butter for a double-chocolate treat.
- Vegan Fairy Bread: Use a good quality vegan butter or margarine and ensure your bread is vegan (most commercial white breads are, but check the label). The sprinkles are typically vegan, but double-check the packaging.
- Color-Themed: Instead of rainbow sprinkles, use a single color to match a party theme—pink for a princess party, blue for a baby boy shower, or green and red for Christmas.
- Fairy Bread Cookies: For a sturdier version, use thick-cut slices of brioche or a dense milk bread, or even make it with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different texture.
Storage and Reheating
Fairy bread is best consumed immediately, as the sprinkles will soften and the bread will become stale if left out for more than a few hours. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, but the texture will be significantly less crisp. Do not refrigerate, as the cold will make the bread dry out faster. Reheating is not recommended, as it will melt the sprinkles and ruin the texture. The best approach is to make only as much as you plan to eat in one sitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of bread? While soft white sandwich bread is the classic choice, you can use brioche, milk bread, or even a gluten-free white bread if needed. Avoid dense, crusty breads like sourdough, as they are too thick and chewy for this delicate treat.
What if I don’t have hundreds and thousands? If you cannot find nonpareils, you can use any small, round sprinkle. The important thing is that they are small and granular so they stick to the butter. You can also crush larger sprinkles or use colored sugar crystals, though the effect will be slightly different.
Why does my butter tear the bread? This happens when the butter is too cold or too hard. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and very soft before you start. If you are in a hurry, you can microwave it for 5-10 seconds, but do not melt it completely.
Can I make fairy bread with a spread other than butter? Yes, you can use cream cheese, peanut butter, or a nut-free spread like Wowbutter. The key is to use a spread that is thick enough for the sprinkles to stick to but not so wet that it makes the bread soggy.
How far in advance can I make fairy bread? You can prepare the buttered, crustless bread up to a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, you must add the sprinkles no more than 1-2 hours before serving, or they will lose their crunch and become soft.
Is fairy bread an Australian thing? Yes, fairy bread is a beloved tradition in Australia and New Zealand, commonly served at children’s birthday parties. Its exact origin is disputed, but it has been a staple of Australian party food for decades, with the first known published recipe appearing in a 1929 Australian newspaper.
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