Fairy bread is a beloved Australian and New Zealand children’s party treat: soft white bread spread with butter and covered in colorful sprinkles (called “hundreds and thousands”). It is loved for its simplicity, nostalgia, and festive look, and it comes together in minutes with just three ingredients. This recipe delivers the classic version with tips for perfect coverage and fun variations.
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white bread (about 240 g / 8.5 oz total)
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened (or margarine for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) hundreds and thousands (rainbow sprinkles, not nonpareils)
Instructions
- Lay the bread slices on a clean work surface. If the bread is very fresh and soft, you can lightly press it with a rolling pin to make it slightly firmer, but this is optional.
- Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter over one side of each slice, reaching all the way to the edges. Use about 1/2 tablespoon (7 g) per slice. The butter should be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread.
- Pour the hundreds and thousands into a wide, shallow dish or plate. The dish should be large enough to fit a slice of bread flat.
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the sprinkles. Gently press down with your fingertips to ensure the sprinkles stick evenly across the entire surface.
- Carefully lift the bread and shake off any excess sprinkles. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more sprinkles to the dish as needed.
- Use a sharp knife to cut each slice into triangles (or squares, if you prefer). Cut off the crusts first if you want a more traditional, soft presentation.
- Serve immediately, or keep covered with a clean tea towel until ready to serve (within 1 hour).
Tips
- Use the right sprinkles: Australian and New Zealand “hundreds and thousands” are tiny, round, and crunchy. In other countries, look for “rainbow jimmies” or “confetti sprinkles”—avoid nonpareils (tiny balls) as they can be too hard and less colorful.
- Butter matters: Softened butter spreads more evenly and helps sprinkles stick better than cold butter. If you’re making this ahead, use slightly less butter to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t skip the press: Pressing the bread onto the sprinkles ensures good coverage. If you just sprinkle them on top, many will fall off.
- Keep it fresh: Fairy bread is best eaten the day it’s made. The sprinkles can soften over time, and the bread can dry out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve fairy bread at children’s birthday parties, baby showers, or any festive gathering. It pairs well with fruit platters, fruit punch, or a simple lemonade. For a more grown-up twist, serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee—the sweetness is a nice contrast to bitter drinks.
Variations
- Vegan/Dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter or margarine. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
- Chocolate sprinkles: Swap the rainbow hundreds and thousands for chocolate sprinkles for a richer flavor.
- Add a spread: For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread or jam under the butter, but note this may make the bread soggier.
- Bread alternatives: Use brioche or milk bread for a softer texture, or whole wheat for a slightly nutty flavor.
- Cut-out shapes: Use cookie cutters to make star, heart, or animal shapes before dipping in sprinkles.
Storage and Reheating
Fairy bread is best served immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The sprinkles may soften slightly, and the bread may dry out a bit. Do not refrigerate, as the bread will become stale faster. Reheating is not recommended—it will melt the butter and make the sprinkles soggy. If you must revive it, a few seconds in a toaster oven on low can crisp the edges, but this changes the texture significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make fairy bread ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it up to 2 hours ahead, but cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a tea towel to keep the bread from drying out. The sprinkles may start to soften after a few hours, so it’s best to serve within 1 hour.
Why does my fairy bread get soggy? Sogginess usually comes from too much butter or from storing it in an airtight container while the bread is still warm. Use a thin layer of butter and let the bread cool completely if it was toasted (though traditional fairy bread uses untoasted bread).
Can I use any type of sprinkles? You can use any colorful sprinkles, but the traditional choice is “hundreds and thousands”—tiny, round, and crunchy. Avoid large sugar crystals or nonpareils, as they may not stick well or might be too hard.
Is fairy bread served at room temperature? Yes, it’s typically served at room temperature. The butter should be soft but not melted, and the bread should be soft and fresh.
Can I freeze fairy bread? Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the bread and sprinkles will degrade, and the butter may separate. It’s best to make only what you need.
What is the origin of fairy bread? The exact origin is disputed, but it’s widely believed to have been popularized in Australia and New Zealand in the early 20th century. The name likely comes from the whimsical, colorful appearance, reminiscent of fairy food.
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