Fairy bread is a beloved Australian and New Zealand children’s party treat: white bread spread with butter and covered in colorful sprinkles (called “hundreds and thousands”), then cut into triangles. It’s simple, sweet, and nostalgic, and it works because the butter acts as a glue for the sprinkles, creating a crunchy, buttery, sugary bite. While its exact origins are debated, it has been a staple at kids’ birthdays for generations, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white bread (sandwich-style, not artisan)
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (80 g) “hundreds and thousands” sprinkles (nonpareils)
Instructions
- Lay the bread slices on a clean cutting board. If the bread is very fresh, you may want to leave it out for 10 minutes to slightly dry, which makes spreading easier.
- Spread a thin, even layer of butter over one side of each slice, all the way to the edges. The butter should be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread.
- Pour the sprinkles into a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate).
- Take one buttered bread slice and press the buttered side down into the sprinkles, pressing gently so the sprinkles stick. Lift and tap off the excess. Repeat with all slices.
- Use a serrated knife to cut each slice into triangles (two triangles per slice, or four if you prefer smaller pieces).
- Serve immediately on a platter. The sprinkles should cover the butter completely, so no butter is visible.
Tips
- Use real butter: Margarine or spreads with high water content can make the bread soggy. Stick with softened butter for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the pressing: Pressing the bread into the sprinkles ensures they stick well. If you just sprinkle them on top, they’ll fall off.
- Cut with a serrated knife: A serrated knife (bread knife) cuts the soft bread cleanly without squishing it.
- Add sprinkles right before serving: If you make fairy bread ahead, the sprinkles can soften from the moisture in the butter. It’s best to assemble and serve within an hour.
Serving Suggestions
Fairy bread is a party food, so serve it on a colorful platter at children’s birthdays, picnics, or afternoon tea. It pairs well with other classic party treats like sausage rolls, party pies, and fruit punch. For a grown-up twist, serve it as a playful dessert at a retro-themed gathering.
Variations
- Different sprinkles: Use rainbow jimmies (long sprinkles) or chocolate sprinkles instead of nonpareils. Note that jimmies may not stick as well because they are larger.
- Bread alternatives: Try brioche or milk bread for a richer flavor, though the texture will be softer. Gluten-free white bread works too.
- Add a spread: Some people add a thin layer of jam or Nutella under the butter, but this is not traditional.
- Shape variations: Use cookie cutters to make star, heart, or animal shapes before dipping in sprinkles.
Storage and Reheating
Fairy bread is best enjoyed immediately. If you must store it, place the triangles in an airtight container lined with paper towels and refrigerate for up to 1 day. However, the bread may become slightly soggy and the sprinkles may bleed their color. Do not reheat fairy bread—it is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called fairy bread? The name likely comes from the idea that it is a magical, whimsical treat for children. The exact origin is unclear, but it has been a tradition in Australia and New Zealand since at least the 1920s.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Butter provides a firmer base for the sprinkles and a richer flavor.
What if I don’t have hundreds and thousands? You can use any small, round sprinkles (nonpareils) or even crushed candy. Avoid large sprinkles like jimmies, as they may not stick well.
Can I make fairy bread ahead of time? It’s not recommended, as the bread can become soggy and the sprinkles may soften. If you need to prep ahead, you can butter the bread and cut it, then add sprinkles just before serving.
Is fairy bread served at any specific occasion? It’s most commonly served at children’s birthday parties in Australia and New Zealand, but it can also be found at school events, picnics, and even some cafés as a nostalgic treat.
Can I use whole wheat bread? Yes, though the flavor will be nuttier and the texture denser. Traditional fairy bread uses white bread for a soft, neutral base.
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