Fairy Bread
MORE ABOUT FAIRY BREAD DAY HERE.
If fairy bread is on the party table, you already know it’s going to be the first thing devoured. It’s an absolute Australian classic, a staple of every childhood birthday party, and honestly, it holds a permanent soft spot in my heart.
There is nothing complicated about it, all you need is soft white bread, butter, and plenty of sprinkles (the O.G. 100s & 1000s!). It proves that sometimes, the simplest treats are the most magical. Plus, with Fairy Bread Day coming up in November raising funds for The Pyjama Foundation in partnership with Dollar Sweets, there’s never been a better excuse to whip up a batch!
Just remember the golden rule: always (and I mean ALWAYS) cut your bread into neat little triangles. Diagonally, and then diagonally again. It’s non-negotiable!
Jump to RecipeWhat is Fairy Bread?
Fairy bread holds a wonderfully cherished place in Australian food history and culture, dating back well over a century.While its exact origins are often traced back to a late-19th-century reference in a Hobart newspaper (which mentioned children enjoying “fairy bread” alongside slices of bread and butter) the treat truly cemented its legendary status across generations of Australian childhoods.
It became the undisputed mandatory centrepiece of virtually every birthday party, school fete, and community gathering from the mid-20th century onward. Its enduring magic lies in its absolute simplicity: it democratised celebration food, proving that you didn’t need fancy ingredients to create something joyful, colourful, and universally loved.
Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Aussie nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times and the pure, unadulterated fun of childhood parties.
What you will need:
- Soft white sandwich loaf bread (the squishier, the better!)
- Butter (softened, and definitely not unsalted, you want that hint of salt)
- 100s & 1000s (be generous!)
Why This Works
The Salt-to-Sweet Ratio: Using salted butter cuts through the intense sweetness of the 100s & 1000s, keeping every bite balanced and completely addictive.
Maximum Coverage: Pressing the bread directly into a flat tray of sprinkles ensures an even, dense blanket of colour without any bare patches.
Pure Nostalgia: It takes less than five minutes to make, transporting you straight back to childhood birthday parties in a single bite.
Em’s Pro Tips:
Don’t let the butter stay too cold! You want it beautifully soft and spreadable so the 100s & 1000s grab on tightly. And remember, sprinkles make everything better, so when you think you have enough sprinkles on there, add just a few more! 🎉
How to make it:
Butter generously: Lather one side of each slice of bread right to the edges with your softened butter.
Add the magic: Pour your 100s & 1000s into a shallow dish or tray, then gently press or dip the buttered side of the bread straight into the sprinkles until completely covered.
The sacred cut: Cut your slices into small triangles (diagonally, and then diagonally again!). Serve immediately and watch them disappear.
How to store:
Fairy bread is always at its absolute best when served fresh. But let’s be real, when you’re prepping for a party, you need things ready to go ahead of time! If you need to get ahead, you can assemble your fairy bread, pop it on your serving plate or tray, and wrap it tightly with cling film to keep it soft for a few hours before guests arrive. Just keep it at room temperature, and it’ll be ready to steal the show when it’s time to party.
Happy Baking!
If you haven’t tried fairy bread before, this is an absolute must-try. Once you do, you’ll see what all the fuss is about!
More Fairy Bread Recipes
Master the ultimate classic Australian fairy bread with this quick and easy recipe. Featuring soft white bread, salted butter, and a mountain of colourful 100s & 1000s, it’s the ultimate nostalgic party treat!
Ingredients
1 loaf soft white sandwich bread
Softened butter (salted, not unsalted)
100s & 1000s (sprinkles)
Method
- Lather one side of each slice of bread generously with softened butter right out to the edges.
- Pour your 100s & 1000s into a shallow dish or tray. Gently press or dip the buttered side of the bread straight into the sprinkles until completely and evenly covered.
- Cut your slices into small triangles (diagonally, and then diagonally again!).
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear.
Notes
- Em’s Pro Tip: Don’t let butter stay too cold! You want it beautifully soft and spreadable so the 100s & 1000s grab on tightly. Sprinkles make everything better, so when you think you have enough, add just a few more!
- How to Store: Fairy bread is always at its best when served fresh, but if you’re prepping for a party, you can assemble your platter, wrap it tightly with cling film, and keep it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
About Em
Hi, I’m Em. A self-taught baker, sweet tooth, and the creator behind Em’s Sweet Life. I believe baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.
Here you’ll find easy, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, a few shortcuts, and a whole lot of heart.
What started as a weekend hobby has turned into my happy place. A space to share the treats I love baking for family and friends.
Whether it’s a last-minute dessert, a nostalgic classic, or something new to impress at your next gathering, my goal is to help you feel confident (and calm!) in the kitchen.
Grab a cup of tea, preheat your oven, and let’s bake something sweet together.
YouTube Videos
Want to hang out in the kitchen with me? If you’re a visual learner (or just like watching butter and sugar come together), I’ve filmed step-by-step videos for all my favourite recipes! You can find the full tutorials over on my YouTube channel now. Let’s bake something delicious together!
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