Fairy Bread: A Classic Australian Party Treat

Updated: Sept. 10, 2025

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 slice of fresh white sandwich bread (preferably soft and slightly crusty, 100–120g)

• Butter, softened to room temperature (½ tablespoon, or ~7g; adjust based on bread size)

• Hundreds and thousands (round colored sprinkles), to taste (generous ~1 tablespoon for full coverage)

Tools

• Sharp knife (for spreading butter and slicing)

• Rimmed plate (to catch excess sprinkles)

• Spatula or butter knife (for even butter application)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Place the slice of white bread on a clean, flat surface. If desired, trim the crusts (a personal preference; traditional recipes may retain crusts for texture).

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Using a knife or spatula, spread the softened butter evenly and edge-to-edge across the entire surface of the bread. Ensure the butter coats the bread completely, leaving no dry spots—this helps the sprinkles adhere.

Step 3: Add Hundreds and Thousands

Transfer the buttered bread to the rimmed plate. Sprinkle hundreds and thousands over the buttered surface generously, aiming for full coverage. Gently tap the plate to distribute sprinkles, then tilt the bread slightly to let excess sprinkles roll off into the plate. Use the back of a spoon to press any loose sprinkles into the butter, ensuring even adherence.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Cut the bread diagonally into two equal triangular pieces. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the sprinkles.

Variations & Tips

Pro Tips from Home Cooks

• Effortless Sprinkling: Place sprinkles in the rimmed plate first, then press the buttered bread (butter side down) into the sprinkles. This minimizes mess and ensures uniform coverage.

• Crust Preferences: While traditional, trimming crusts creates a neater, smoother finish—ideal for children or formal plating.

• Bread Substitution: Swap white bread for sourdough (tangy contrast), wholemeal (nutty depth), or lightly toasted brioche (richer texture).

Cinnamon Toast Alternative (for Adult Palates)

For a less-sweet, more sophisticated twist, try:

1. Toast 2 slices of bread until golden and crisp.

2. Spread softened butter (or margarine/schmaltz) on the toasted side.

3. Sprinkle a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar (1:1 ratio, adjust to taste).

4. Optional: Broil briefly until sugar melts for a caramelized finish. Add a pinch of salt or maple syrup for balance.

Reader Comments

• Aussie Nostalgia: “As an Aussie, I still love fairy bread 60 years later. Cutting the crusts off is a personal preference, but the key is even butter and sprinkle coverage.”

• Humorous Take: “This delicacy can be found in exclusive South Island restaurants! Fresh white bread, NZ butter, hundreds and thousands, Cheerios, and sauce—boom, shake the room, party time!”

• 50th Birthday Success: “Perfect for my kids’ 50th! The girls at mahjong loved it, but it’s too sweet for me—next time, reduce sprinkles or use sourdough. Aussie classic, yes!”

• Childhood Staple: “Raised by an Australian mother (vegemite YUM!), this was a budget-friendly childhood staple. I didn’t realize it was a Down Under classic until much later.”

Enjoy this iconic treat at parties, or as a nostalgic blast from the past! 🧁