Fairy bread, also known as mermaid treats – is a beloved Australian culinary tradition and a whimsical, iconic treat that has been delighting both children and adults for generations. This simple yet magical snack food idea for kids consists of slices of soft white bread generously spread with butter or margarine and then adorned with a vibrant sprinkle of rainbow-colored hundreds and thousands.

Its origins date back to early 20th-century Australia, where it quickly became a staple at children’s parties and celebrations. Fairy bread’s allure lies in its sweet, sugary goodness, the nostalgia it evokes, and the vibrant, rainbow-hued joy it brings to gatherings.

The Origin Of Fairy Bread

The origin story of fairy bread is a delightful journey into the past, revealing how this iconic Australian treat came to be a staple at children’s parties and celebrations. It is believed that fairy bread emerged in Australia in the early 20th century, making it a cherished tradition with a history of over a century.

The Early Years

Fairy bread’s origins can be traced back to when simplicity and creativity were the driving forces behind party foods. The concept was straightforward: take slices of fresh, soft white bread, spread them generously with butter or margarine, and sprinkle them with hundreds of tiny, colorful sugar-coated sprinkles. This combination of ingredients created a snack that was visually appealing, irresistibly sweet, and enjoyable for children.

The Name “Fairy Bread”

The name “fairy bread” itself carries a sense of whimsy and magic. It’s believed that the name was inspired by the ethereal and enchanting quality of the treat. The colorful sprinkles, resembling tiny fairy dust, added a sense of wonder and delight to the bread, making it a perfect fit for children’s parties.

Party Tradition

Fairy bread quickly became a go-to party food for children’s birthday celebrations and other special occasions. Its simplicity and affordability made it a practical choice for parents, while its bright and cheerful appearance made it a hit with kids. The tradition of serving fairy bread at parties became deeply ingrained in Australian culture, and it continues to be a symbol of joyful gatherings and childhood nostalgia.

Evolution and Enduring Appeal

Over the years, fairy bread has evolved, with some variations incorporating different types of bread or spreads. However, its core essence—soft bread, butter, and colorful sprinkles—remains intact. Despite the availability of more elaborate treats, fairy bread’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of innocence, fun, and shared joy. It serves as a reminder of simpler times and the magic of childhood.

The Little Mermaid Fairy Bread Treats – What You Need:

Bread – yes you can make these gluten-free too.
Butter
Non-pareils: I mixed up my own using light blue, a spring/Easter mix, green, and dark pearl blue
Mermaid cookie cutter (if you cannot find one, a whale and some fish will work too, just cut off the top.

Mermaid Treats Directions

You can do these a couple of ways:

Make the tail tip a solid color like I did, in which case you’ll need separate bowls with those individual colors.
Do the entire mermaid tail in the mix of colors, so you will only need that one bowl full of nonpareils.

Cut out your bread using your mermaid tail cookie cutter.

Tip: Don’t throw that excess bread away, turn it into breadcrumbs.

Butter your mermaid tails, and then dip just the end into the plain bowl of sprinkles first, and then dip the rest into the larger multi-colored bowl.

That’s it! Told you it was going to be a fun and easy treat. And the kids will love them. What do you think about these Little Mermaid tails? Aren’t they adorable?

Looking for some Little Mermaid coloring pages to go with this treat? No problem! We have those too.

Variations To Mermaid Tails

Here are some notable variations to fairy bread:

Chocolate Fairy Bread: For those who crave a chocolatey twist, chocolate spread or Nutella can be substituted for butter. This variation adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the traditional treat.
Peanut Butter Fairy Bread: Peanut butter lovers can spread a layer of creamy or crunchy peanut butter on the bread before adding the sprinkles. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is a delightful contrast.
Fruit Fairy Bread: To introduce a touch of freshness, consider adding thin slices of strawberries, bananas, or other fruits on top of the butter before sprinkling hundreds and thousands. This variation provides a fruity twist and a burst of color.
Mini Fairy Bread Sandwiches: Instead of open-faced slices, create mini sandwiches by placing two slices of fairy bread together with the buttered sides facing each other. This variation is perfect for parties and picnics, as it reduces mess and makes it easier to handle.
Mini Fairy Bread Pops: Transform fairy bread into bite-sized pops by cutting the bread into small squares or using mini bread rolls. Skewer them with toothpicks for a fun and portable party snack.
Flavored Sprinkles: Experiment with different types of sprinkles, such as flavored or themed varieties. You can find sprinkles with flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even seasonal options for holidays.

Related: How to draw the Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid Movie Treats

Materials

* Bread - yes you can make these gluten-free too.
* Butter
* Non-pareils: I mixed up my own using light blue, a spring/Easter mix, green, and dark pearl blue

Tools

* Mermaid cookie cutter (if you cannot find one, a whale and some fish will work too, just cut off the top.

Instructions

Make the tail tip a solid color like I did, in which case you'll need separate bowls with those individual colors.
Do the entire mermaid tail in the mix of colors, so you will only need that one bowl full of nonpareils.
Cut out your bread using your mermaid tail cookie cutter.
Butter your mermaid tails, and then dip just the end into the plain bowl of sprinkles first, and then dip the rest into the larger multi-colored bowl.

Related: 20 Homemade Movie Night Snacks To Make For The Family