Eggnog Bread: A Festive Delight for the Holidays and Beyond

The aroma of warm spices and creamy eggnog filling your kitchen – that’s the magic of Eggnog Bread. This recipe isn’t just a holiday staple; it’s a year-round comfort food that’s perfect for cozy evenings and festive gatherings. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, tender bread, bursting with the unmistakable flavors of eggnog and a hint of warming spices. This isn’t your grandma’s eggnog bread (though she’d probably love it too!), this is a refined, updated version that balances tradition with modern baking techniques, ensuring an utterly delicious result every time.

Forget dry, crumbly quick breads; this recipe is all about achieving the perfect texture. We’ll walk you through each step, offering tips and tricks to ensure your Eggnog Bread is as moist and flavorful as it is beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable. It’s the perfect way to bring a touch of holiday cheer to your home, or simply indulge in a sweet treat any time the craving strikes. So, let’s dive in and create some unforgettable Eggnog Bread!

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Bread Recipe

This Eggnog Bread recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s an experience. What makes it truly special? Several things, actually:

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The rich, creamy notes of eggnog perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of the bread. It’s a harmonious blend of spices and sweetness that will leave you wanting more. The eggnog adds a unique depth of flavor that you won’t find in other quick breads.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: We’ve carefully crafted this recipe to ensure a moist, tender crumb. No more dry, disappointing quick breads! This recipe delivers a luxuriously soft and moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Despite its decadent taste, this Eggnog Bread is surprisingly simple to make. The straightforward instructions and helpful tips make it a perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Even beginners can achieve impressive results.
• Versatile Treat: This Eggnog Bread is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. It makes a stunning addition to your holiday brunch table, or a delightful dessert after a hearty meal. Slice it up for a potluck or pack individual slices for lunchboxes.
• Customizable Delight: Want to add a festive twist? Top it with a simple eggnog glaze or sprinkle some festive sprinkles for a truly holiday-worthy presentation. Feel free to experiment with different glazes or toppings to make it your own.
• Keeps Well: This Eggnog Bread stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping or baking ahead for gatherings. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Beyond the delicious taste and ease of preparation, this Eggnog Bread recipe is a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your baking. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, or simply enjoy a comforting treat any time of year. The joy of baking this bread is as rewarding as enjoying the finished product. It’s a perfect recipe for sharing with loved ones, making it a truly special experience from start to finish. It’s also a fantastic recipe to bake with children, making it a fun family activity.

Why You Should Try This Eggnog Bread Recipe

In a world overflowing with recipes, why choose this Eggnog Bread? Here’s why it stands out:

• Exceptional Taste: This isn’t your average quick bread. The unique combination of eggnog, butter, and spices creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a true taste sensation.
• Perfect for Gifting: Bake a loaf or two (or three!) and share the deliciousness with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. This Eggnog Bread makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift, especially during the holiday season. It’s a perfect way to spread holiday cheer.
• Elevates Your Baking Game: This recipe will impress even the most discerning palate. It’s a surefire way to showcase your baking skills and create a memorable treat that everyone will love. It’s a recipe that will become a staple in your repertoire.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You likely already have all the tools and ingredients you need in your kitchen. No need to invest in specialized equipment. This recipe is designed for simplicity and accessibility.
• Satisfies Your Sweet Tooth: Indulge in a slice (or two!) of this delicious bread without the guilt. It’s a perfectly balanced treat that hits the sweet spot without being overly sugary. It’s a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling overly full.
• Memories in the Making: Baking this Eggnog Bread can become a cherished tradition, a heartwarming activity to share with loved ones. It’s a recipe that creates lasting memories.

Ultimately, this Eggnog Bread recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a bit of baking magic. It’s a recipe that promises a delicious outcome and a rewarding baking experience. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to connect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and savor the simple pleasures of life. Try it, and you’ll understand why it’s a recipe worth making again and again.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Eggnog Bread

Before you start baking your delightful Eggnog Bread, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Having everything prepared beforehand ensures a smooth and efficient baking process.

Ingredients: A Detailed List

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread, providing structure and texture. Consider using cake flour for an even more tender crumb. Keyword: all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that reacts with the acidic eggnog to create a light and airy texture. Keyword: baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent that provides additional lift and ensures a well-risen loaf. Keyword: baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients and balances the sweetness. Keyword: salt
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture to the bread. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. Keyword: unsalted butter
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its moist texture. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference. Keyword: granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together, adds richness, and contributes to the overall texture of the bread. Keyword: eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the bread and complements the eggnog beautifully. Pure vanilla extract is always best. Keyword: vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) eggnog: The star ingredient! Choose your favorite brand or make your own homemade eggnog for an extra special touch. Keyword: eggnog
• Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-4 tablespoons eggnog: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Adjust the amount of eggnog to reach your desired consistency. Keyword: powdered sugar, eggnog glaze

Utensils: Tools for Baking Success

• 9×5 inch loaf pan: This is the standard size for this recipe. Make sure to grease and flour it well to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Keyword: loaf pan
• Medium bowl: For whisking together the dry ingredients. Keyword: mixing bowls
• Large bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar and combining the wet and dry ingredients. Keyword: mixing bowls
• Whisk: For whisking the dry ingredients and the glaze. Keyword: whisk
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand): Highly recommended for creaming the butter and sugar, making the process much easier and ensuring a light and fluffy texture. You can do it by hand, but it will require more effort. Keyword: electric mixer
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: For folding in the eggnog and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. Keyword: spatula
• Wooden skewer or toothpick: For checking the doneness of the bread. Keyword: toothpick
• Wire rack: For cooling the bread completely. This helps prevent sogginess. Keyword: wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Keyword: measuring cups

Detailed Eggnog Bread Recipe Steps

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these steps carefully for the most delicious Eggnog Bread.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). **Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly.** This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. Lining the pan with parchment paper is another excellent option.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. **Ensure there are no lumps.** This step ensures even leavening throughout the bread.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. **Use an electric mixer for best results.** This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more tender crumb. If mixing by hand, be prepared for some elbow grease – it takes longer but is achievable.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. **Scrape down the sides of the bowl** to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. **Be careful not to overmix.** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
6. Stir in Eggnog: Gently stir in the eggnog until the batter is smooth. **Do not overmix.** A few lumps are okay – overmixing will result in a dense loaf. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the eggnog.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. **Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.** Oven temperatures vary, so it’s always best to check early.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. **Cooling completely is crucial** to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Allow at least an hour for complete cooling.
9. Optional Glaze: While the bread is cooling, prepare the eggnog glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog until you reach your desired consistency. **Add eggnog gradually** to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.

Tips and Variations for Your Eggnog Bread

Here are some helpful tips and exciting variations to personalize your Eggnog Bread:

• Ingredient Substitutions: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and spice. Experiment with different spice combinations to find your favorite.
• Add-ins: Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips can add texture and flavor. Add them to the batter along with the eggnog.
• Different Eggnog: Use different types of eggnog, such as a spiced eggnog or a light eggnog, to create unique flavor profiles. Homemade eggnog will elevate the flavor significantly.
• Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glazes. A cream cheese frosting would be a delicious alternative or a simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of vanilla.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing is the most common mistake when making quick breads. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Don’t Underbake: Ensure the bread is fully baked before removing it from the oven. Use a toothpick or skewer to check for doneness.
• Proper Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing or slicing. This prevents the glaze from melting and the bread from becoming soggy.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Eggnog Bread

While Eggnog Bread is undeniably indulgent, let’s explore its nutritional aspects. A standard slice (approximately 1/12 of the loaf) will contain an approximate amount of calories, protein, fats, and carbohydrates. (Note: Exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used. These are estimates).

Approximate Nutritional Values per slice:

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 3-4g
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g

Health Benefits of Ingredients:

• Eggs: Excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
• Butter: Provides fat-soluble vitamins and adds richness to the bread.
• Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy. (Whole wheat flour could be used for added fiber if desired).
• Eggnog: Contains calcium and some vitamins from the milk and eggs in the recipe, depending on the type used.

It’s important to enjoy Eggnog Bread in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it’s a delicious treat, it’s not a daily food. Consider this a special occasion bread to savor and enjoy fully.

FAQs about Eggnog Bread

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Eggnog Bread!

This Eggnog Bread recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the warmth of the holidays and the simple joys of baking. From the comforting aroma wafting from your oven to the delightful taste of each moist, tender slice, this bread is a true celebration of flavor and tradition. We hope you’ve enjoyed this detailed guide, and we encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your beautiful Eggnog Bread creations on social media using #EggnogBread #RecipesAmaya.

Want more delicious recipes to fill your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas? Check out some of our other favorites: our Creamy Lasagna Soup for a hearty meal, or perhaps indulge in our Apple Crisp for another delightful dessert. Happy baking!

And for more holiday baking inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest board dedicated to delicious treats: RecipesAmaya’s Holiday Baking Pinterest Board.

Moist & Delicious Eggnog Bread

This eggnog bread recipe creates a comforting, moist loaf perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. The simple ingredients combine to make a delicious treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Bread, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour (190g)
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (113g), softened
• 1.75 cups Granulated sugar (350g)
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Eggnog (240ml)

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons Eggnog For glaze

Equipment

• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Wooden skewer
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer or mix by hand.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently stir in eggnog until batter is smooth.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade eggnog. You can also add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the batter for added texture and flavor. Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.