Eggnog Bread: A Festive Delight

Eggnog bread, the quintessential holiday treat, is a comforting and flavorful loaf that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and spirit of the season. This isn’t just any quick bread; it’s a moist, subtly spiced masterpiece that’s as delightful enjoyed warm with a pat of butter as it is slightly cooled alongside a steaming cup of coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, our recipe makes creating this festive delight surprisingly simple. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen the fragrant spices mingling with the rich scent of eggnog, a true sensory experience that promises a delicious reward. This eggnog bread recipe is your ticket to effortless holiday baking, a heartwarming treat for family and friends, or a simple indulgence to brighten even the dreariest winter day.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Bread Recipe

This recipe for Eggnog Bread isn’t just another quick bread; it’s an experience. The reasons to fall in love with this recipe are numerous: First, the flavor is unmatched. The combination of warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves perfectly complements the creamy richness of the eggnog, creating a complex and satisfying taste that’s both comforting and festive. Secondly, the texture is divine. This bread is wonderfully moist and tender, thanks to the generous amount of eggnog in the batter. Each bite is a delightful revelation of soft, flavorful crumb. Thirdly, the simplicity of the recipe is a major plus. Even beginner bakers can confidently tackle this recipe. The straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients make it a stress-free baking project, perfect for busy schedules. Finally, the versatility is a game-changer. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence, or slice it and enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. This Eggnog Bread is perfect for gifting too; imagine the joy on the faces of your loved ones when you present them with a homemade loaf of this delicious bread.

Why You Should Try This Eggnog Bread Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to try this Eggnog Bread recipe. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s a show-stopping treat that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. The festive flavors and beautiful presentation make it an ideal addition to any holiday spread. It also presents a chance to share the joy of baking. This recipe is perfect for involving family and friends in the kitchen, creating cherished memories together while crafting this scrumptious bread. Furthermore, it’s a great recipe for practicing basic baking skills. It’s a fantastic way to learn or improve your skills in measuring ingredients, creaming butter and sugar, and understanding baking times. Beyond that, making Eggnog Bread at home allows for complete ingredient control. This means you can choose high-quality, fresh ingredients, potentially omitting preservatives or artificial flavors which is not always possible with store-bought alternatives. Plus, homemade Eggnog bread will always taste significantly better! Finally, this recipe provides a chance to experiment and personalize. With a little creativity, you can adapt this recipe to incorporate different flavors or make it even more decadent. Perhaps add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a glaze for extra flair. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients and Utensils for the Perfect Eggnog Bread

Gathering the right ingredients and utensils is crucial for a successful Eggnog Bread baking experience. Having everything prepared beforehand will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Detailed Ingredient List:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your bread. Consider using cake flour for an even more tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise. Make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent, working in conjunction with the baking soda.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A warm, aromatic spice that is a classic component of eggnog and adds depth to the flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Another essential spice, contributing to the warmth and holiday feel of the bread.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A subtly strong spice that complements the other spices wonderfully. Use with care; a little goes a long way.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip this!
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Creates a moist and tender crumb. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to the moist texture. You can adjust this slightly to your preference.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and complements the spices. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• 1 cup (240ml) eggnog: The star ingredient! The creamy richness of the eggnog is key to this recipe’s success. Consider using a high-quality eggnog for optimal flavor. You can even make your own! Check out our other recipes for inspiration: Delicious Recipes

Recommended Utensils:

• 9×5 inch loaf pan: The perfect size for this recipe. Grease and flour it well, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Medium mixing bowl: For combining the dry ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: For creaming the butter and sugar, and combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer): Highly recommended for creaming the butter and sugar it makes the process much easier and results in a lighter, fluffier batter.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: For folding in the eggnog and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
• Wooden skewer or toothpick: For checking if the bread is baked through.
• Wire rack: For cooling the bread completely after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.

Detailed Eggnog Bread Recipe Steps

Now, let’s bake! Follow these steps carefully to create the most delicious Eggnog Bread.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. For easier cleanup and removal, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bread out later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In your medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Whisk vigorously to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed. This step is vital for a well-risen loaf.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In your large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Creaming means beating the butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender crumb. If using a hand mixer, this will take about 3-5 minutes. A stand mixer will be slightly faster.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with your electric mixer until just combined. **Do not overmix!** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the dry ingredients are no longer visible.
6. Stir in Eggnog: Gently fold in the eggnog using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. Don’t overmix. Just incorporate the eggnog until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.
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 the 50-minute mark. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on it.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Allowing it to cool completely before slicing will also result in cleaner slices.

Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting

Here are some tips and variations to help you achieve Eggnog Bread perfection:

• Ingredient Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and the eggnog with a non-dairy eggnog alternative. For gluten-free baking, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Remember that gluten-free baking often requires adjustments to the recipe, so be prepared to experiment.
• Spiced it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of flavor. For a more intense eggnog flavor, add a tablespoon or two of rum extract (if desired).
• Add-ins: Enhance your Eggnog Bread with additions such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips. Dried cranberries or chopped candied ginger would also be delightful additions.
• Glaze it: Once cooled, brush the top of your Eggnog Bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of decadence. For a festive touch, consider a spiced rum glaze.
• Troubleshooting: If your bread is too dry, you may have overbaked it or not used enough eggnog. If it’s too dense, you may have overmixed the batter or used stale baking powder.

Nutritional Information and Benefits of Eggnog Bread

While Eggnog Bread is undeniably indulgent, let’s explore its nutritional aspects. It’s important to remember that nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an approximation based on the recipe above.

(Note: Precise nutritional information requires specific ingredient brand analysis and should be calculated using a nutrition calculator. The following is an estimate.)

Approximate Nutritional Information (per slice):

• Calories: Approximately 300-350
• Protein: Approximately 4-5g
• Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g

Benefits of Ingredients:

• Eggnog: Rich in calcium and protein (depending on the brand and recipe).
• Butter: Provides fat-soluble vitamins and contributes to flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
• Spices: Offer potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Eggnog Bread recipe is your key to holiday baking success. From its simple yet effective steps to its warm and inviting flavors, it’s a recipe designed for both novice and experienced bakers. Remember to always preheat your oven, avoid overmixing the batter, and let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best results. The end product? A deliciously moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season or any time of year you crave a comforting treat. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of this delightful Eggnog Bread!

We’d love to hear from you! Share your baking experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media using #EggnogBread. And for more delightful recipes, be sure to check out our other posts on Cocina Facilita! Happy Baking!

For more delicious inspiration, check out our Pinterest board dedicated to Fall Baking! Check it out here!

Delicious Eggnog Bread

This moist and flavorful eggnog bread is perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a comforting treat. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Bread, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour (190g)
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened (115g)
• 1.75 cups Granulated sugar (350g)
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Eggnog (240ml)

Equipment

• 9x5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing Bowls (large and medium)
• Electric Mixer (optional)
• Wooden Skewer
• Wire rack

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, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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 bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade eggnog. Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.