Festive Eggnog Bread: A Jolly Holiday Recipe

Festive eggnog weaves magic into winter baking with its creamy, nostalgic essence.

Memories of cozy gatherings spark when this delightful bread emerges from the oven.

Rich seasonal spices dance through each tender slice, promising comfort and cheer.

Warm kitchen aromas invite celebration and sweet indulgence.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet stunning treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft this delectable bread with ease.

You’ll want to share every delicious crumb with loved ones.

FAQs

• Can I make this bread without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the rum extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract. The bread will still taste delicious and have a wonderful holiday flavor.

• Is this bread good for gifting?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread in festive parchment paper or a holiday-themed tea towel. It’s a perfect homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and baking skill.

• How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

• Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Definitely! Fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of white or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter just before baking. They’ll add a sweet, delightful twist to the traditional eggnog bread.

Festive Eggnog Bread for the Holidays

• Dive into a festive treat that captures the warm, cozy spirit of the holiday season with every delightful bite.
• Create a crowd-pleasing bread that brings everyone together, offering a sweet and nostalgic flavor that appeals to all ages.
• Enjoy as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, making this eggnog bread a flexible addition to your holiday menu.

Ingredients for Eggnog Bread

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
• Eggnog: The signature holiday ingredient that gives the bread its festive flavor.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.

• Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Add warm, traditional holiday spice notes to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract, Rum Extract: Provide depth and complement the eggnog flavor.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Nuts (Optional): Adds crunch and extra texture to the bread.

How to Bake Festive Eggnog Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread slides out effortlessly.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until they’re perfectly blended.

Set this magical mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This is where the magic begins!

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if you’re feeling extra festive).

Blend until smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Don’t go overboard with mixing – you want a tender bread!

If you’re adding nuts, now’s the perfect moment to fold them in.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes – this helps it set up nicely.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with holiday cheer!

Tips for Moist Eggnog Bread

• Stir the batter gently until ingredients just combine to keep the bread tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
• Pat nuts or dried fruits dry before adding to prevent excess moisture from affecting the bread's consistency.
• Freshly grated nutmeg provides a more robust and aromatic taste compared to pre-ground spices.
• Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center; bread should reach 200-205F for perfect baking.

Storing and Reheating Eggnog Bread

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice the bread and microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds. Add a small pat of butter for extra moisture and warmth.
• Warm slices in a preheated 325F oven for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain softness.

Pairing Suggestions for Eggnog Bread

• Pair with Warm Winter Beverages: Complement the rich, creamy eggnog bread with a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or classic hot cocoa, enhancing the festive holiday flavors.
• Elevate with Complementary Spreads: Serve slices with a dollop of homemade vanilla bean butter or a light cream cheese frosting to add extra decadence and moisture to each bite.
• Match with Seasonal Cocktails: Create a festive experience by pairing the bread with a classic rum punch or a smooth bourbon old-fashioned, which echo the bread's subtle rum extract notes.
• Enhance with Nutty Accompaniments: Garnish with toasted pecans or serve alongside a small plate of candied walnuts to highlight the bread's warm spices and add delightful textural contrast.

Eggnog Bread Variations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace eggnog with almond or oat milk, using coconut oil instead of butter for a rich, creamy texture that's completely dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the bread remains moist and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lighter Holiday Treat: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use a sugar alternative like stevia to create a lower-calorie version of the classic recipe.
• Nutty Festive Bread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch, or sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a delightful nutty variation.

Eggnog Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday spirits come alive in this Eggnog Bread, blending rich creamy notes with warm spices. Christmas cheer meets bakery magic, inviting you to savor each delectable slice of seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup eggnog (non-alcoholic)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rum extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and ready a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease or parchment paper for effortless bread removal.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
3. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the bread.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a uniform texture.
5. Gently fold in eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract, stirring until the wet ingredients form a cohesive liquid mixture.
6. Gradually introduce dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
7. If desired, fold chopped nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
9. Bake for 55-60 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning.
10. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean with no raw batter.
11. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly.
12. Remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Adjust the rum extract for a kid-friendly version by reducing or omitting it completely, which ensures everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
• Enhance moisture by substituting some butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt, creating a tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
• Customize the bread with optional mix-ins like dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or chopped pecans to elevate the holiday flavor profile.
• Transform the recipe into muffins by reducing baking time to 18-22 minutes and using a standard muffin tin for individual portion control.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Mocktails
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg