If you’re looking to bring a cozy holiday vibe right into your kitchen, this Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist, tender loaf infused with warm spices and rich eggnog flavors, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season in every bite. It’s a delightful twist on traditional bread that pairs wonderfully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and it makes an ideal holiday gift or breakfast treat that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a simple combination of pantry staples and festive touches, each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the spices that warm your palate to the eggnog that lends creaminess, every element is essential for baking this crowd-pleaser.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and crumb to the bread.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure your bread rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and spices, rounding out the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that bring the holiday cheer upfront.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the loaf.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering the spices.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness, helping to bind everything together.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient that imparts creamy, festive flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and highlights the warm spices.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Bring bursts of tart sweetness and color.
How to Make Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper. This step is key for easy removal after baking, ensuring your bread comes out perfectly intact and ready to impress.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. These dry ingredients create the perfectly spiced base for your festive loaf.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is essential for the bread’s tender texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful mixing helps the bread achieve a smooth, even rise.
Step 5: Stir in Eggnog and Vanilla
Pour in the creamy eggnog and vanilla extract, then mix just until everything is combined. This addition gives your bread its signature festive flavor and moist, tender crumb.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy batter means your bread will be delightfully tender.
Step 7: Fold in Nuts and Dried Fruit (Optional)
If you like a little extra texture and flavor, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries or raisins. These mix-ins bring a delightful crunch and fruity bursts that elevate the bread’s overall character.
Step 8: Bake Your Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe truly shine at the table, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or a light glaze made from cream cheese frosting. Sprinkling a few crushed nuts or dried cranberries on top adds color and texture, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with classic holiday beverages like hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a fresh cup of spiced coffee. It’s also a wonderful companion to a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread and serve it in fancy loaf wedges stacked on a festive platter alongside sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with butter or your favorite nut butter for an extra cozy treat. Wrapping slices in pretty parchment makes for a thoughtful edible gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it tightly sealed maintains moisture and keeps the spices fragrant.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a minute or two to revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture. Adding a little butter or cream cheese spread makes it feel extra special.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and adds the classic creamy flavor that makes this bread so festive. Just be sure to use it as-is without thinning.
What can I substitute if I don’t want nuts or dried fruit?
You can completely omit the nuts and dried fruit if you prefer a simpler loaf. The bread will still be moist and flavorful thanks to the spices and eggnog.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting during the holidays?
Definitely! Wrapped nicely with a festive ribbon or in a decorative box, homemade Festive Eggnog Bread makes a heartfelt and delicious gift that friends and family will love.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep an eye on moisture levels and texture, as gluten-free batters can behave differently.
How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. Overbaking can dry it out, so start checking around 55 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the cozy warmth and festive flavors of this Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe that just can’t be beat during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting to a neighbor, or simply treating yourself, this bread is sure to bring smiles and that much-loved holiday spirit to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new seasonal favorite!
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Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Eggnog Bread is a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich, creamy flavors of traditional eggnog with warm spices and a moist, tender crumb. This sweet quick bread is studded with optional walnuts or pecans and dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, making it a perfect festive addition to your seasonal baking. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, this bread offers a cozy taste of the holidays in every slice.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Eggnog and Vanilla: Pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing the ingredients until everything is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully just until combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Optional Nuts and Fruit: If using, gently fold the chopped nuts and dried fruit into the batter evenly.
- Fill the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- To avoid overmixing, stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense, tough bread.
- For extra festive flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the spice mix.
- Use full-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and moist texture.
- If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute with a combination of milk and heavy cream with a splash of rum extract.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
