Description

Christmas Eggnog Bread is more than just a delightful holiday treat; it’s a nostalgic journey into the warm embrace of festive gatherings, family traditions, and the joy of the season. Imagine the sweet aroma of nutmeg and vanilla wafting through your kitchen as this bread bakes to golden perfection. This recipe is inspired by the classic holiday beverage, eggnog, which is synonymous with Christmas celebrations, bringing the comforting flavors of creamy milk, eggs, and spices into a moist, tender bread.

What makes this eggnog bread truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. It can be served as a breakfast delight alongside your morning coffee, a delightful snack throughout the day, or even as a sweet dessert after a hearty holiday meal. The combination of spices and the rich, buttery flavor creates a delightful experience that will surely impress your family and friends. Plus, the simple process of mixing, pouring, and baking allows even novice bakers to create something truly spectacular without much fuss.

So gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this festive culinary adventure, where the spirit of Christmas is captured in every slice of this delicious Eggnog Bread.

Ingredients

• For the bread:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional mix-ins:
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Eggnog Bread will bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is crucial as it helps the bread rise properly and gives it that delightful Christmas aroma.

In another bowl, take the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, and it’s essential for incorporating air into the batter, which will help the bread to be light and fluffy. Once creamed, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is properly incorporated, creating a smooth batter.

Next, pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined batter. The richness of the eggnog and the sweetness of the vanilla will create a wonderfully fragrant mixture that embodies the spirit of the holidays.

Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. It’s important to mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense bread, which is not what we want. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the perfect moment to fold in your optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or dried cranberries. These additions not only provide texture but also enhance the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful surprise.

Once your batter is ready, prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Place the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the bread is ready. If it seems wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven, checking regularly. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step is vital as it prevents the bread from becoming soggy by allowing excess moisture to escape.

While the bread cools, let’s whip up a simple glaze to elevate our Eggnog Bread to a whole new level of deliciousness. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If your glaze is too thick, feel free to add a little more eggnog until it reaches your desired thickness.

Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The glaze not only adds a sweet finishing touch but also enhances the festive presentation of the bread, making it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra special touch, consider serving your Christmas Eggnog Bread with a side of spiced butter. Simply soften some butter and mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, then spread it on warm slices of bread. This addition will elevate the flavor and make for a cozy, indulgent treat.

If you have leftover bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; they’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or lightly toast them for a warm treat.



Preparing Christmas Eggnog Bread is not just a delightful baking project; it’s an experience that fills your home with the warm, comforting scents of the holiday season. Each slice brings a taste of nostalgia, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings. As you savor the rich flavors of eggnog, spices, and that luscious glaze, you’ll understand why this bread has become a treasured recipe for many holiday traditions.

If you enjoyed making this Eggnog Bread, why not explore other festive recipes on our site? Consider trying out gingerbread cookies, a rich chocolate yule log, or a classic fruitcake to complement your holiday celebrations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones, and invite them to join in the joy of baking this sweet treat. Happy holidays and happy baking!