CHRISTMAS EGGNOG BREAD
An Irresistible Holiday Treat: Christmas Eggnog Bread
Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, infused with the rich, spiced flavors of eggnog and a hint of rum. This Christmas Eggnog Bread is a quick bread recipe that brings the spirit of the holidays into every bite. With just 10 minutes of prep time, it’s an ideal choice for both a festive dessert and a delightful holiday breakfast!
Whether you’re gifting it to friends and family or enjoying it yourself, this eggnog bread is sure to become a holiday staple. If you love festive treats like Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you’ll want to add this to your collection of holiday desserts.
If you’re an eggnog enthusiast, you know it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of flavor, much like cilantro or Brussels sprouts. Personally, I adore it in small doses, enough to get into the holiday spirit. And the best part? Eggnog does wonders in baked goods, adding a sweet, spiced, and custard-like flavor that elevates any treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can have this bread ready in no time.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of eggnog, spices, and rum creates a delightful holiday taste.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a gift.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with different toppings or mix-ins.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or baking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp rum (or 1-2 tsp of rum extract)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, whisked until no clumps remain
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp rum or rum extract
- 2-4 Tbsp eggnog (depending on desired glaze thickness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with baking spray. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to blend.
- In a separate, larger mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add in sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum, whisking after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Glaze
- While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to eliminate any lumps.
- Gradually whisk in the rum and eggnog, adding the eggnog 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense bread. Stir until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the bread. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of eggnog in the glaze according to your preference for thickness.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Add-ins: Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Use rum extract if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread keeps well for a few days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
What if I don’t like eggnog?
If you’re not an eggnog fan, you might still enjoy this bread as the flavor is subtle and complements the spices beautifully.
Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese frosting would also pair nicely with the flavors in this bread.
Conclusion
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is a festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re an eggnog lover or just a fan of holiday flavors, this bread is sure to impress. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your baking adventures in the comments below!