Celebrate the holiday season with this delightful Christmas Eggnog Bread! This quick bread is infused with the creamy richness of eggnog and a hint of warm nutmeg, making it the perfect treat for festive gatherings or cozy winter mornings. Topped with a sweet glaze, it’s a slice of holiday magic in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly dust it with flour or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Eggnog and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more eggnog if needed.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and allow it to set before slicing.
Notes
- Eggnog Variations: Use store-bought or homemade eggnog for this recipe. For an extra flavor boost, try a spiced or rum-flavored eggnog.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Spiked Option: Add 1–2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon to the batter for an adult-friendly twist.
- Toppings: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the glaze for an extra festive touch.
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of the season. Serve it as a delightful breakfast treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your holiday gatherings!