Okay, guys, get ready for this one! The holidays are *all* about those special treats, and this Christmas Eggnog Bread is seriously my new obsession. I’ve been tinkering with this recipe for ages, trying to capture that cozy, festive vibe in a loaf, and I think I’ve finally nailed it! It’s got that unmistakable eggnog flavor, all those warm Christmas spices you dream about, and it’s just unbelievably moist. It’s the kind of bread that makes your whole kitchen smell like a holiday hug. Honestly, I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eggnog Bread
Seriously, this isn’t just another holiday bread. This Christmas Eggnog Bread is the real deal, and here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:
- It’s UNBELIEVABLY Moist: Thanks to the eggnog and a few other tricks, this bread stays super tender and moist. No dry crumbs here, I promise!
- Holiday Spice Heaven: Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves – it’s got all those warm, cozy spices that just scream Christmas.
- That Eggnog Kick: You get that unmistakable, creamy eggnog flavor that’s just perfect for the season.
- So Easy, Trust Me: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is super straightforward. You’ll have a gorgeous loaf without all the fuss.
- Festive Perfection: It looks as good as it tastes, making it the ultimate addition to your holiday table or a sweet gift for friends and family.
Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Eggnog Bread
Alright, let’s gather our goodies for this amazing Christmas Eggnog Bread! You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (this is key for that holiday flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup (that’s two sticks!) of unsalted butter, make sure it’s softened – not melted, just nice and soft
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature is best if you remember!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog – use your favorite store-bought one or even homemade if you’re feeling fancy!
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum (this is optional, but oh-so-good if you want that extra grown-up kick!)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (also optional, but who doesn’t love a little crunch?)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Eggnog Bread
So, about that eggnog – if you absolutely can’t find any, don’t panic! You can totally substitute it with milk, but I’d add an extra little pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to it to try and mimic that flavor. And the brandy or rum? It adds a wonderful depth and warmth, but if you’re keeping this alcohol-free, just skip it or add another teaspoon of vanilla extract. For the nuts, feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan, or swap them for something like dried cranberries if you’re feeling adventurous. The goal is to make this recipe your own!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Eggnog Bread
Alright, let’s get baking this gorgeous Christmas Eggnog Bread! It’s easier than you think.
- First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your 9×5 inch loaf pan and give it a good grease and flour. This stops our beautiful bread from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, just whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and all those lovely spices – nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Give ’em a good mix so they’re evenly distributed.
- Now, in your biggest mixing bowl, we’re going to cream the butter and sugar together. Make sure that butter is nice and soft! Beat them until they look light and fluffy. This is where a lot of the magic happens!
- Next, add your eggs, one at a time, beating after each one. Then, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In a little bowl, whisk together your eggnog and the brandy or rum, if you’re using it. This is our liquid gold!
- Here’s the rhythm: We’re going to add the dry ingredients and the eggnog mixture to the butter mixture, alternating between them. Start with the dry stuff, then add some of the eggnog, then more dry, more eggnog, and finish with the dry. Mix until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here – overmixing is the enemy of a tender loaf!
- If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them in now. Just a quick fold so they’re distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour all that delicious batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top a little if you need to.
- Pop it into the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer or a toothpick inserted right into the center comes out clean. No wet batter clinging to it!
- Once it’s baked, let the bread hang out in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here – slicing a warm loaf can make it crumble!
Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Loaf
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but here are a few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to make sure your Christmas Eggnog Bread turns out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, that mixing step? Don’t overdo it! Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, just mix until you don’t see any big streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten and can make your loaf tough, and we want tender, not tough! When you test for doneness, make sure you’re going into the center of the loaf. If a skewer comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, it’s good to go. If it’s still gooey, give it a few more minutes. And please, *please* let it cool properly before slicing. I know it smells amazing and you’ll want to dive right in, but letting it cool on the wire rack helps it set up beautifully, ensuring those perfect, clean slices.
Festive Serving and Decoration Ideas for Your Christmas Eggnog Bread
Now that you’ve got this amazing Christmas Eggnog Bread, let’s make it look as festive as it tastes! My favorite simple trick is just a light dusting of powdered sugar right on top. It looks so pretty and elegant, especially when you slice into it. Or, you can whip up a quick glaze using some powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog – just mix until it’s pourable and drizzle it over the cooled loaf. It adds a little extra sweetness and shine! Honestly though, this bread is so flavorful on its own, it doesn’t need much. I love serving it with a hot cup of coffee or my morning tea, maybe even a little extra eggnog on the side if we’re feeling extra festive. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!
Storing and Reheating Your Christmas Eggnog Bread
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep this delicious Christmas Eggnog Bread fresh, just wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay lovely at room temperature for about 3 days. If you want to reheat a slice, just pop it in the toaster for a minute or two, or give it a quick zap in the microwave until it’s warm and cozy again. It’s like baking a fresh loaf all over again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Eggnog Bread
Got questions about this amazing Christmas Eggnog Bread? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this bread without alcohol? Absolutely! The brandy or rum adds a nice depth, but it’s totally optional. Just skip it or add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract if you prefer an alcohol-free eggnog loaf.
How long does Christmas Eggnog Bread last? This egg nog bread recipe stays wonderfully moist for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. It rarely lasts that long, though!
Can I freeze this eggnog loaf? Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight at room temperature.
What if I don’t have eggnog? No worries! If you can’t find eggnog, you can easily substitute it with regular milk. To get a bit of that classic flavor back, I like to add an extra pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to the milk. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s a fantastic workaround for this easy Christmas bread.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Christmas Eggnog Bread
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can vary a bit depending on exactly what you use, especially if you add nuts or the optional brandy. But generally, one slice of this delicious Christmas Eggnog Bread packs about 280 calories, 15g of fat (9g of that’s saturated), 35g of carbs, and around 4g of protein. It’s a sweet treat, so there’s about 25g of sugar per slice, and it has roughly 200mg of sodium. Enjoy a slice (or two)!
For more festive recipes and ideas, check out our Pinterest page!
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Amazing 1-Bowl Christmas Eggnog Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive bread infused with the flavors of eggnog, perfect for the holiday season. This recipe yields a moist and tender loaf with a hint of nutmeg and spice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggnog and brandy or rum, if using.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the eggnog mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little eggnog.
- If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute with milk and a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon.
- This bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
