Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about the smell of baked goods wafting through the house, isn’t there? I absolutely love how baking brings everyone together, filling our hearts and homes with warmth and cheer. And let me tell you, my Christmas eggnog bread is the perfect festive treat! It’s loaded with that cozy eggnog flavor, spiced just right with nutmeg and cinnamon. Every slice is a slice of holiday happiness. Trust me, when you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping on eggnog by the fire. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful Christmas eggnog bread. I promise you, each ingredient adds its own special touch to the final loaf!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our bread, giving it structure and that perfect texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this helps balance the spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is key for helping the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A little extra lift to ensure your bread is light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—don’t skip this!
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The classic eggnog flavor! It’s what gives our bread that warm holiday essence.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the nutmeg.
- 1 cup eggnog: This is the star of the show! It brings that rich, creamy flavor and moisture to the bread.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: For richness and a lovely texture—be sure it’s melted for easy mixing!
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and add a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla always elevates the flavor, making it even more delicious!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a scrumptious holiday delight that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Christmas Eggnog Bread
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—making this scrumptious Christmas eggnog bread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful loaf baking away in no time.
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the bread rise beautifully! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix them together until they’re well blended—this ensures every bite is evenly spiced and sweet!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, in another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggnog, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it could scramble the eggs! The eggnog here is what gives our bread that rich, festive flavor, while the melted butter adds moisture and richness. Give it a good whisk until everything’s combined and smooth.
Mixing the Batter
Now comes the exciting part! Pour that beautiful wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined—don’t go crazy here! You want to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense. Look for a thick batter with a few lumps; that’s just perfect. It’s okay if it’s not completely smooth!
Baking the Bread
Time to bake! Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 60-70 minutes. Ooh, the smell will be divine! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready to come out. If not, give it a few more minutes. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for this delightful Christmas eggnog bread! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect in each slice. Here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
- Fat: About 10g, with 6g of saturated fat
- Protein: Around 3g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 36g, including 12g of sugar
It’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying, especially during the festive season! Just remember, this bread is all about celebration and joy, so indulge in moderation and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas eggnog bread turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I swear by! Trust me, these little secrets can make a big difference in your baking adventure.
- Use fresh eggnog: Make sure your eggnog is fresh and well within its expiration date. A good-quality eggnog will really elevate the flavor of your bread!
- Room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything combines beautifully.
- Don’t overmix: As I mentioned earlier, be gentle when mixing your batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that. Just mix until you see no dry flour!
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be finicky, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s actually at 350°F (175°C) when you start baking.
- Cool properly: Allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier later on!
- Try adding a glaze: If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and eggnog over the cooled bread for an extra festive touch.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to impress everyone with your delightful Christmas eggnog bread! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The rich taste of eggnog, combined with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, makes every bite a celebration of the season!
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread is perfect for bakers of all skill levels—no fancy techniques needed!
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it up in some festive paper, and you have a delightful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy brunch, or just because, this bread fits right in and brings joy to any table!
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or even topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
- Leftovers Make Amazing French Toast: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), turn them into decadent French toast for a festive breakfast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve baked your delicious Christmas eggnog bread, and now you’re wondering how to keep it fresh and tasty? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Storing it properly will ensure that every slice stays moist and flavorful.
First, let the bread cool completely on a wire rack. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to lock in moisture and keep the bread soft. If you want to keep it even fresher, place the wrapped bread in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for up to a week, making it a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season!
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but just in case!), you can also freeze your Christmas eggnog bread. Just slice it first for easy serving later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat!
To reheat, you can either warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or gently toast them in a toaster oven. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out! Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions folks have about making Christmas eggnog bread, so you can bake with confidence! Let’s dive in!
Can I use a different type of milk instead of eggnog?
While eggnog is the star of the show here, you can substitute it with a similar creamy beverage like buttermilk or a non-dairy alternative. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have nutmeg or cinnamon?
No worries! If you’re out of either, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute. It has a lovely blend of spices that will still give your bread that warm, cozy flavor!
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits for an extra burst of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a lot, so the bread stays balanced.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just check the package for any specific instructions, and you’ll be all set!
What’s the best way to serve Christmas eggnog bread?
I love serving it warm with a bit of butter or whipped cream on top! You could also toast it for a lovely breakfast treat or enjoy it plain with your favorite hot beverage.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
You bet! This bread actually gets better as it sits. You can bake it a day or two in advance, just be sure to store it properly to keep it fresh!
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready! If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze Christmas eggnog bread?
Definitely! Just slice it up and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months!
Christmas Eggnog Bread: 7 Steps to Festive Delight
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive bread infused with the flavors of eggnog, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggnog, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas eggnog bread
