Eggnog bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With its rich, creamy flavor and hint of nutmeg, this bread is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a special seasonal indulgence. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! This recipe combines the classic taste of eggnog with simple baking techniques to create a moist, flavorful bread that will become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients for Easy Eggnog Bread
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons rum flavored extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom of a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This will ensure that your bread does not stick to the pan and comes out easily once baked.
Making the Batter
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of eggnog, 1 cup of white sugar, ½ cup of softened butter, 2 beaten eggs, 2 teaspoons of rum flavored extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients together until smooth. The eggnog adds a creamy richness to the bread, while the rum and vanilla extracts provide a lovely depth of flavor.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed.
- Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the eggnog mixture, stirring just enough to moisten. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined.
Baking the Bread
- Pour the Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. This will help the bread to bake uniformly.
- Bake:
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking at the 40-minute mark. The top of the bread should be golden brown, and the kitchen will be filled with the comforting aroma of nutmeg and eggnog.
- Cool:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the bread to set and makes it easier to slice.
Storing the Bread
- Store:
- Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. This helps to maintain its moisture and flavor. The bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift-Giving Tip
If you’re planning to give the eggnog bread as a gift, consider baking it in smaller loaf pans. You can use three 3×5-inch loaf pans, which will reduce the baking time to about 35 to 40 minutes. These smaller loaves make perfect holiday gifts, allowing you to share the festive spirit with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Eggnog Bread
Ingredient Quality
- Eggnog: Use a high-quality eggnog for the best flavor. If you have homemade eggnog, even better!
- Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Baking Techniques
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the bread is done. Insert it into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Flavor Enhancements
- Spices: You can add a bit of cinnamon or cloves to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Glaze: For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and eggnog over the cooled bread.
Enjoying Your Eggnog Bread
Eggnog bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Breakfast: Serve it as part of a festive breakfast or brunch spread. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Snack: Enjoy a slice as a mid-day snack. It’s delicious on its own or with a smear of butter.
- Dessert: Top a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
A Seasonal Tradition
Baking eggnog bread is a wonderful way to embrace the holiday season. The process is simple, and the result is a moist, flavorful bread that embodies the spirit of the holidays. The combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and rum extract creates a nostalgic taste that will remind you of festive gatherings and cozy winter days.
History of Eggnog
Eggnog has a rich history that dates back to medieval Britain. It began as a warm, ale-like drink made with eggs and milk, enjoyed by the upper class. Over time, it evolved into the creamy, spiced beverage we know today, often associated with Christmas and holiday celebrations. Incorporating eggnog into baked goods like this bread is a delightful way to enjoy its unique flavor in a new form.
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Chip Eggnog Bread: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Eggnog Bread: Fold in a half-cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Eggnog bread is a festive and easy-to-make treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With its rich, creamy flavor and hints of nutmeg and rum, this bread is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy winter day. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious loaf that will bring holiday cheer to your home. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, eggnog bread is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful seasonal treat!
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Easy Eggnog Bread: A Festive and Delicious Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Eggnog Bread is a festive and flavorful quick bread that’s perfect for the holiday season. Infused with the rich and creamy taste of eggnog and a hint of nutmeg, this moist bread is a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or as a holiday gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
You can bake the bread in three 3×5-inch loaf pans for food gifts. They will cook quicker in smaller pans, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg