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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup eggnog - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup milk (for glaze) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in baking. For this eggnog bread, start with dry ingredients. You need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. These spices give the bread its warm holiday flavor. Next, you need wet ingredients. Grab granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract. The eggnog is key; it adds moisture and a festive taste. Lastly, prepare for the *glaze*. Mix milk and powdered sugar to give your bread a sweet finish. This glaze adds a nice touch and ties together the flavors perfectly. Having all these ingredients ready helps you stay organized. It makes the process easier and more fun. Plus, you’ll feel the holiday spirit as you mix these flavors together! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line the loaf pan with parchment paper. - In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This step helps mix all the flavors well and ensures even baking. - In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. - Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. - Mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined. - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just mixed; it’s okay to have a few lumps. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean when the bread is ready. - Once baked, cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This ensures the glaze sticks well and doesn’t soak in. To check if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, let it bake a little longer. I recommend placing your loaf pan in the center of the oven. This helps the heat circulate evenly and bakes the bread perfectly. For a perfect glaze, mix the powdered sugar with milk until it's smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar. Timing is key! Apply the glaze once the bread has cooled completely. This prevents it from soaking in and keeps the glaze on top. Serve slices on a festive plate to create a holiday vibe. You can add a sprinkle of nutmeg and a sprig of cinnamon to each slice for a lovely touch. This not only looks good but also adds to the flavor. Your guests will love the look and taste! Pro Tips Use Fresh Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg will provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground nutmeg. Consider investing in a microplane to grate it just before using. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, so it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Glaze Consistency: For a perfect glaze, adjust the milk gradually. Start with a little and add more until you reach a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the bread and losing its beautiful appearance. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor of your eggnog bread in many ways. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. I love dark chocolate chips for a rich taste. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add a nice crunch. They also bring out the warm spices in the bread. Want a unique flavor? Try different spices! Swap out some cinnamon for cardamom or ginger. Each spice brings its own warmth and depth. You can even add a hint of vanilla bean for extra richness. If you want to change the glaze, consider a maple glaze. It offers a sweet, earthy taste that pairs well with eggnog. Just mix maple syrup with powdered sugar for a quick glaze. Another great option is a citrus icing. A simple glaze made with lemon or orange juice adds a bright, fresh flavor. It lightens up the bread and complements the spices nicely. For those needing gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. It works well and keeps the texture light. Just make sure to check the blend for baking powder and baking soda. You can also make this recipe vegan. Use a vegan eggnog instead of regular eggnog. Aquafaba, or chickpea water, is a great egg substitute. It adds moisture without altering the taste. To keep your eggnog bread fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. A tight seal helps keep moisture in. You can also store it in an airtight container. This adds extra protection from air. Place the bread in a cool, dry area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry it out. You can freeze eggnog bread for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, remove it from the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. For quicker thawing, leave it at room temperature for a few hours. At room temperature, eggnog bread lasts about 3 to 5 days. Keep it wrapped or in a container for best results. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Just remember, refrigeration may change the texture slightly. Always check for signs of spoilage before serving. Can I make this bread in advance? Yes, you can make this bread a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container. This helps the flavors blend well. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Is there a non-alcoholic version of the rum glaze? Absolutely! You can skip the rum and use milk or a splash of vanilla extract instead. This keeps the glaze sweet and tasty without the alcohol. What pairs well with eggnog bread? Eggnog bread goes well with coffee or tea. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Adding fresh fruit like berries can bring a nice touch too. Can I serve it for breakfast or dessert? You can serve this bread for both breakfast and dessert. It is sweet and rich enough for dessert and light enough for a morning treat. What to do if the bread is too dry? If your bread turns out dry, try adding a bit of milk or cream to each slice when you serve it. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for added moisture. How to fix a sunken loaf? A sunken loaf usually means it did not bake long enough. To fix this, try baking it a little longer next time. Make sure your oven is preheated and check the bread with a toothpick before it’s done. You now know how to bake a delicious eggnog bread with ease. We covered the key ingredients, detailed steps, and smart tips for perfect results. Whether you want to enrich your holiday table or enjoy it anytime, this recipe fits the bill. Don't forget to try fun variations and store it correctly for fresh bites. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen, and enjoy every slice of this festive delight. Happy baking!

Festive Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze

A deliciously spiced bread infused with eggnog and topped with a creamy rum glaze, perfect for the holiday season.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup milk (for glaze)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the eggnog and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to achieve a drizzle consistency if necessary.
  • Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with additional nutmeg for garnish.

Notes

Serve slices of the bread on a festive plate, garnished with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and a sprig of cinnamon for a holiday touch.
Keyword bread, dessert, eggnog, holiday