Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Christmas Eggnog Bread recipe, with some tips for perfecting the flavor and texture:
Christmas Eggnog Bread
This festive bread combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the warmth of nutmeg and vanilla, topped off with a sweet, silky glaze. It’s the ideal treat to enjoy with coffee on a winter morning or to share with loved ones during holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled to avoid dense bread)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (gives the bread a light rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor and balances sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible, for a bolder flavor)
- 1 cup eggnog (full-fat for extra richness, or reduced-fat for a lighter texture)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (adds moisture and richness)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (brings out the flavor of the eggnog)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog (adjust based on desired consistency)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan well with butter or nonstick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggnog, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, as this can scramble the eggs.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a denser bread.
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of eggnog until smooth and pourable. Adjust the eggnog to reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Bread:
- Once the bread has fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set before slicing.
Tips
- Storage: Keep any leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Make it Festive: For a decorative touch, sprinkle extra nutmeg or add holiday sprinkles on the glaze while it’s still wet.
Enjoy a slice of this moist and flavorful Christmas Eggnog Bread with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa to warm up the holiday season!