Bring the rich flavors of the season into your kitchen with this delightful Christmas Eggnog Bread. Filled with warm spices and topped with a delicious eggnog glaze, it’s perfect for family gatherings or as a holiday gift.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp rum extract (optional for that eggnog flavor)
For the Eggnog Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp eggnog
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the eggnog, vanilla extract, and optional rum extract to the butter mixture and blend until smooth.
5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more eggnog if needed.
8. Glaze and Serve
Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the eggnog glaze over the top and dust with a little extra nutmeg if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices of eggnog bread with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
- Wrap in festive paper or place in a gift tin for a delicious homemade Christmas gift.
Tips
- Double Up: This bread freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe and save a loaf for later!
- Mix-ins: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
More Christmas Baking Ideas
- Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Peppermint Brownie Bites
- Holiday Spice Muffins
Indulge in the cozy flavors of Christmas with this tender and flavorful Eggnog Bread – it’s sure to be a holiday favorite!