Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday flavors, you’ll love this Eggnog Bread recipe. The moment I baked it, my kitchen filled with a warm, comforting aroma that immediately put me in the holiday spirit.
This bread is moist, tender, and bursting with rich eggnog flavor, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The addition of pecans and raisins adds a lovely texture and sweetness.
Plus, it’s simple to whip up, allowing you to focus on what really matters this season—spending time with loved ones. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this treat!
Ingredients of Eggnog Bread
When it comes to baking, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference. For this Eggnog Bread recipe, you’ll need a simple yet delightful list of ingredients that come together to create a warm, inviting loaf that screams holiday cheer.
Envision this: you’re standing in your kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, and you have a cup of steaming coffee or tea in hand. Sounds pretty nice, right? Let’s gather what we need to make this happen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups of flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 3/4 cups of eggnog
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of golden raisins
- 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons of eggnog (for drizzling)
Now, before we plunge into baking, let’s chat a bit about those ingredients. The flour is your base, making sure the bread holds its shape, while the sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness.
And nutmeg? Oh, that’s the secret holiday spice that elevates the whole thing. I mean, who doesn’t love a little nutmeg nostalgia during the festive season?
The eggnog is the star of the show, bringing all that creamy flavor we crave, and don’t forget about the pecans and raisins—they add a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness that makes each bite memorable.
Just imagine the joy when you take a slice and see those little gems peeking out! So, are you ready to get your hands floury and create something magical?
How to Make Eggnog Bread
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making Eggnog Bread. First things first, grab that large mixing bowl and toss in 3 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—nutmeg? Is that really necessary? Yes! It adds that warm, cozy flavor that makes us feel like we’re wrapped in a blanket by a fire. So stir those dry ingredients together until they’re well combined, and try not to make a flour cloud—trust me, it’s not as fun as it sounds.
Next, let’s get wet—cooking-wise, of course. In another bowl, mix together 1 beaten egg, 1 3/4 cups of eggnog, and 1/2 cup of oil. The eggnog is the real star here, so don’t skimp—get the good stuff!
Now, pour that mixture into your dry ingredients and stir just until they’re combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay. Now, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of golden raisins. I mean, who doesn’t love a little crunch and sweetness in their bread?
Once everything is blended, pour the batter into a greased 9x5x3 loaf pan.
Now, it’s showtime! Pop that pan into a preheated 350-degree oven and let it bake away for 60 to 70 minutes. You might want to check on it around the 50-minute mark; if it’s browning too quickly, just cover it with a bit of foil.
When it’s done, you’ll know because your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. The hardest part? Waiting overnight to slice into that glorious loaf. But trust me, it’s worth it.
When you’re ready to serve, mix together 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar with 2-3 teaspoons of eggnog to create a dreamy drizzle. Just picture that sweet topping cascading over a warm slice of eggnog bread. Pure bliss.
Eggnog Bread Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basics of Eggnog Bread, it’s fun to think about how you can customize the recipe to suit your taste or pantry.
For instance, swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. You can also use dried cranberries instead of golden raisins for a tart twist.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, try substituting unsweetened applesauce for half the oil. Want extra spice? Add cinnamon or ginger to the mix.
Finally, for a fun twist, incorporate chocolate chips or orange zest to elevate the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy experimenting!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Eggnog Bread turns out perfectly every time, I recommend paying close attention to your oven’s temperature and the freshness of your ingredients.
Make sure your baking powder isn’t expired, as this can affect the rise. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or vanilla extract.
Don’t skip the cooling time; letting it rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For a festive touch, feel free to sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the glaze.
Finally, this bread makes fantastic gifts—just wrap it in a pretty paper and share the holiday joy!