### Prep Time
20 minutes
### Cook Time
55 minutes
### Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
### Servings
12 slices
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The holiday season has a magical way of bringing back fond memories, and one of the most delightful treats that always makes its appearance is eggnog. In my family, the season truly doesn’t feel complete without that creamy, spiced drink. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for Easy Eggnog Bread with Sweet Spiced Glaze, I knew I had to try it. This moist, flavorful bread captures all the festive joys of eggnog and makes for a lovely centerpiece for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat on a chilly afternoon.
Not only does this Easy Eggnog Bread taste absolutely divine, but it’s also straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels—including busy parents and beginners. You’ll learn how to incorporate eggnog, spices, and a simple glaze that takes this bread over the top in delectable sweetness.
With its tender texture, sweet, spiced aroma, and festive flair, let’s dive into making this delightful eggnog bread!
What Is Easy Eggnog Bread?
Easy Eggnog Bread is a sweet, spiced quick bread that captures the essence of the holiday season through its flavors and aromas. The primary ingredient, eggnog, gives the bread its signature richness along with traditional spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. This bread has a tender crumb thanks to the combination of flour, eggs, and, of course, eggnog itself, which not only adds moisture but also imbues the loaf with its unique creaminess.
Traditionally, eggnog is a seasonal drink enjoyed during the winter months, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. By incorporating eggnog into bread, you transform a drink into a delightful baked good, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. The result is a beautifully golden loaf that is both aromatic and inviting, often garnished with a sweet glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor to the treat.
With a combination of spices reminiscent of holiday baking and a texture that is soft and airy, Easy Eggnog Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the season. It’s great for sharing, making it a wonderful gift for friends and family, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Eggnog Bread
One of the primary reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this Easy Eggnog Bread is its rich flavor profile. The combination of fragrant nutmeg and cinnamon—not only festive but incredibly comforting—provides warmth, striking a perfect balance with the sweetness of eggnog. Each slice brings together the joy of holiday flavors, making it ideal for seasonal celebrations or lazy winter mornings.
Another significant benefit is the sheer simplicity of this recipe. You don’t need a bakery level of expertise to create this luxurious treat. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners or those pressed for time around the busy holidays. It’s an excellent opportunity to involve kids in baking, too, creating lasting memories while enjoying the delightful scents wafting through your kitchen.
Additionally, the affordability of its ingredients is a major perk, allowing you to bake without breaking the bank. You might already have most of the basic components in your pantry, and picking up eggnog during the holiday season is an easy trip to make.
Lastly, let’s not forget about versatility. This Easy Eggnog Bread can be customized in many ways—from swapping in different spices to incorporating nuts or dried fruits. This adaptability allows you to cater the bread to your family’s preferences, making it perfect for everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Easy Eggnog Bread, gather the following ingredients:
– **2 cups all-purpose flour**: This forms the base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
– **1 cup eggnog**: The star ingredient, giving the loaf its moistness and unique flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought.
– **½ cup granulated sugar**: This sweetens the bread, balancing the spices beautifully.
– **1/3 cup vegetable oil**: This keeps the bread tender, contributing to its soft crumb.
– **2 large eggs**: These provide moisture, richness, and act as a binder for the ingredients.
– **1 tablespoon baking powder**: This is essential for leavening, ensuring the bread rises properly.
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**: Adds warmth and spice, enhancing that festive flavor.
– **½ teaspoon ground nutmeg**: Particularly associated with eggnog and holiday flavors, nutmeg adds a distinctive taste to the bread.
– **½ teaspoon salt**: Essential for balancing flavors, even in sweet baked goods.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: This further enriches the flavor, giving it a pleasant aroma.
– **1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)**: This sweetens the glaze, adding a delightful finish to the bread.
– **2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)**: This helps to create a pourable consistency for the glaze.
– **½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for glaze)**: You can sprinkle some additional cinnamon to enhance the glaze’s flavor.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this delicious bread. Feel free to make substitutions—more on that in the variations section!
How to Make Easy Eggnog Bread
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Eggnog Bread:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and achieves a beautiful golden color.
2. **Prepare the Loaf Pan**: Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Greasing is crucial to prevent the bread from sticking and helps maintain its lovely shape.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be fairly smooth, with the sugar beginning to dissolve. This union of ingredients is where the magic begins!
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, spices (cinnamon and nutmeg), and salt. Sifting helps incorporate air and remove any lumps, leading to a lighter bread.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures**: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the bread to become dense. The batter should still be slightly lumpy; this is perfectly fine!
6. **Pour into the Loaf Pan**: Gently pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. This will help with even cooking and ensure an attractive loaf.
7. **Bake**: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown, and the kitchen will be filled with an inviting aroma.
8. **Cool the Bread**: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to maintain its moisture!
9. **Prepare the Glaze**: While the bread cools, you can prepare the sweet spiced glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth; it should be pourable but not too runny. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
10. **Glaze the Bread**: Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing some to run down the sides. This glaze adds a beautiful sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced bread.
11. **Slice and Serve**: After the glaze has set a bit (around 15 minutes), slice the bread into 12 even pieces and serve. Enjoy it on its own or spread a pat of butter for an extra indulgence!
5 Variations & Substitutions
### 1. Nutty Eggnog Bread
For a delightful crunch and additional flavor, consider incorporating nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans into your batter. About ½ cup should suffice. Add them to the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. The nuts will provide a lovely contrast to the bread’s tender texture and enrich the overall experience.
### 2. Dried Fruit Addition
If you enjoy fruity flavors, add some dried cranberries or raisins to your Easy Eggnog Bread. About ½ cup can be mixed in with the dry ingredients for a festive flair. This added dimension will turn your bread into more of a holiday treat and enhance its sweetness with bursts of fruit.
### 3. Chocolate Chip Eggnog Bread
For chocolate lovers, why not add some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips? About 1 cup will do! Fold them into the batter before putting it in the loaf pan. The chocolate will melt beautifully during baking, adding a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the eggnog.
### 4. Whole Wheat Flour Substitute
For a healthier twist, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adjustment adds fiber and creates a heartier bread while keeping it light. Just be cautious when mixing the batter, as whole wheat flour can absorb more liquid than all-purpose flour.
### 5. Dairy-Free Options
To make this bread dairy-free, swap the eggnog for a dairy-free version made from almond milk or coconut milk, and use a vegan egg substitute like flax seeds or applesauce (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = one egg). Be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener based on the brand of eggnog substitute, as some may be sweeter than traditional eggnog.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While baking Easy Eggnog Bread can be a joy, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
**Overmixing the Batter**: It’s crucial not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread since it develops the gluten in the flour. Instead, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
**Not Measuring Ingredients Properly**: Accurate measurement is critical in baking. Be especially careful with flour; too much can result in a dry loaf. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
**Oven Temperature Issues**: Every oven is different. If your bread is browning too quickly on the outside but is raw on the inside, your temperature might be higher than indicated. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy or reduce the temperature and extend your baking time if needed.
**Ignoring Greasing**: If you skip greasing the loaf pan, the bread may stick, which leads to crumbling when you try to remove it. Using parchment paper can also be a lifesaver for removing the bread easily.
**Skipping the Cooling Step**: Patience is vital! Allowing the bread to cool for at least 10-15 minutes ensures easier slice creation and prevents it from falling apart. Not waiting long enough can result in a loaf that’s too soft to slice neatly.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
To keep your Easy Eggnog Bread fresh, properly store it once it cools. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out, and place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will typically last for about 3-4 days. If you’re aiming for longer storage, consider freezing it.
**Freezing**: To freeze, wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can leave it out at room temperature for a couple of hours for quicker thawing.
**Reheating**: Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms the bread and revives its comforting, inviting aromas, making your home feel just like the holidays every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I make this bread without eggs?**
Yes, for a vegan-friendly version of Easy Eggnog Bread, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water = one egg). This provides the binding necessary for the bread while maintaining its texture.
**2. What if I don’t have eggnog?**
If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute it with milk or any non-dairy milk mixed with a bit of sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon for flavor. Aim for about 1 cup of liquid to mimic eggnog’s consistency.
**3. How can I tell when the bread is done?**
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, return the bread to the oven for a few more minutes.
**4. Can I add frosting or other toppings?**
Yes, while the sweet spiced glaze is delicious, you can customize it further. Cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an attractive look and extra flavor.
**5. Can I use different spices?**
Certainly! While cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional in Eggnog Bread, feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice. Just remember to adjust the quantities to match your taste preferences.
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It’s amazing how something as simple as Easy Eggnog Bread can evoke feelings of warmth and joy. With its rich flavors, delightful aromas, and memories tied to the holiday season, this bread embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embrace the experience of baking. Once you bring this Easy Eggnog Bread to life, you’ll find it not only adds sweetness to your table but also creates heartwarming moments with friends and family. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations—and spread the holiday cheer!
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious slice!
