The best part? It’s so easy to make, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. With hints of rum and vanilla, this loaf is sure to fill your kitchen with that cozy, festive vibe.
Whether it’s for a special breakfast, a Christmas gift, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with family, this bread is a crowd-pleaser. Its festive charm and delightful flavors will make it a staple in your holiday baking routine.
Ingredients for the Festive Eggnog Loaf
To make this deliciously moist and spiced eggnog loaf, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the loaf, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the loaf rise to perfection, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the rich flavors of the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – The signature spice in eggnog, adding that unmistakable holiday warmth and aroma.
- 1 cup white sugar – Sweetens the bread just enough, making each bite perfectly indulgent without being overwhelming.
- 1 cup eggnog – The star ingredient, bringing that creamy, spiced flavor that makes this loaf so special.
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Adds moisture and richness, giving the loaf a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup softened butter – Brings tenderness and a rich, buttery flavor to every slice.
- 2 teaspoons rum-flavored extract – Infuses the loaf with a subtle, festive rum flavor, enhancing the eggnog experience.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile of the bread.
How to Make the Perfect Festive Eggnog Loaf
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a moist, flavorful eggnog loaf that will impress your guests:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the ideal temperature for baking your loaf to perfection. Grease the bottom of a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to allow for easy removal once baked.
- Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your loaf. Set the bowl aside for now.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup eggnog, 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup softened butter, 2 large beaten eggs, 2 teaspoons rum-flavored extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The eggnog adds a creamy richness, while the rum and vanilla extracts infuse it with deep holiday flavors.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just enough to combine. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf, so gently fold the ingredients together until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. The batter should fill the pan almost to the top, leaving just a little room for rising.
- Bake to golden perfection. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the loaf toward the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Let it cool. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the loaf set before transferring it to a wire rack. Afterward, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.
- Store for later enjoyment. Once the loaf has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Eggnog Bread Recipe: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Loaf Perfect for Christmas
The best part? It’s so easy to make, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. With hints of rum and vanilla, this loaf is sure to fill your kitchen with that cozy, festive vibe.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Instructions:
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of a 9x5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal after baking.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set this bowl aside.
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In a large bowl, blend together the eggnog, sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, rum-flavored extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just enough to incorporate the flour. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.