Description
This festive Christmas Eggnog Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for holiday mornings or as a sweet treat with coffee. Rich with the classic spices of nutmeg and cinnamon and the creamy taste of eggnog, this bread is enhanced with a touch of vanilla and optional crunchy pecans. Easy to make and deliciously comforting, it captures the spirit of the holiday season in each slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. If desired, fold in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to start setting, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans without affecting the flavor significantly.
- Ensure the eggnog is well mixed before measuring for consistent moisture and taste.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- To enhance the holiday flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of rum or rum extract to the wet mixture.
- Use fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
