Festive Eggnog Quick Bread: A Simple Holiday Treat

Eggnog. The mere mention of it conjures images of crackling fireplaces, twinkling lights, and the warm embrace of the holiday season. But eggnog isn’t just for sipping! This creamy, spiced beverage can be transformed into a delightful quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. This recipe is incredibly easy, requires no yeast or kneading, and comes together in under an hour. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, and holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Quick Bread

* **Quick & Easy:** As the name suggests, quick breads are… well, quick! This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal effort.
* **Festive Flavor:** The eggnog infuses every bite with a rich, creamy, and spiced flavor that screams holidays.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or topped with a simple glaze.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** Wrap a loaf in festive paper and share the holiday cheer with friends, family, and neighbors.
* **No Yeast Required:** This recipe is perfect for baking beginners as it doesn’t require working with yeast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this festive treat:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** Forms the base of the bread. Ensure it’s measured correctly – spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **Baking Powder:** The leavening agent that makes the bread rise. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal results.
* **Baking Soda:** Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidity in the eggnog, contributing to the bread’s rise and texture.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Eggnog:** The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade eggnog. The richness and spice levels will affect the final flavor of the bread.
* **Eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Melted Butter:** Adds moisture, flavor, and tenderness. Ensure the butter is cooled slightly after melting.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor profile. A good quality vanilla extract makes a difference.
* **Nutmeg & Cinnamon:** These warm spices complement the eggnog flavor perfectly. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.

Optional Ingredients:

* **Chopped Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans):** Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Dried Cranberries:** Introduce a tart and chewy element.
* **Chocolate Chips:** For a touch of chocolatey indulgence.
* **Rum Extract:** A small amount will enhance the eggnog flavor, if desired.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×5 inch Loaf Pan:** The standard size for quick breads.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For whisking together the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For folding the wet and dry ingredients together.
* **Measuring Cups & Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious eggnog quick bread.

**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Using baking spray is also an option.

**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, resulting in a more uniform rise. Get rid of any lumps in the flour to ensure a smooth batter.

**Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients**

* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to the eggs to prevent them from cooking.

**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.

**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)**

* If you’re using any optional ingredients like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.

**Step 6: Pour into Loaf Pan**

* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

**Step 7: Bake**

* Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
* If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**Step 8: Cool**

* Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the bread in the pan allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove without breaking.

**Step 9: Slice and Serve**

* Once the bread is completely cool, slice it with a serrated knife and serve. Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or topped with a simple glaze. See glaze options below.

Eggnog Glaze Options

Take your eggnog quick bread to the next level with one of these delicious glaze options:

* **Classic Eggnog Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons eggnog
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

* **Rum Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons rum (or rum extract)
* 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
* Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

* **Maple Glaze:**
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
* Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Tips for Success

* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Over-measuring flour is a common mistake that can lead to dry, dense bread. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, or use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few streaks of flour.
* **Use Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda:** These leavening agents lose their potency over time, so make sure they’re fresh for optimal results.
* **Cool Completely Before Slicing:** Slicing the bread while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Let it cool completely before slicing for clean, even slices.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amounts of nutmeg and cinnamon to your personal preference.
* **Experiment with Add-Ins:** Get creative with your add-ins! Try different combinations of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips.
* **Store Properly:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

This eggnog quick bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Toasted with Butter:** Toast slices of the bread and spread them with butter for a simple and satisfying treat.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a slice of eggnog quick bread alongside your favorite hot beverage.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve slices of the bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
* **In French Toast:** Use slices of eggnog quick bread to make French toast for a festive breakfast or brunch.
* **As a Holiday Gift:** Wrap a loaf of eggnog quick bread in festive paper and share it with friends, family, and neighbors.

Variations

* **Eggnog Chocolate Chip Bread:** Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Eggnog Cranberry Nut Bread:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the batter.
* **Spiced Eggnog Bread:** Increase the amount of nutmeg and cinnamon, and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice.
* **Eggnog Streusel Bread:** Top the bread with a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and spices before baking.
* **Mini Eggnog Loaves:** Bake the batter in mini loaf pans for individual servings.

How to Store Eggnog Quick Bread

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cooled eggnog quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help prevent it from drying out.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, you can store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, keep in mind that refrigerating can slightly dry out the bread, so it’s best to consume it within a few days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze eggnog quick bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and prevent the bread from becoming crumbly. You may also need to add a little extra liquid to the batter to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use homemade eggnog?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will add an even more special touch to this bread. Just be sure to use a recipe that you trust and that you enjoy the flavor of. Keep in mind that the richness and spice levels of your homemade eggnog will affect the final flavor of the bread, so adjust the other spices accordingly.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While sugar plays an important role in the texture and flavor of quick bread, you can reduce the amount slightly. Try reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup. However, keep in mind that this may affect the sweetness and tenderness of the bread.

Eggnog Bread Recipe

Here is the complete Recipe:

**Yields:** 1 loaf
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

Ingredients:

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 1/2 cups eggnog
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter, cooled slightly
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. If desired, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve. Enjoy plain, toasted with butter, or topped with a glaze.

Enjoy your wonderfully delicious Eggnog quick bread. Let the warmth and spice of this treat fill your home with holiday cheer!