Eggnog Quick Bread: A Festive, Moist, and Easy-to-Make Delight

If you’re looking for a cozy, festive treat to enjoy during the holiday season, this Eggnog Quick Bread is the perfect choice! With the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a moist, tender crumb, this quick bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even as a holiday gift. Best of all, it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any yeast, making it perfect for those who want a quick, festive baking project.

This eggnog-infused bread is delicious on its own, but you can also drizzle it with a simple glaze or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

For the bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional, for a holiday twist)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons eggnog
• A pinch of ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the loaf pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients

1. Mix in the vanilla extract and rum extract (if using). Then, slowly add the eggnog to the butter mixture, continuing to beat until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the bread may become dense.
2. If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
3. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the bread with aluminum foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and glaze (optional)

1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. If desired, mix the powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bread, then garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg for a festive touch.

Chef’s Tip:

For an even more decadent flavor, you can replace some of the butter with cream cheese for a richer texture and flavor. The cream cheese will also make the bread even moister.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of milk instead of eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog on hand or prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with regular milk or half-and-half. However, eggnog gives this bread its signature flavor, so the texture and richness will be different without it.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this Eggnog Quick Bread keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add more spices to this bread?
Yes! If you love spice, you can increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or even add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.

4. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan for a more decorative presentation. The baking time may be slightly shorter, so start checking for doneness around 45 minutes, but be sure the bread is fully baked before removing it.

This Eggnog Quick Bread is a delightful treat that brings the essence of the holidays into your kitchen. With its rich flavor, tender crumb, and easy preparation, it’s a must-bake for anyone who loves eggnog and festive baked goods. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, this quick bread is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!