Eggnog Quick Bread
Eggnog Quick Bread is a delectable holiday dessert that perfectly captures the essence of the festive season. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, or any other holiday, this bread is sure to be a hit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through each step to create this mouthwatering treat that your friends and family will love.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Large Eggs | 2 |
| Eggnog | 1 cup |
| Unsalted Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Dark Rum or Bourbon (optional) | 1/4 cup (optional) |
| Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional) | 1/2 cup (optional) |
Please ensure you have these ingredients ready before you start. You don’t want to be searching for nutmeg in the middle of your baking adventure!
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread won’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon
Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. This step is essential for even distribution in your bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add:
- Eggnog
- Melted unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Dark rum or bourbon (if using)
Mix these wet ingredients until well combined. The combination of eggnog and butter will give your bread its rich, festive flavor.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. If you’re including nuts, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
Step 5: Fill the Loaf Pan
Now, pour the batter into the greased and floured loaf pan. Ensure it’s evenly distributed, and the top is smooth.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. Your bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of baking eggnog bread will fill your kitchen.
Step 7: Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Eggnog Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Eggnog
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Whisk until you have a smooth, creamy glaze. This glaze adds a delightful sweetness and a hint of spice to your bread.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the eggnog glaze over the cooled bread. It will create a delicious, sugary crust that’s irresistible. Slice and serve your Eggnog Quick Bread as a delightful holiday treat.
