Description
Moist and tender holiday loaf infused with creamy eggnog, warm spices, and bursts of tart cranberries, a festive twist on classic quick bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional Eggnog Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- 5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and eggnog to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- 6. Fold in chopped cranberries and nuts (if using).
- 7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- 8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Notes
- Store bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, add a splash of rum extract to the batter.
- The loaf freezes beautifully. Thaw overnight before glazing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: eggnog bread, cranberry loaf, holiday baking, quick bread