This Eggnog Cranberry Bread is a festive treat that mixes the creamy taste of eggnog with tart cranberries. It’s moist, soft, and perfect for holiday get-togethers!
Every slice makes me smile, especially when it’s warm from the oven. I love to enjoy it with a cup of coffee while snuggling up with some holiday movies. Yum! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-for-one substitute.
Eggnog: Use store-bought eggnog for convenience. If you prefer homemade, mix milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. For an egg-free version, try coconut milk with a dash of nutmeg and vanilla.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for their tartness, but frozen cranberries also work well. If you can’t find them, try using dried cranberries; just soak them in warm water to plump them up a bit.
Spices: While cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a lovely flavor, feel free to use your favorite spice blend. Pumpkin spice works as a fantastic alternative!
Why is Mixing the Batter Important?
Mixing the batter properly is key to achieving the right texture. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing leads to tough bread. Here’s how to do it:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
- This will keep your bread tender and soft, allowing the cranberries to shine!
How to Ensure Even Cranberry Distribution?
Sometimes cranberries can sink to the bottom during baking, leading to unevenly distributed fruit. To help with this:
- Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended.
- Gently fold them in last to avoid breaking them up and staining the batter.
Remember, this bread is festive and delightful, perfect for sharing or indulging during the holidays!
How to Make Eggnog Cranberry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit & Tossing Flour:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped if large
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss with cranberries to prevent sinking)
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons eggnog
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for prep and 50-60 minutes for baking, plus some cooling time. All in all, expect around 1.5 to 2 hours to make this delicious bread! Perfect for your holiday baking list!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Getting Started:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. This will help to combine all the leavening agents and spices evenly.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporating Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into your butter and sugar mixture.
5. Adding Eggnog and Vanilla:
Now, pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is nice and smooth. This will add that rich flavor we love!
6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix to keep your bread tender and fluffy. A few lumps are okay!
7. Mixing in the Cranberries:
Toss your fresh or frozen cranberries with a tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking. Gently fold them into the batter, making sure to distribute them evenly.
8. Baking Time:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through.
9. Cooling:
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Glazing (Optional):
If you want to add a glaze, combine powdered sugar with a couple of tablespoons of eggnog in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for a festive look and added sweetness.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
After all that hard work, slice your delicious Eggnog Cranberry Bread and serve. Enjoy the moist texture paired with the tart cranberry bursts and creamy eggnog flavor. Perfect with a warm cup of coffee!
This bread is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, spreading warmth and joy with its cozy spices and seasonal flavors. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Eggnog?
Absolutely! You can substitute eggnog with almond milk or another milk of your choice, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and richness. To replicate the eggnog taste, you can add a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla extract to the milk.
How Do I Store Leftover Eggnog Cranberry Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best taste!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. You can also add raisins or diced apples for more flavor, but make sure to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the batter’s consistency.
How Can I Tell When the Bread is Done Baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter. Additionally, it should be golden brown on top. If in doubt, it’s better to check a little earlier than later to avoid drying it out!
