Eggnog Loaf: A Moist and Spiced Holiday Treat
Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When the holidays roll around, there’s one flavor that I just can’t get enough of: eggnog. And while a glass of eggnog is great, an Eggnog Loaf is even better. This moist, tender, and beautifully spiced loaf cake captures all the classic flavors of eggnog in a delicious, easy-to-slice form. With a rich, creamy eggnog flavor and a sweet glaze on top, this loaf is a perfect holiday breakfast, a festive afternoon snack, or a simple, sweet dessert. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
I first came up with this recipe when I had a little bit of leftover eggnog and didn’t want it to go to waste. I love a good loaf cake, and I thought, why not get all those classic holiday flavors into a simple loaf? The result was a huge hit with my family, and it has since become a holiday tradition. The secret to this loaf’s incredible texture is the eggnog itself, which keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender. It’s a simple, easy, and incredibly delicious baking project that everyone will love.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this Eggnog Loaf is the incredible flavor and texture. You get a soft, tender crumb, a rich, creamy eggnog flavor, and a perfect hint of nutmeg and vanilla. The eggnog glaze on top is the perfect finishing touch—it’s sweet, creamy, and adds a beautiful, glossy finish. It’s a dessert that is both comforting and elegant, and it’s perfect for any holiday occasion.
This recipe is also a lifesaver because it’s so simple. It comes together in a matter of minutes and bakes up beautifully. This makes it a perfect solution for a last-minute holiday party or a quick sweet treat for a weekend breakfast. It’s a fantastic alternative to a traditional cake, and it’s a dish that everyone from kids to adults will happily devour. For another great holiday dessert, my recipe for These Pecan Pie Bars are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert is also a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp eggnog
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Swaps and Notes
- Eggnog: Use a good quality, full-fat eggnog for the best flavor and texture.
- Spices: The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon is classic, but you can also add a little bit of ground cloves or allspice for a richer flavor.
- Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This is crucial for a light, fluffy batter.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer.
- Glaze: You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more eggnog for a thinner one.
Instructions
Make the Loaf:
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze and Serve:
- Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and ground nutmeg until the glaze is smooth and has a pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: As with any cake, overmixing the batter will result in a tough, dense loaf. Mix it just enough to bring it together.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and eggnog is crucial for a light, fluffy batter.
- Let It Cool: Make sure the loaf is completely cool before you add the glaze. If it’s warm, the glaze will melt and be absorbed into the cake.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf is the best way to check for doneness. It should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Eggnog Loaf is a complete dessert on its own. It’s a perfect treat with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of eggnog. For another great dessert that’s perfect for a crowd, you might also like my recipe for This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas—it’s a great option for a different kind of loaf.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
This is a sweet and satisfying treat, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional dessert.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This loaf will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of simple, delicious holiday treats, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a classic that’s always a hit, try my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot. For a classic cookie that’s perfect for the holidays, my These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times are a lifesaver. And for a different kind of spiced treat, my These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat is a great option.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Loaf is a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It’s a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious loaf cake that is the perfect way to get all the best flavors of the holidays in a single slice.
I’d love to know what your favorite holiday treat is! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy baking!
Eggnog Loaf: A Moist, Spiced Loaf Cake for the Holidays
Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp eggnog (for glaze)
- 4 tsp ground nutmeg (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggnog to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and ground nutmeg until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
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