White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
There’s nothing quite as comforting during the festive season as the delightful taste of Christmas flavors mingling in a warm loaf. This White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread brings holiday cheer to your kitchen with its perfect blend of sweetness, tartness, and creamy indulgence. It’s the ultimate treat for both festive gatherings and cozy mornings at home.
Why Make This Recipe
Making White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. This recipe combines the rich, creamy goodness of eggnog with the tangy brightness of cranberries, all topped off with a sweet white chocolate glaze. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Baking this bread is a fantastic opportunity to use fresh ingredients, giving you a delicious homemade option instead of store-bought treats. Plus, it’s a great way to impress family and friends during holiday gatherings. With its festive appearance and delightful flavors, this eggnog bread makes a perfect gift or centerpiece at any holiday table.
How to Make White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
Baking this wonderful bread is straightforward and enjoyable. Let’s walk through the ingredients and directions, ensuring that every step is clear and uncomplicated.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and mix well until combined.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bread before serving.
Pro Tips for Success with White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Using fresh cranberries will give your bread a burst of flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen can work, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature. Start checking your bread at the 60-minute mark with a toothpick for doneness.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape.
- Experiment with the Glaze: If you love white chocolate, consider adding extra white chocolate chips on top of the glaze for enhanced sweetness.
- Add a Hint of Spice: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warmth.
Flavor Variations for White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
While this recipe is a holiday favorite on its own, you can mix things up with these flavor variations:
- Rum Extract: For a robust flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of rum extract to the batter. You can substitute it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange into the batter for a zingy citrus note that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
- Nut Flavors: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: For a dual-chocolate experience, fold in dark chocolate chips along with the white chocolate.
- Dried Fruits: Swap some cranberries with dried fruits like raisins or apricots for a different texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
This delicious bread can be served in various ways:
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or tea.
- Dessert: Serve it warm for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Gifting: Wrap slices in decorative plastic wrap as homemade gifts for friends and family.
- Brunch Staple: Perfect for holiday brunches, serve it with other festive dishes like quiche or fresh fruit.
- Cheese Pairing: Try pairing it with a soft cheese, such as Brie, for a delightful flavor combination.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
To keep your eggnog bread fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- Refrigeration: If your kitchen tends to be warm, you can refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|—————|————|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
FAQ About White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Can I make this eggnog bread without cranberries?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can replace them with other fruits like blueberries or even chocolate chips.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Certainly! To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), use vegan butter, and choose a non-dairy eggnog alternative.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also adjust the glaze sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
What’s the best way to serve this bread?
This bread tastes delicious served warm, ideally with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It’s also great as a dessert served with whipped cream.
Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Definitely! You can mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, or allspice into the batter for an extra festive touch.
Final Thoughts
Baking White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread is not just about creating a delicious treat, but also about spreading joy and warmth during the holiday season. With its festive flavors and appealing presentation, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or make for a lovely personal indulgence. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a thoughtful gift, this recipe is bound to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home. Happy baking!
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White Chocolate Glazed Cranberry Christmas Eggnog Bread
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive bread combining the rich flavors of eggnog and cranberries, topped with a sweet white chocolate glaze – perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and mix well until combined.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, gently fold in the chopped cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bread before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider incorporating orange zest, rum extract, or nuts. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
