Spiced Eggnog Loaf

Name: Spiced Eggnog Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2.75 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1.75 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup eggnog; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional); 2 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze, optional)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Oh, you guys, I’m so incredibly excited to share this recipe with you today. It’s one of those gems that’s been tucked away in my family’s recipe box for ages, and every time I make it, it feels like I’m wrapping myself in the warmest, coziest hug. We’re talking about a Spiced Eggnog Loaf, and trust me, it’s not just a cake; it’s an experience. Imagine the comforting aroma of eggnog, with all those warm spices we love so much, baked into a tender, moist loaf that’s perfect with your morning coffee or as a little afternoon treat. It’s sort of like a Pound Cake, but infinitely more festive and, dare I say, even easier to whip up. This is the kind of bake that makes your whole house smell like Christmas morning, even if it’s July. It’s genuinely my go-to when I need a little bit of magic, and it never, ever disappoints. My kids devour this quicker than I can slice it!

What is a spiced eggnog loaf?

So, what exactly *is* this Spiced Eggnog Loaf? Think of it as your favorite holiday eggnog, reimagined. Instead of a drink you sip, it’s a delicious, dense, and wonderfully moist loaf cake that captures all those incredible flavors. We’re talking about the creamy richness of eggnog, the comforting warmth of nutmeg and cinnamon, and a hint of something extra special that makes it truly irresistible. It’s essentially a celebration of those classic holiday vibes, baked into a portable, sliceable treat. It’s not overly sweet, which is something I really appreciate, allowing the spices and the subtle eggy richness to truly shine. It’s the perfect bridge between a quick bread and a more decadent cake, making it incredibly versatile. If you’ve ever loved the idea of eggnog but wished you could bake with it, this is your moment!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, there are so many reasons why I adore this Spiced Eggnog Loaf, and I just know you will too! First off, the FLAVOR. Oh. My. Goodness. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of clove (my secret little addition!) is just divine, and it pairs so perfectly with the subtle, rich flavor of the eggnog. It’s not just about the spices, though. The texture is absolutely spot-on – incredibly moist and tender, with a delicate crumb that just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. This is not some fussy, complicated bake. It comes together surprisingly quickly, and the ingredients are all pretty standard. I can usually get it mixed and into the oven in about 15-20 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Plus, it’s incredibly COST-EFFECTIVE. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and even the eggnog itself isn’t a huge splurge, especially during the holidays. What I love most about this Spiced Eggnog Loaf is its VERSATILITY. You can dress it up or down. It’s fantastic on its own, but a simple glaze takes it to a whole new level. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, a lovely afternoon tea, or even as a light dessert. It’s similar to a spiced quick bread but with a richer, more cake-like texture, and it’s definitely more exciting than your average Banana Bread. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, and I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe!

How do you make spiced eggnog?

Quick Overview

This Spiced Eggnog Loaf is all about bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly special. You’ll whisk together your dry ingredients, combine your wet ingredients (including that delicious eggnog!), and then gently bring them together. A quick swirl of a simple spiced filling adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Pour it all into a loaf pan, bake until golden and fragrant, and then finish it off with a drizzle of glaze. It’s a straightforward process that yields remarkably impressive results. The key is not to overmix, ensuring that tender crumb we all crave.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
You’ll need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus a little extra for dusting. I always recommend using a good quality, fresh flour for the best results. Make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, as this can lead to too much flour. Then, we have 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder for lift, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to react with the eggnog’s slight acidity, and a good pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. For the warmth, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of ground cloves – don’t skip the cloves, they really make it sing! And for the richness and moisture, 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s really soft, not melted, for the best creaming. Then, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, which might seem like a lot, but it bakes into the cake beautifully. We’ll also use 3 large eggs, at room temperature – this helps them incorporate better. And the star: 1 cup of good quality eggnog. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade! I’ve found that a thicker, richer eggnog gives the best results. Lastly, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out all those flavors.

For the Filling:
This is where we add an extra punch of spiced goodness! You’ll need 1/2 cup of packed light Brown Sugar. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note. Then, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. A tablespoon or two of melted butter will help bind it all together and make it spreadable.

For the Glaze:
This is optional, but highly recommended! We’ll use 1 cup of powdered sugar, sifted if you want it extra smooth. Then, 2-3 tablespoons of eggnog (or milk if you’re out!), adding it just a tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency. A tiny splash of vanilla extract can also be nice here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use butter or cooking spray for greasing and then dust it lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. For an extra touch, you can also line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on each side. This makes lifting the finished loaf out of the pan so much easier, especially when it’s hot. This little step really saves you from any heartbreak when it’s time to unmold!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Give it a good whisk until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are spread throughout the batter, leading to a consistent rise and flavor. Making sure your dry ingredients are well combined before adding them to the wet ingredients is a small step that makes a big difference in the final texture of your Spiced Eggnog Loaf.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and the eggnog. The mixture might look a little curdled at this point, and that’s totally okay! It will smooth out when the dry ingredients are added.

Step 4: Combine

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour streaks disappear. Be very careful not to overmix here! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough loaf. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Gently fold in any remaining streaks with a spatula to ensure everything is just combined. This is crucial for that tender crumb!

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a small bowl, combine the packed light Brown Sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the tablespoon or two of melted butter and stir until it forms a crumbly paste. You want it moist enough to hold together but still a bit crumbly. If it seems too dry, add another teaspoon of melted butter. If it’s too wet, add a tiny bit more brown sugar. This filling is going to add pockets of intense spice and sweetness throughout your loaf.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Pour about half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle about half of the filling mixture over the batter. Then, spoon the remaining batter on top, spreading it to cover the filling. Sprinkle the rest of the filling mixture evenly over the top. Now, here comes the fun part – the swirl! Take a butter knife or a skewer and gently swirl it through the batter and filling. Don’t over-swirl; you just want to create some beautiful marbled patterns. Aim for a few passes, zig-zagging through the pan to distribute the filling without completely mixing it in. This creates those gorgeous ribbons of spice.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 50-65 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 50-minute mark. The Spiced Eggnog Loaf is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter). The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If the top starts browning too quickly before the inside is cooked, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. This allows it to set up slightly. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto the wire rack to remove it from the pan. If you used parchment paper, this step is a breeze! Let the loaf cool completely on the wire rack before glazing. For the glaze, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of eggnog (or milk). Add more liquid, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. It should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to pour. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides. If you’re going to slice and serve it warm, you can skip the glaze or add it just before serving.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze is set (or if you skipped it), slice your Spiced Eggnog Loaf into thick, satisfying slices. A serrated knife works best for a clean cut. Serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s absolutely delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a smear of butter or a dollop of Whipped Cream. Enjoy the aroma and the taste of pure holiday comfort!

What to Serve It With

This Spiced Eggnog Loaf is so versatile, you can enjoy it at pretty much any time of day and for any occasion. For BREAKFAST, it’s simply divine with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte. The spices in the loaf and the coffee are a match made in heaven. I love serving it with a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a morning boost. For BRUNCH, this loaf elevates any spread. It looks so elegant sliced on a platter, perhaps with a few fresh berries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. It pairs wonderfully with mimosas or a festive punch. As DESSERT, it’s perfect for a lighter sweet ending. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over a slice is absolutely decadent, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a true treat. It’s also fantastic with a small glass of dessert wine. And for those COZY SNACKS, this loaf is your best friend. It’s perfect with a cup of hot tea, a warm glass of milk, or even a small mug of leftover eggnog (if you’re feeling extra festive!). My family often has this as a “movie night” treat, and it always disappears so fast. I’ve even made little mini loaves for thoughtful neighbor gifts, tied up with a festive ribbon!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Spiced Eggnog Loaf

I’ve made this Spiced Eggnog Loaf more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I just have to share! For the batter, always make sure your butter and eggs are at ROOM TEMPERATURE. This is non-negotiable for achieving that light, fluffy texture when creaming the butter and sugar, and it ensures your eggs emulsify properly, leading to a smoother, more consistent batter. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way that cold ingredients can lead to a dense, heavy loaf. When it comes to MIXING, the golden rule is: DO NOT OVERMIX. As soon as you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes your loaf tough and chewy instead of tender and moist. A few little lumps are perfectly fine – they’ll bake out. For the SWIRL, don’t go crazy with it. Gentle, shallow passes with a knife or skewer are all you need to create beautiful ribbons of flavor and color. Over-swirling will just muddy the pattern and potentially toughen the batter. If you’re looking for INGREDIENT SWAPS, while I haven’t tested extensively, you *could* try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking blend (look for one with xanthan gum). The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be delicious. For the eggnog, if you can’t find it or it’s not the season, you can substitute it with milk and add an extra yolk and a tablespoon of melted butter to the liquid to mimic its richness. When it comes to BAKING, every oven is a little different. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. A clean skewer is your best friend here! If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. For the GLAZE, consistency is key. Start with the smaller amount of liquid and add more gradually. You want it to be thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle beautifully. If it gets too thin, just whisk in a little more powdered sugar. I’ve found a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze is also a lovely addition for a bit of crunch!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping this Spiced Eggnog Loaf tasting fresh and delicious. At ROOM TEMPERATURE, the loaf will stay good for about 2-3 days, as long as it’s covered tightly. I usually wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or a cake keeper. This is perfect if you plan on finishing it off within a couple of days. If you think it will take longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, it’s best to move it to the REFRIGERATOR. Wrapped well, it can last in the fridge for up to a week. The texture might become a little firmer when chilled, but it’s easily remedied by warming it up. For LONGER STORAGE, this loaf freezes beautifully! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and finally tuck it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply unwrap it and let it come to room temperature on the counter, or gently reheat. If you’ve already applied the glaze, it might soften a bit in the freezer, but it will still be delicious. If you plan to freeze it, I often recommend glazing it *after* it has been thawed and reheated, or just dusting it with powdered sugar. For reheating, you can pop a slice into a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. The microwave works too, but be careful not to overheat it, as it can make it a bit rubbery. A few minutes is all you need to bring back that lovely moistness and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

You absolutely can! I’ve had great success using a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend (the kind that already contains xanthan gum). You’ll likely use the same amount as called for in the recipe. The texture might be slightly different – sometimes gluten-free baked goods can be a little denser – but the flavor will still be fantastic. I always recommend checking the specific blend you use, as some can absorb moisture differently.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope, you don’t need to peel the zucchini for this recipe! The skin contains a lot of moisture and nutrients, and it actually breaks down beautifully during baking, contributing to the loaf’s moistness. Plus, it saves you an extra step! Just make sure to wash it well before grating.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Oh, great idea! Yes, you totally can make these as muffins. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full. You’ll likely need to reduce the baking time significantly, probably to around 20-25 minutes. Start checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 20-minute mark. You might also want to reduce the glaze to a thinner consistency for drizzling over the individual muffins.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

This recipe is balanced, but if you prefer it less sweet, you can try reducing the granulated sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup. For the filling, you can also slightly reduce the brown sugar. However, sugar does contribute to tenderness and browning, so don’t reduce it too much, or you might affect the texture. For the glaze, you can always make it less sweet by adding more eggnog or milk to thin it out.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, or just want a simpler finish, you have a few great options! You can simply dust the cooled loaf generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Another option is to melt a bit of good quality white or dark chocolate and drizzle that over. A sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top of the unfrosted loaf is also lovely and adds a nice crunch.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my beloved Spiced Eggnog Loaf! I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a bake; it’s a little piece of comfort and joy that’s perfect for sharing. The way the spices mingle with that rich eggnog flavor, the incredibly tender crumb, and that delightful swirl – it just all comes together to create something truly special. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about baking, and it’s so rewarding to see it disappear quickly from your kitchen. If you loved this Spiced Eggnog Loaf, you might also enjoy my recipe for Spiced Pear Bread or my Classic Gingerbread Cake, both packed with warming spices! I can’t wait to hear how your Spiced Eggnog Loaf turns out! Please leave a comment below and tell me what you think, or share your own tips and variations. Happy baking, friends!

No ratings yet