Fruited Eggnog Bread
Fruited Eggnog Bread is a rich, moist loaf infused with the warm spices and creamy flavors of eggnog, complemented by candied fruit and pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a festive breakfast, this bread boasts a tender crumb and an inviting aroma that delights every palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or two smaller loaf pans with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and mace.
- Stir in the eggnog, melted butter, egg, and rum until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and mixed candied fruit.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using spiced rum instead of regular rum. If you don't have mace, nutmeg can serve as a suitable substitute. To keep the bread moist, ensure you don’t overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this delightful bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with Hot Caramel Sauce drizzled on top for added sweetness. Consider serving alongside a light Spinach Dip Appetizer for a festive brunch spread, or enjoy it as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Fruited Eggnog Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice off what you need and warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Eggnog Bread contains roughly 540 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nuts?
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the batter. This will still provide a lovely texture and flavor to the bread.
Is it possible to make this bread without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can simply omit the rum or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or additional eggnog for flavor. The bread will still be delicious and suitable for all ages.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. This will help maintain the texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).