If you’re searching for a delightful way to bring the warmth and magic of the season to your kitchen, this Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist, tender bread infused with rich eggnog, speckled with sweet white chocolate chips, and dotted with crunchy pecans that offer the perfect festive texture. It’s a comforting treat that captures the essence of holiday cheer in every bite, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones or savoring alongside your favorite hot beverage on a chilly winter morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by a long list—this recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a vital role, from the fluffy texture the flour brings to the cozy warmth imparted by the nutmeg and cinnamon.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the spices and complements the eggnog flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder for the perfect lift and texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps things balanced.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A quintessential spice that instantly evokes holiday spirit.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth if you prefer your bread with a touch more spice.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 ½ cups eggnog: The star liquid ingredient that infuses the bread with iconic holiday flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the bread.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Add delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the sweetness.
How to Make Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggnog until the mixture is smooth and uniform—this blend is what will give your bread that signature moist and tender crumb.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Make sure to whisk these dry ingredients well; this ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and spices, which is key for consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry mix into your wet bowl. It’s important to mix just until everything is moistened and incorporated—overmixing can lead to a dense bread. This delicate folding helps your bread stay light and airy.
Step 4: Add White Chocolate and Pecans
Now, fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans. These provide that magical sweet and crunchy combo that makes the Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe incredibly special. Make sure they are evenly distributed for every bite to feel like a holiday party.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top slightly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly on top, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.
Step 6: Cool and Optional Glaze
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling with an eggnog glaze once completely cooled. This glaze adds a glossy finish and a little extra celebration to your already festive bread.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
A lovely sprinkling of powdered sugar or a few extra white chocolate chips and pecan halves on top can transform your loaf into a beautiful centerpiece. Adding a light dusting of ground nutmeg or cinnamon can also complement the festive flavors, making it look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of creamy eggnog to enhance the holiday experience. For a heartier treat, serve alongside a generous helping of whipped cream or cream cheese spread to add richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thickly and arrange it on a festive platter garnished with fresh cranberries or evergreen sprigs to bring that Christmas vibe right to your table. You can also cut it into smaller pieces for gift boxes or party bites, perfect for sharing the joy of this Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, maintaining the perfect balance of moistness and flavor.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh your bread’s just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in a toaster oven or warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This step revives the melty white chocolate and nutty aroma, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer, deeper flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet, creamy eggnog base. Feel free to swap equal amounts for a twist on the classic recipe.
Is it necessary to use eggnog, or can I substitute milk?
Eggnog is essential for that unique holiday flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute milk with a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla extract to echo the warm spices. However, nothing quite replaces eggnog’s magic.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free eggnog and dairy-free white chocolate chips to keep this recipe allergy-friendly. The bread will still be moist and flavorful without compromising on festive charm.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor to this bread?
Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of almond extract in place of vanilla for a bright, nutty twist that beautifully enhances the holiday spices and sweetness.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If there’s wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again to avoid a soggy center.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe is more than just a holiday treat—it’s a warm invitation to celebrate the season with every slice. Its comforting flavors, moist texture, and festive ingredients come together to create a loaf that will quickly become a beloved tradition. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try baking this soon—you’ll love sharing the joy it brings around your table.
Print
Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread with White Chocolate and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread is a moist, sweet loaf packed with warm holiday flavors like nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Featuring creamy eggnog and a combination of white chocolate chips and chopped nuts, this bread offers a perfect seasonal treat that’s easy to make and wonderfully aromatic. Ideal for cozy winter mornings or festive gatherings, it pairs beautifully with coffee or a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggnog until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and optional cinnamon.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add White Chocolate and Nuts: Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans or walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze: Once fully cooled, drizzle with an optional eggnog glaze for extra festive flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.
- Use dairy-free eggnog to make this recipe dairy-free (DF).
- Add orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a moist and tender crumb.
- Tent the bread with foil if it starts to brown too quickly while baking.
