Best Cherry Eggnog Bread for a Cozy Holiday Treat Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that wraps you up in warmth and comfort, look no further than this Best Cherry Eggnog Bread for a Cozy Holiday Treat Recipe. It’s a delightful loaf that combines the creamy spice of eggnog with bursts of sweet, vibrant cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels like a holiday hug in every bite. This bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of the season, perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or a charming addition to your holiday dessert spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this irresistible cherry eggnog bread, you’ll only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a crucial role—from the richness of butter to the gentle spice of nutmeg, and the bright pop of cherries—that together create a moist, flavorful loaf with a beautiful holiday flair.

• 2 eggs (room temperature): These help bind the bread while adding richness and moisture.
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (freshly ground preferred): Adds a warm, spicy kick that perfectly complements the eggnog.
• 1.25 cups eggnog (chilled): The star ingredient, providing creamy sweetness and holiday flavor.
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (drained, patted dry, chopped): For colorful sweetness and fruity bursts in every bite.
• 3/4 cup sugar (granulated): Sweetens the bread and helps with browning for a beautiful crust.
• 6 tbsp butter (softened to room temperature): Adds richness and tender crumb texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a smooth, aromatic base.
• 2.5 cups flour (King Arthur all-purpose recommended): The foundation for structure and density.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures the bread rises to a perfect fluffy texture.

How to Make Best Cherry Eggnog Bread for a Cozy Holiday Treat Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and place the oven rack in the center. This ensures even cooking throughout the bread. While the oven warms, grease your loaf pan lightly to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the finished bread.

Step 2: Prep the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key to avoid adding excess moisture that could make your bread soggy. Chop the cherries into bite-sized pieces to allow sweet pockets of cherry in every slice.

Step 3: Get Ingredients to Room Temperature

Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This little detail ensures your batter mixes smoothly, giving your bread the perfect texture with no lumps or uneven spots.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and freshly ground nutmeg together until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy—usually about 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, lending a tender crumb to your bread.

Step 5: Add Eggnog

Pour in the chilled eggnog and whisk everything together until you’ve achieved a smooth, uniform batter that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, sugar, and baking powder into a large bowl. Sifting not only combines these ingredients but also aerates the flour, which is essential for a light, tender loaf that rises beautifully.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix here, as this can toughen the bread. The batter should be a bit lumpy but well-incorporated.

Step 8: Fold in Cherries

Now, delicately fold in your chopped cherries using a few gentle strokes. This ensures the cherries are evenly distributed without smashing them or merging the vibrant color too much into the batter.

Step 9: Prepare the Loaf for Baking

Grease your standard 9×5 inch loaf pan lightly one more time if needed, then pour in the batter. Smooth the top gently with your spatula to create an even surface and help the bread bake uniformly.

Step 10: Bake the Bread

Bake your Best Cherry Eggnog Bread for a Cozy Holiday Treat Recipe for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 11: Cool the Bread

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the loaf firm up so it doesn’t crumble when removed. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 12: Slice and Enjoy

After the bread is fully cooled, slice it into even pieces and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering slice of holiday magic.

How to Serve Best Cherry Eggnog Bread for a Cozy Holiday Treat Recipe

Garnishes

For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top just before serving or add a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog for extra sweetness and moisture. Fresh cherries or a light dusting of cinnamon can also brighten each slice visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This bread shines splendidly alongside a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a mug of warm eggnog to echo its flavors. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with whipped cream or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices stacked on a decorative holiday platter, interspersed with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary or pine for a natural, seasonal flair. You might also wrap individual slices as thoughtful edible gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cherry eggnog bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will maintain its moist, tender texture and keep the cherries fresh.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cozy treat later, slice the bread first and place pieces in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To heat slices, pop them in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm. This warming step revives the bread’s softness and enhances the aroma of the nutmeg and cherries.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully and offer a less sweet, more natural flavor. Just be sure to pit and chop them, and blot any excess moisture to prevent sogginess.

Is there a substitute for eggnog if I don’t have any?

You can substitute with milk mixed with a bit of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sugar to mimic eggnog’s flavor. It won’t be quite the same but will still produce a deliciously moist loaf.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Be aware that texture might vary slightly.

How long does this bread keep fresh?

When properly stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend this to about a week, but it may dry out, so always wrap it tightly.

What’s the best way to prevent cherries from sinking?

Tossing chopped cherries lightly in a bit of flour before folding into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the bread, preventing them from sinking to the bottom.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Best Cherry Eggnog Bread for a Cozy Holiday Treat Recipe. It’s a heartwarming way to bring seasonal flavors into your kitchen, impress guests, or simply enjoy a quiet moment wrapped in the comfort of soft eggnog-spiced bread with sweet cherry surprises. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your holiday baking rotation!

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