Description
These Eggnog Mini Loaves are a festive and moist holiday treat infused with the warm flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfectly spiced and lightly sweetened with eggnog, these mini loaves are ideal for sharing during seasonal celebrations or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon until well combined to evenly distribute the spices.
- Cream sugar and butter. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream the sugar with the softened unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, forming the base of your batter.
- Add wet ingredients. Beat in the large egg, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your loaves tender.
- Prepare the pans. Grease mini loaf pans lightly to prevent sticking, then evenly pour the batter into them, filling each about two-thirds full for proper rising.
- Bake. Place the mini loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool and serve. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring clean slices and easy handling.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for smooth creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep loaves tender and moist.
- Use full-fat eggnog for the best flavor and richness.
- Mini loaf pans typically hold about 4.5 x 2.5 inches; adjust baking time for different sizes accordingly.
- Store the mini loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optionally garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a cinnamon glaze for extra festivity.
