Introduction
There’s something absolutely magical about the combination of warm, spiced eggnog and sweet, ripe bananas, and this Glazed Eggnog Banana Bread captures that essence beautifully. Perfect for cozy holiday gatherings or a sweet afternoon treat, this banana bread is as comforting as it is delicious. With a rich, moist crumb and a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the inviting aromas of the season.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix them together until well blended and smooth.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating the mixture until it is completely smooth.
- Gently stir in the eggnog until everything is fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and flour.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. You want just combined, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- If you like, gently fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly domed.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top before slicing and serving. Enjoy each bite!
Notes or Tips
For a delightful twist, consider adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins along with the nuts or chocolate chips. If you’d like a stronger eggnog flavor, you can replace some of the milk in the glaze with eggnog. This banana bread freezes well, so feel free to make extra to enjoy later!
Cooking Techniques
Success with this Glazed Eggnog Banana Bread lies in gentle mixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Also, remember to check your bread at the lower end of the baking time — all ovens vary, and you want to prevent overbaking for the perfect moist texture.
FAQ
Can I substitute the eggnog?
Yes! If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can use buttermilk or a non-dairy milk with added spices to mimic the flavor.
How should I store the banana bread?
Store your banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or refrigerate it for a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Conclusion
This Glazed Eggnog Banana Bread is a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. It’s warm, cozy, and bursting with the festive flavors we all love. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast treat or a comforting snack, it’s sure to bring smiles to all who share it. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and laughter this holiday season!