Apricot Pecan Eggnog Bread

Introduction

Indulging in seasonal baked goods is one of the most delightful ways to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Among these treats, breads that bring together rich flavors, warm spices, and festive ingredients hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens. The Apricot Pecan Eggnog Bread, a luxurious fusion of dried apricots, crunchy pecans, and the creamy, spiced essence of eggnog, exemplifies this tradition beautifully. This recipe, shared on Love With Recipes, is a testament to how baking can turn simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and celebration. Its moist crumb, fruity sweetness, and nutty crunch make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you are baking for holiday festivities or just want to enjoy a special treat, this bread offers a harmonious blend of flavors that will impress family and friends alike.

Time

Preparation Time

The entire process from gathering ingredients to readying the batter takes approximately 15 minutes. During this phase, you’ll measure, chop, and prepare everything needed for the baking process, ensuring a smooth workflow.

Baking Time

The bread requires about 50 to 60 minutes in the oven to achieve perfect doneness. This allows the batter to rise, develop a golden crust, and fully cook through, with a moist and tender interior.

Cooling Time

Once baked, the bread should cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transferred to a wire rack to cool completely. Total cooling time is approximately 1 hour, which helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.

Total Time

Including all steps, the entire process takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it a relatively quick yet indulgent baking project for the holiday season or a weekend treat.

Needed Equipment

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
• Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan, preferably greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mixing Bowls: At least two large mixing bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: For thoroughly blending wet ingredients and eggs.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To gently fold in the apricots and pecans without overmixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
• Kitchen Scale (optional): For precise measurement, especially if you prefer weighing ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the bread evenly after baking.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check doneness by inserting into the center of the bread.
• Melted Butter: For preparing the wet mixture and adding moisture.
• Chopping Board and Knife: To chop dried apricots and pecans uniformly.

Tags

Holiday, Breakfast, Brunch, Baked Goods, Nutty, Fruity, Eggnog, Seasonal, Festive, Comfort Food, Quick Bread

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 12 generous slices, making it suitable for serving 8 to 10 people, depending on portion size. It is ideal for sharing during holiday gatherings, family brunches, or cozy mornings with loved ones.

Difficulty Level

This bread is classified as easy to moderate in difficulty. It requires basic baking skills such as measuring, mixing, and folding ingredients. No advanced techniques are necessary, making it accessible to home bakers of all experience levels, especially with careful attention to mixing and baking times.

Allergen Information

Note: For those with dairy or nut allergies, consider substitutions such as plant-based eggnog and nut-free alternatives.

Dietary Preference

This recipe aligns with a vegetarian diet. For vegan adaptations, replace eggnog with a plant-based milk mixed with spices and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed substitutes.

Course

Main Course / Breakfast / Snack

Cuisine

American / Holiday / Seasonal Baking

Ingredients

Ingredient List in Tables

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It is crucial to preheat thoroughly to ensure even baking and proper rise. Meanwhile, prepare your loaf pan by generously greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking. Set aside the prepared pan on a stable surface.

Step 2: Measuring and Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients, ensuring even distribution of leavening and salt. Sifting the flour before measuring can help produce a lighter crumb, but if you prefer, you can add the flour directly from the measuring cup, making sure to level it off with a knife for accuracy. Whisking these ingredients together helps prevent clumping and ensures uniform rising during baking.

Step 3: Preparing Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until fully blended. Add the eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. The eggnog adds flavor and moisture, while the eggs serve as a binder and leavening support. Ensure the butter is melted but not hot, to prevent cooking the eggs during mixing. Whisk vigorously to incorporate air, which contributes to the bread’s tenderness and rise.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Use a folding motion to combine without overmixing, as this could develop gluten and make the bread dense. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated with a few streaks of flour remaining—lumps are acceptable and even desirable to prevent a tough texture. Overmixing can cause the bread to become chewy and dense, which is undesirable for this soft, moist loaf.

Step 5: Folding in Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots and pecans. Be careful not to overmix at this stage—use a light folding motion to evenly distribute the goodies throughout the batter. The apricots provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture, while the pecans add crunch and richness. Toast the pecans beforehand if desired, to enhance their flavor and aroma. Keep the fruit pieces small and evenly distributed to ensure each slice has a balanced flavor profile.

Step 6: Baking the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. During baking, the bread will rise, turn a beautiful golden-brown, and develop a fragrant aroma. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean with no wet batter attached. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent over-browning while the interior finishes baking.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the crumb to set and reduces the risk of breaking when transferring. Then, carefully lift the bread out of the pan using parchment paper or a spatula and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, which may take up to an hour, before slicing. Slicing too early can cause the bread to crumble or become squished, so patience is key for neat, attractive slices.

Preparation Tips

• Use room temperature eggs: They blend more easily and help create a uniform batter.
• Toast pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before folding into the batter.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the batter before baking—if you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar or honey.
• Experiment with dried fruits: Besides apricots, dried cranberries or cherries can be great alternatives or additions.
• Use high-quality eggnog: Rich, full-fat eggnog yields a more flavorful and moist bread.
• Do not overmix: This is the key to a tender, moist crumb and a light texture.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Storing leftovers: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually, then thaw as needed.
• Enhancing flavor: Brush the top with a little melted butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar after cooling for an extra touch.
• Moisture retention: For a moister bread, add a tablespoon of yogurt or apple sauce to the wet ingredients.
• Presentation: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an inviting presentation.

Add-ons

• Dried Fruits: Incorporate cranberries, cherries, or blueberries for variation.
• Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced citrus for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt or Cream: Pair with whipped cream or Greek yogurt to enhance richness.
• Tea or Coffee: A hot beverage complements the sweetness and flavors of the bread.
• Butter or Spreads: Honey butter or fruit preserves are excellent accompaniments.

Improvements

• Whole Grain Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based eggnog.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by up to 25% for a less sweet, more wholesome bread.

Save and Store

Proper storage extends the life of your baked bread. Once completely cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQ

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, substitute eggnog with a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk mixed with spices. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of traditional butter. Replace eggs with flax or chia seed eggs if necessary.

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

Fresh apricots are too moist for this recipe and may alter the batter’s consistency. Dried apricots are preferred for their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it is wet or sticky, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.

Can I prepare this batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.

Conclusion

The Apricot Pecan Eggnog Bread is more than just a festive baked good—it’s an experience that embodies the warmth and richness of the holiday season. Combining the natural sweetness of dried apricots, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog, this bread elevates any breakfast or celebration. Its moist crumb, inviting aroma, and beautiful presentation make it a centerpiece at any table. Whether enjoyed plain, with a smear of butter, or alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea, this bread promises comfort, joy, and memorable flavors. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this recipe, featured on Love With Recipes, is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.

References

• Historical background of eggnog: History of Eggnog – History.com
• Fruit and nut bread variations: Baking History of Nut Breads