Cranberry eggnog loaf cake tastes just like the holidays! Bake up a loaf for Christmas brunch or for a gift wrapping party. Makes a great sweet treat with all the flavors of the season.
Today I was chatting with the nurse who came to draw my blood for my insurance exam. She said, “oh I see you’re an early holiday decorator like I am” while she admired my fully decked out house.
I told her that I’m the type of person that doesn’t like tasks hanging over my head, so I immediately tackle anything I can get done in hopes that will free up time later for me to rest and clear my mind for future creative thinking.
It’s not even December 1st and I have almost all my holiday shopping done, much of it wrapped, everything decorated, and I have my holiday baking day penciled on my calendar.
I have two big pushes of work in December then I’m hoping to take a couple of weeks off to reset at the end of the month.
This year has flown by in a whirlwind of interesting work projects and world wide travel. I am truly a lucky girl……but I could use a break.
I’m dreaming of a string of lazy days where I can bake beautiful treats like this holiday cranberry eggnog loaf. I’ll enjoy a slice while drinking coffee, and wearing fuzzy socks. Maybe even soaking up a few sunny rays on my back porch.
It’s hard to find a moment to pause these days. Life is hectic and exciting, and I might have a bit of FOMO, so I’m always on the go.
As 2017 winds down, these winter days are the perfect time to just take a pause, reflect on the year, and enjoy a delicious slice of breakfast cake. Heck, maybe I’ll even skip a few workouts.
Ok, maybe I won’t take it that far, but I am going to make a real effort to relax. My brain needs a vacation.
I’m looking forward to many new an exciting projects and adventures in 2018, but in order to be the very best I can be, I’m going to need a bunch of naps, a few glasses of eggnog, and a couple of slices of a cranberry studded holiday breakfast cake.
Let the countdown to chill out begin!
More holiday baking recipes
Southern Style Coconut Cream Cake
Peppermint Candy Cane Bundt Cake
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Cranberry Eggnog Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup eggnog divided
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups flour divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly grease and flour a loaf pan. Set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy, about 5 minutes.
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Reduce speed and add eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then carefully add 1/2 cup eggnog, sour cream, vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix until fully combined.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
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At a low speed, carefully add flour mixture to butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined.
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Toss cranberries in 1/4 cup of flour and evenly coat. Fold cranberries into batter. Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely.
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In a small bowl whisk together remaining 1/4 cup eggnog and 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar. Continue adding powdered sugar until you get the glaze consistency you want (I went for a thin glaze) Pour glaze over the top of the loaf.
WHY FIT IN WHEN WE WERE BORN TO STAND OUT?
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