Holiday Spice Loaf: Warmly spiced, perfectly moist.:

A Loaf Full of Memories

My Abuela made this spice loaf every Christmas. Her kitchen smelled like magic. I still laugh at that memory.

She didn’t use a fancy mixer. She used a big wooden spoon. Her arms must have been so tired! This matters because food made with love always tastes better. What is a holiday smell that makes you happy?

Let’s Get Mixing

First, get your eggs and eggnog ready. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The rum extract makes it smell like a party. Mix them with the sugar and soft butter.

My grandkids love to turn the mixer on. They watch everything come together. It is our special time. Fun fact: The vanilla pudding mix is my secret. It keeps the loaf super moist for days.

The Parchment Paper Trick

Now for the best trick. Use a piece of parchment paper like a sling. It stops the bread from sticking to the pan.

I learned this after a loaf got stuck once. What a mess that was! Now my bread comes out perfectly every time. This matters because little tricks make cooking easier and more fun. Do you have a kitchen trick that saved you?

Waiting for the Bake

While the loaf bakes, your house will fill with a warm smell. It is the allspice and vanilla. It makes everyone feel cozy.

This is the perfect time to make the glaze. Just whisk the powdered sugar and eggnog. I always sneak a little taste. It is so good!

Sharing is the Best Part

Let the loaf cool before you add the glaze. I know, it is hard to wait! But it is worth it.

Slice it thick and share it with someone you love. Food tastes better when we eat it together. That is a truth I hold dear. Will you be making this for a special someone this year?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Egg	2
Eggnog	1½ cups	For the bread
Rum Extract	1¼ tsp
Granulated Sugar	1 cup
Vanilla Extract	1½ tsp
Unsalted Butter	½ cup	Softened
All-Purpose Flour	2¼ cups	Sifted
Baking Powder	2 tsp
Vanilla pudding mix	¾ oz	Dry
Salt	½ tsp
Allspice	¾ tsp
Powdered sugar	1 cup	Sifted, for the glaze
Eggnog	2 tbsp	For the glaze
Butter extract	¼ tsp	For the glaze
Allspice	⅛ tsp	For the glaze

My Holiday Spice Loaf Story

This loaf cake always fills my kitchen with the best smells. It reminds me of my Abuela’s cozy apartment in winter. She would hum old songs while she baked. I still smile thinking about it.

This recipe is my little twist on her tradition. I added the vanilla pudding mix one year by accident. It made the loaf so wonderfully moist. Now I would never make it any other way.

Let’s get our hands busy. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease your loaf pan well. This is an important first step, I promise.

Step 1

Let’s mix all the wet things together. Put the eggs, eggnog, and softened butter in a bowl. Add the sugar, vanilla, and that fun rum extract. Mix it on medium for two minutes. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

Step 2

Now for the dry team. In another bowl, whisk your sifted flour and baking powder. Add the dry pudding mix, salt, and allspice. Whisk it all together until it’s one happy, sandy-colored powder.

Step 3

Time to combine everything. Turn your mixer to low. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet bowl. Mix just until you see no more white flour streaks. (My hard-learned tip: Do not overmix! A few lumps are just fine.)

Step 4

The parchment paper sling is our secret weapon. It looks tricky, but it is not. Just line the bottom and two sides of your pan. Leave some paper hanging over the edges like handles. Pour your batter right in. Why do you think we use a parchment sling? Share below!

Step 5

Bake your loaf for about an hour. Your house will smell like a holiday dream. A toothpick poked in the center should come out clean. Then let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

Step 6

While it cools, make the simple glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, eggnog, and spices together. Pour it over the warm loaf. It will drip down the sides beautifully.

Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert, Bread

Three Fun Twists to Try

This loaf is wonderful as it is. But sometimes, a little change is fun. Here are a few ideas my family loves. They are all so simple to do.

Cranberry Swirl

Fold in a cup of fresh cranberries. They pop with a lovely, tart surprise in every bite.

Orange Zest Glow

Add the zest of one orange to the batter. It makes the whole loaf taste bright and sunny.

Nutty Crunch

Stir in a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. It gives you a nice little crunch.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

A warm slice of this loaf is a treat all by itself. For a special breakfast, toast a slice lightly. Spread a little softened butter on top. It melts right into the spices.

It is also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess with the warm spice is magic. Or serve it with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. So delicious.

For a drink, a hot cup of spiced chai tea is perfect. The flavors are best friends. For a grown-up treat, a small glass of sweet sherry pairs wonderfully. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Spice Loaf Fresh and Tasty

Let’s talk about keeping your loaf moist. Once it is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh on the counter for about three days. You can also freeze it for later.

To freeze, wrap the whole loaf or slices in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. It will be good for up to three months. Thaw it on the counter when you are ready. I once forgot a loaf in my freezer for months. It was still delicious with my morning tea.

Batch cooking saves so much time during the busy holidays. Making two loaves is just as easy as one. You can enjoy one now and give one to a friend. This small act of sharing brings so much joy.

Storing food well means less waste. It also means a sweet treat is always ready for guests. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Baking Troubles

Sometimes our bread does not turn out as planned. Do not worry. Most problems have a simple fix. Let’s look at a few common ones.

Is your bread too dense? You might have over-mixed the batter. Mix just until the flour disappears. I remember when my grandson mixed the batter for ten minutes. We got a very heavy, sad loaf.

Is the middle still gooey? Your oven might be too hot. An oven thermometer helps you know the real temperature. This matters because the right heat gives you a perfect, even bake every time.

Did your bread stick to the pan? The parchment paper sling is your best friend. It makes lifting the bread out so easy. Getting it right builds your confidence in the kitchen. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Spice Loaf Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum in it.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. Bake it the day before. The flavors get even better overnight.

Q: What if I don’t have eggnog?

A: You can use whole milk with a dash more vanilla and nutmeg. It will still be wonderful.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes. Just use two loaf pans. Do not fill them more than two-thirds full.

Q: Is the glaze necessary?

A: No, but it adds a sweet, festive touch. The bread is still lovely without it. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Holiday Baking With Me

I hope you love making this Holiday Spice Loaf. It always makes my kitchen smell like Christmas. Baking is about sharing warmth and love with family.

I would love to see your beautiful creations. Show me a picture of your loaf. *Fun fact: The allspice in this recipe comes from a berry!* It is like having three spices in one.

Your stories and photos make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see what you make.

Happy cooking!

—Lena Morales.