This Eggnog and Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful fusion of traditional holiday flavors, featuring a soft, eggnog-infused bread dough intertwined with a sweet cinnamon-apple filling. Topped with a velvety cream cheese icing, this bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a comforting snack.
Why You'll Love This:
- Holiday Comfort: Eggnog in the dough adds a seasonal twist.
- Sweet and Spicy Filling: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple creates a warm, comforting filling.
- Artistic Presentation: The unique stacking and cutting technique creates beautiful swirls.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Adds a luscious, creamy finish to the bread.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 3/4 cup eggnog, warmed (not hot)
- 1 packet yeast
- 4 tbsp sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large apple, diced
For the Icing:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tbsp sugar in eggnog, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix in the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and gradually add flour. Stir until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, adding more flour if sticky. The dough should be slightly tacky.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- For the filling, mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl, leaving out the apples.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, and sprinkle with diced apples.
- Cut the dough in half lengthwise, stack the halves, and cut into 6 pieces. Place each stack sideways in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise on the oven while preheating to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake for 32 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, mix melted butter, cream cheese, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the icing over the warm bread.
Enjoy this warm, aromatic Eggnog and Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread, a delightful treat to cozy up with during the holiday season! 🍞🍏🎄✨