Imagine slicing through a golden-brown crust to reveal a creamy, spiced filling that envelops your senses with the comforting aroma of nutmeg and holiday cheer.
The Eggnog Bars, with their buttery texture and soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, are pure bliss in every bite.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it once turned a chaotic holiday gathering into a cozy, memorable evening.
With last-minute guests arriving and not much time to spare, these delightful bars saved the day, bringing smiles and warmth to everyone around the table.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a sweet treat or as a charming addition to your Sunday suppers, making every occasion feel just a bit more special.
Ready to fill your kitchen with the alluring scent of comfort and joy? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a festive eggnog and nutmeg combination.
- Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs for easy preparation.
- Bakes to perfection in just 25 minutes for a quick dessert.
- Stores well in an airtight container, maintaining freshness for up to three days.
- Glazes beautifully with a simple eggnog and powdered sugar mix.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour — provides a sturdy base
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar — for sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted — enhances richness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract — adds depth of flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness
- 2 large eggs — for binding and texture
- 1/2 cup eggnog — adds holiday flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg — for a warm spice note
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder — aids in rising
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar — for the glaze
- 1 tablespoon eggnog — for glaze consistency
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and guarantee easy removal of the bars after baking. A well-greased dish is vital for a perfect crust.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk to guarantee the ingredients are evenly distributed. Proper mixing of dry ingredients is essential for the texture of the crust.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. The butter should be fully incorporated, giving the dough a moist, crumbly texture.
Form the Crust
Press the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to guarantee an even layer. This forms the base of the bars, providing structure and support for the topping.
Whisk Eggnog Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, ground nutmeg, and baking powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This mixture will create the flavorful, creamy topping for the bars.
Pour & Bake
Pour the eggnog mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Guarantee it covers the crust evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. This guarantees the bars are fully cooked and set.
Cool & Glaze
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes. Cooling is essential to prevent crumbling.
Mix powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of eggnog to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bars for added sweetness.
Cut & Serve
Cut into 16 squares once the bars are completely cooled. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Proper cutting guarantees clean, neat pieces. Enjoy your delicious Eggnog Bars!
Ingredient Swaps
- To make eggnog bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative and a dairy-free eggnog.
- If powdered sugar isn’t available, you can blend granulated sugar to create a powdered form for the glaze.
You Must Know
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting to guarantee it’s hot and ready when you need to bake the bars.
- Use fresh nutmeg for the most aromatic and flavorful holiday spice kick in your eggnog bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes to avoid crumbling when cutting.
- Drizzle the glaze only after the bars have fully cooled to guarantee it sets properly on top.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to three days.
Serving Tips
- Serve eggnog bars with a sprinkle of additional nutmeg for extra holiday flavor.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and presentation.
- Serve on a festive platter to enhance the holiday theme.
- Accompany with fresh berries for a touch of color and freshness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Eggnog bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
These bars also freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
To gently reheat eggnog bars, use a microwave for 10-15 seconds.
An oven preheated to 300°F can be used for 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, use a stovetop in a covered pan on low heat.
Holiday Traditions and Eggnog
While the chill of winter settles in, many of us find comfort in the cozy embrace of holiday traditions, and few are as delightful as enjoying a creamy glass of eggnog.
I remember sipping this festive drink by the fireplace, watching snowflakes dance outside. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a warm hug in a cup. Every sip evokes memories of laughter and love shared during the holidays.
The traditions surrounding eggnog are as varied as they’re cherished:
- Family Recipes: Passed down through generations, each with its unique twist.
- Festive Gatherings: A staple at holiday parties, bringing friends and family together.
- Creative Uses: From drinks to desserts like our delightful eggnog bars.
- Seasonal Spices: Nutmeg and cinnamon add that perfect holiday touch.
These moments are what make the season magical.
Final Thoughts
Give these delightful Eggnog Bars a try for your next holiday gathering, and feel free to adjust the nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with this festive treat and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk Instead of Eggnog?
I’ve often swapped eggnog with regular milk in recipes. It works, but you’ll miss that rich, spiced flavor. I’d suggest adding a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to mimic eggnog’s festive essence. Happy baking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, I swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I’ve tried it before and found it works wonders! Just guarantee your blend is suitable for baking to avoid any surprises.
What Can I Use as a Vegan Substitute for Eggs?
When I needed a vegan egg substitute, I used flaxseed meal mixed with water. Just one tablespoon of flaxseed to three tablespoons of water, let it sit until gooey; it worked wonders in my recipe. Try it!
Can I Freeze the Eggnog Bars for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze them! I’ve frozen mine before by wrapping each bar in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they taste freshly baked!
How Do I Prevent the Bars From Becoming Too Crumbly?
I’ve found the key is letting them cool completely. I once cut them too soon, and they crumbled away. Trust me, patience pays off! Also, measure ingredients accurately to maintain the perfect texture.
Eggnog Bars
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon eggnog for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, ground nutmeg, and baking powder.
- Pour the eggnog mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of eggnog to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.
- Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
