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Christmas Loaf Cake
5 from 88 votes

Christmas Loaf Cake

This Christmas Loaf Cake features two distinct batters: a citrusy Orange Eggnog and a rich Chocolate Gingerbread. The cake combines spices, cocoa, and orange zest with creamy eggnog and milk for moisture, resulting in a dense, flavorful loaf with a balance of mellow sweetness and warm gingerbread notes. Its layered batter approach creates a marbled texture that’s festive and satisfying. The optional citrus glaze adds brightness and a delicate finish to the rich cake.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8
Calories: 425 kcal
Course: Dessert, Snacks, Brunch

Ingredients

Orange Eggnog Batter
  • ¼ cup butter Country Fresh, softened, 2 tbsp
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp orange extract
  • ½ orange zested
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp
  • ⅓ cup eggnog Country Fresh
Chocolate Gingerbread Batter
  • ¼ cup butter Country Fresh, softened, 2 tbsp
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder 2 tbsp
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1 tsp gingerbread seasoning
  • ⅓ cup milk Country Fresh
Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 orange zested

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Start by making the Orange Eggnog batter. Beat softened butter and sugar in a stand mixer until well combined. Add in egg and orange extract. Beat again.
  3. Measure the baking powder and salt. Fold into the batter. Zest ½ an orange and stir in orange zest to orange eggnog batter. The mixture will start to thicken.
  4. Slowly pour a small portion of each the eggnog and flour into the bowl and beat until combined. Continue to do this in small increments, beating after each addition until combined. It’s crucial that a little flour and eggnog is added a bit at a time, beated, and then adding more. If not, the batter will be TOO thick and bake like a dense pound cake (and no one wants that).
  5. Pour the orange eggnog batter into a different bowl and clean out the stand mixer. Time to make the chocolate gingerbread batter.
  6. Beat softened butter and sugar in the stand mixer until well combined. Add in egg and vanilla extract. Beat again.
  7. Measure the cocoa powder, baking powder, gingerbread seasoning, and salt. Fold into the batter. The mixture will start to thicken.
  8. Add the milk and flour into the bowl in increments as done with the eggnog batter. Beat between each addition until thoroughly incorporated.
  9. Line a 1 lb loaf tin (9x5) with parchment paper AND spray with baking spray. Using a spoon, layer dollops of gingerbread chocolate cake batter and orange eggnog batter, every other, until all batter is in the pan. Drag a spoon in a zig-zag fashion to create swirls in the bread.
  10. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. **Oven temperatures will vary; set a timer for 45 minutes and then in 10 minute increments. Continue checking until toothpick comes out clean.
  11. When the bread is almost done baking, make the icing. Add all of the ingredients into a bowl and beat until combined. The icing should be thick, but spreadable. It will harden after sitting. If it’s too thick, add an additional ½ tsp Country Fresh Milk and continue until thinner. If it’s too thin, add an additional 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  12. Let cool for ~10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to transfer it from the cake tin to a wire rack to cool to room temperature before slicing. Top with the orange glazing and slice to enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a stand mixer to ensure the batter is fluffy and the loaf is tender.
  • Adjust flour and eggnog additions slowly to avoid a dense texture.
  • Store the loaf covered at room temperature or in the fridge and consume within 3 days.
  • Freeze whole or sliced, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months.
  • The glaze is optional; omit if a more bread-like texture is desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1slice (without glaze) Calories 425kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 59g (20%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 98mg (33%) Sodium 322mg (13%) Potassium 120mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 40g (80%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 425

% Daily Value*

Serving 1slice (without glaze)
Calories 425kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 59g 20%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 98mg 33%
Sodium 322mg 13%
Potassium 120mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 40g 80%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.