Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like the creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog. And when you turn that delicious holiday drink into a warm, moist bread, it becomes the perfect treat to enjoy with family and friends. This Christmas Eggnog Bread is rich with the flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a hint of eggnog that makes it incredibly festive. It’s the kind of bread you’ll want to bake year after year for the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This bread is incredibly soft and flavorful, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The eggnog adds a smooth, creamy texture, making every slice a little slice of heaven. It’s easy to make, and the smell of it baking will fill your home with cozy holiday aromas. Whether you’re serving it at Christmas breakfast or as a snack with afternoon tea, this bread is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this holiday bread:
- Eggnog, of course, for that signature flavor
- Nutmeg and cinnamon for the perfect holiday spice
- Butter and sugar for a rich, sweet base
The full list of ingredients and measurements is below in the recipe card!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, then add the eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve this warm, fragrant bread—it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just enjoying on a cozy morning.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use full-fat eggnog for a richer, more flavorful bread.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter—mix just until combined to keep the bread light and tender.
- If you want to make this bread extra festive, add chopped nuts or dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) into the batter before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of eggnog, and substitute dairy-free butter.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Replace the vanilla extract with a teaspoon of rum extract for an even more eggnog-inspired flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a warm mug of eggnog. It’s also wonderful served alongside a fruit salad or a savory cheese platter for a balance of sweet and savory. If you’re serving it as a holiday breakfast, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on top!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread keeps well for a few days, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can also freeze it and thaw it when needed.
2. Can I use a different type of milk if I don’t have eggnog?
While eggnog gives this bread its unique flavor, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg if needed.
3. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Just scoop the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. What can I add to the bread for extra texture?
Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or even raisins would add a lovely texture and flavor to this bread.
Conclusion
Christmas Eggnog Bread is the ultimate festive treat that brings all the cozy flavors of the season into one delicious loaf. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, as a dessert, or wrapped up as a gift for friends and family. The rich, spiced flavor and soft texture will make this a go-to recipe for years to come. So, preheat that oven and get ready to fill your home with the sweet scent of Christmas!
Print
Christmas Eggnog Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is a delightful, moist treat infused with the rich flavors of eggnog and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a gift, this bread brings the festive spirit to every bite. Top it with a simple glaze for an extra holiday touch.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) eggnog
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp eggnog
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. - Make the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Add the Wet Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. - Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool the Bread:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Glaze (optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread. - Serve:
Slice the bread once it’s fully cooled, and enjoy your festive, flavorful treat!
Notes
- For a more intense eggnog flavor, add a bit of rum extract to the batter.
- This bread can be wrapped and stored for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg