Rich, aromatic, and impossibly festive, Christmas Eggnog Bread is the holiday treat you never knew you needed but will want again and again. Imagine the coziness of spiced eggnog transformed into a soft, moist loaf with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, and just the right touch of sweetness. Each slice brings together the best flavors of the season, whether enjoyed as a morning indulgence or the star of your dessert table. You won’t believe how quick and simple it is to whip up, and it makes the most thoughtful homemade gift or crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next holiday get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a handful of familiar pantry staples can create bakery-worthy magic. Every ingredient in Christmas Eggnog Bread plays a key role, from adding classic holiday flavor to ensuring a perfectly tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body to the loaf, giving it that satisfying bakery texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully, so you get a pleasantly fluffy crumb every time.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors in the bread.
- Ground nutmeg: The essential holiday spice that sings in every bite—don’t skip this one.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and an inviting aroma that instantly says “Christmas.”
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creates moisture and richness, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps with the gorgeous golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the bread lift and structure.
- Eggnog: The star of the show, bringing creaminess and festive flavor that makes this bread irresistibly unique.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes with lovely depth.
- Rum extract (optional): For anyone wanting an extra boost of classic eggnog flair—totally optional, but a fun twist.
- Chopped nuts or white chocolate chips (optional): Fold these in for added texture or a touch of creamy sweetness—customize to your liking!
- Powdered sugar or glaze for topping (optional): Adds a pretty finish and a hint of sweet luxury when serving.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure your bread bakes evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray—this little step guarantees the loaf will slip out easily every time!
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Not only does this combine your dry ingredients, but it also ensures all the spices get perfectly distributed for balanced, festive flavor throughout the loaf.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb and that slightly crisp edge—beat longer than you think you need!
Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the eggnog, vanilla, and optional rum extract, turning the batter into a rich, fragrant mixture that already smells like Christmas Eggnog Bread dreams.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in Extras
If you’d like to add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips, now’s the time! Use a spatula to fold in your extras for extra flavor and texture that keeps each slice exciting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Your kitchen will fill with the unmistakable aroma of fresh Christmas Eggnog Bread.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before gently running a knife around the edges and transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite glaze for a show-stopping presentation.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your Christmas Eggnog Bread with a snowy shower of powdered sugar, a drizzle of eggnog glaze, or even a tiny sprinkle of extra nutmeg. A few candied cranberries or a cinnamon stick alongside the plate can add fun, festive flair for gatherings or gift-giving.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a mug of hot coffee, spiced tea, or (naturally) a glass of homemade eggnog. For a holiday brunch, serve slices alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a platter of assorted cheeses for a delightful, well-rounded spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Enjoy Christmas Eggnog Bread as a classic loaf, or slice and toast it lightly for an irresistible warm treat. Wrap mini versions in parchment and twine for charming edible gifts, or cut thick slices to use as the base for an unforgettable holiday French toast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap cooled Christmas Eggnog Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to four days—if you can resist devouring it all before then!
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream. Simply let it cool completely, then wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze inside a zip-top bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or pop slices straight into the toaster when a craving hits.
Reheating
Enjoy slices at room temperature, or reheat gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. For a crisp edge, warm slices in a toaster oven or skillet until just golden—the eggnog flavor really pops when the bread is warm!
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Eggnog Bread without nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Both nuts and white chocolate chips are optional add-ins, so feel free to leave them out or substitute with dried fruit, like cranberries, for a little tartness and color in your loaf.
What’s the best eggnog to use for baking?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade eggnog. Full-fat, classic versions lend the richest flavor, but feel free to use dairy-free eggnogs as well—they work beautifully in Christmas Eggnog Bread without sacrificing taste or texture.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
Start checking at the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready! Overbaking can dry out the bread, so keep a close eye for a perfectly moist crumb.
Can I make this bread ahead of time for gifting?
Yes! Christmas Eggnog Bread stays moist for several days, making it ideal to bake in advance. Wrap it well, and your lucky recipient will enjoy fresh, flavorful slices days later.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free eggnog and vegan butter. The flavor will still shine, and the bread will be just as delicious and festive—perfect for sharing with friends and family who have special dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with holiday cheer and enjoy a slice of sweet, spiced comfort, give Christmas Eggnog Bread a try. It’s one of those treats that’s as fun to share as it is to eat, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how magical homemade holiday baking can be. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this delightful Christmas Eggnog Bread. A perfect treat for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or white chocolate chips (optional)
- Powdered sugar or glaze for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, then stir in eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, fold in nuts or chocolate if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or glaze before serving.
Notes
- This bread stays moist for several days and is perfect for gifting.
- You can use dairy-free eggnog and vegan butter for a non-dairy version.
- For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of eggnog.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
