Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the cozy, festive warmth of a holiday gathering in a single bite, then this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Moist and tender, with the perfect blend of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, it features the unmistakable richness of eggnog folded right into the batter. Topped with a sweet, creamy eggnog glaze, every slice delivers that nostalgic holiday feeling, making it a delightful treat to share at brunch, gift to friends, or simply savor by the fireplace. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe, it might just become a new holiday tradition.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each thoughtfully selected to build layers of flavor, inviting aromas, and comforting textures. The dry spices infuse warmth while the wet ingredients keep the bread wonderfully moist and flavorful.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your bread, ensuring a tender crumb every time.
• Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to give the bread a light rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors involved.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds the quintessential holiday spice that ties in perfectly with eggnog.
• Cinnamon: Offers a gentle warmth and a hint of sweetness.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the spices.
• Brown sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes for added complexity.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and tender with just the right amount of richness.
• Eggnog: The star of the show, lending a creamy texture and signature festive flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add delightful crunch and nuttiness to each slice.
• Powdered sugar for glaze: Creates a luscious, sweet topping to finish off the bread.

How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures it’s ready and hot to bake your bread evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your bread comes out perfectly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. This combination of spices is what brings that unmistakable holiday spirit to the bread’s aroma and taste.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggnog, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well incorporated—watch that batter become the foundation for your festive loaf!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. The key here is not to overmix; overworking the batter can make the bread dense instead of tender. If you like, gently fold in the chopped nuts for a subtle crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 45–55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of eggnog for a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over your loaf. A little pinch of nutmeg on top adds that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation and an extra festive kick, sprinkle some additional chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar atop the glaze. If you want to be playful, add a few tiny edible gold stars or festive sprinkles to amp up the holiday cheer.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a creamy cheese spread—these accompaniments balance the spiced richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe, wrap the cooled, glazed loaf in parchment paper tied with twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a rustic touch. Alternatively, slice and layer the pieces in a clear box with festive tissue paper for a pretty edible gift. It also freezes well, so bake multiple loaves early to have them ready for last-minute guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and glazed, store your Christmas Eggnog Bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for up to three days—perfect for enjoying throughout the weekend without any fuss.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this delightful bread well beyond the holiday season, slice it before freezing. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly when you’re ready.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover slices, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. This brings back that just-baked feeling and heightens the cozy spices of the Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the eggnog with a dairy-free version like almond or coconut milk-based eggnog alternatives, and use oil instead of butter to keep it moist. The texture and flavor remain wonderfully festive.

What if I don’t have eggnog on hand?

You can easily make a simple homemade eggnog substitute by whisking together milk, sugar, a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a little beaten egg or egg substitute if you prefer. This still captures the essence of eggnog in your bread.

Can I add other mix-ins besides nuts?

Definitely! Dried cranberries, chopped candied ginger, or even dark chocolate chips make excellent additions if you want to play with texture and bursts of flavor. Just fold them in gently as you would nuts.

How long does the bread need to cool before glazing?

It’s best to let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before glazing so the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t melt into the bread. This usually takes about an hour.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe works perfectly if you want to bake two loaves for a holiday gathering or gifting. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the loaves as they bake.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is one of those magical holiday treats that brings people together with its cozy spices, moist crumb, and that sweet, creamy glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, it’s simple to make, festive to serve, and impossible to resist. So give it a go this season—you might just find your new favorite Christmas tradition in every slice!

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