Christmas Eggnog Bread is the sweet, holiday-inspired treat you’ll want on repeat all winter long. Buttery, moist, and perfectly spiced with nutmeg, every slice captures the comforts of festive baking and the nostalgia of a glass of creamy eggnog. Whether it’s your first time making quick bread or you’re a seasoned baker, this delightfully simple loaf is guaranteed to win hearts—and make your home smell incredible!

Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Eggnog Bread celebrates classic, cozy flavors with just a handful of straightforward pantry staples. Each ingredient has a starring role, bringing texture, tenderness, or rich, aromatic taste to the final loaf.

All-purpose flour: The perfect base for creating a moist, tender quick bread crumb.
Baking powder: Gives the loaf its beautiful rise and soft structure.
Salt: Enhances every sweet and spicy note within the bread.
Ground nutmeg: Essential for that signature holiday warmth and eggnog flavor.
Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the bread rich, buttery, and soft.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps with browning.
Large eggs: Adds structure and unbeatable moisture to the loaf.
Eggnog: The soul of this bread, infusing it with creamy, festive flavor.
Vanilla extract: For a mellow, rounded depth of flavor.
Rum extract (optional): Brings out classic eggnog notes—feel free to skip if you prefer.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Whipped into a dreamy drizzle that elevates each slice.
Additional eggnog (for the glaze): Ties the whole loaf together from top to bottom.
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for garnish): Sprinkle on top for added aroma and color.

How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan, lightly grease it (or line it with parchment for easy lifting), and set it aside. This ensures your Christmas Eggnog Bread releases perfectly and bakes evenly from edge to center.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the ever-important ground nutmeg. Not only does this evenly distribute the leavening and spice, but it also helps prevent any lumps sneaking into your batter. The nutmeg, in particular, gives a whiff of holiday magic in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light in color—this can take a few minutes, but it’s worth it! This step is what gives your Christmas Eggnog Bread its dreamy, tender crumb. Use a handheld mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon for a bit of elbow grease.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Go slowly for the silkiest, smoothest batter. The eggs not only bind everything together but make the loaf irresistibly moist.

Step 5: Mix in the Eggnog and Extracts

Pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling festive, a touch of rum extract too. Stir until all the ingredients are just combined and the batter smells like a dreamy holiday kitchen. The eggnog is really the star here—don’t skimp!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be gentle and stir just until the flour disappears—overmixing leads to a tougher loaf. You’re aiming for a batter that’s thick and luscious, with no flour pockets left behind.

Step 7: Pour, Bake, and Cool

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Slide it onto the middle rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Patience pays off—wait until it’s completely cool before glazing!

Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

Whisk the powdered sugar with eggnog until smooth, adding more eggnog a little at a time until your glaze pours but isn’t too runny. Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf, and, if you’d like, finish with a pinch of nutmeg for extra sparkle and aroma.

How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of nutmeg or a handful of toasted nuts adds beautiful color and crunch on top of your Christmas Eggnog Bread. For an extra-luxe finish, try a little white chocolate drizzle or a few candied cranberries. Each garnish creates a show-stopping look and a new layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread dazzles on its own, but it’s also sensational with a mug of hot coffee or spiced tea. If serving for breakfast or brunch, pair your Christmas Eggnog Bread slices with crisp bacon, a fluffy scramble, or a juicy fruit salad for a balanced holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your loaf into easy-to-share mini loaves or muffins for gift giving, or slice it thick and layer with whipped cream or mascarpone for a totally irresistible dessert plate. For a playful twist, serve cubes of the bread fondue-style with warm caramel or chocolate sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Christmas Eggnog Bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify by the next day, making leftovers even more delightful (if you have any!).

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic and then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature—perfect for preparing ahead for holiday guests or spontaneous cravings.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for about 7-10 minutes. This wakes up the butteriness and soft crumb, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought or homemade eggnog?

Absolutely! Both work beautifully in Christmas Eggnog Bread. Homemade eggnog gives you more control over sweetness and spice, but any good-quality store-bought version brings just as much festive flavor.

How can I make this bread nut-free or gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the loaf gluten-free. To keep it nut-free, simply avoid adding nuts as an extra—it’s just as delicious without.

Is it possible to make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, Christmas Eggnog Bread often tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld and intensify as it sits, making it a dream for holiday prep or gifting.

What can I substitute for rum extract?

If you don’t have rum extract, just add an extra splash of vanilla or a pinch more nutmeg. The bread will still have plenty of that signature eggnog warmth and sweetness.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit?

Definitely! Stir in up to 1 cup of white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even chopped toasted nuts for added texture and pops of flavor. It’s an easy way to make the bread your own.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking Christmas Eggnog Bread—one slice and you can taste the holiday spirit in every sweet, golden bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spot in your seasonal baking lineup. Happy holidays, and enjoy every slice!

Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of Christmas with this delicious Eggnog Bread recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat at home, this bread is moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet eggnog glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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)

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons eggnog
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract (if using).
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread and sprinkle with nutmeg.