If you’re looking for something festive, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent, it’s time you meet Christmas Eggnog Bread. This golden, fragrant loaf is packed with all the holiday flavors you crave—from creamy eggnog to hints of nutmeg and cinnamon—topped with a sweet, dreamy glaze. Imagine the best parts of a rich, custardy eggnog, but in a sliceable, shareable bread that makes breakfast or dessert feel like an occasion. It has a tender crumb, a subtly spiced aroma, and just the right amount of sweetness whether you drizzle it with eggnog glaze or enjoy it plain. Christmas Eggnog Bread is one of those recipes you’ll want to revisit every winter, perfect for gifting, serving at brunch, or just enjoying with a cozy mug of tea while the twinkle lights glow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Christmas Eggnog Bread so special is how each simple ingredient brings something to the table: structure, flavor, richness, or that signature holiday hue. You probably have most of these on hand, and a quick grocery run will fill in the blanks—making this beauty both convenient and unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your loaf, creating that perfect, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives your bread a lovely, light lift—so every bite is fluffy, not dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the sweet and spicy flavors into harmony.
- Ground nutmeg: Absolutely essential for that classic, unmistakable eggnog flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, warm undertones that boost the holiday spirit.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf without overpowering the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and keeps the crumb melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding that soft, custardy texture.
- Eggnog: The star of the show—rich and creamy, it infuses the bread with festive flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and adds a gentle, sweet depth.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): A quick whisk with eggnog makes the perfect, snowy drizzle.
- More eggnog (for glaze): Just a teaspoon or two blends with powdered sugar for that luscious finishing touch.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it come to temperature while you prep. This helps your bread bake evenly right from the start. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment or give it a thorough coating of butter or nonstick spray. With a well-prepared pan, that golden loaf will pop right out, ready for glazing (and devouring).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This step ensures your leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, setting you up for a perfectly spiced, consistent loaf. Plus, you’ll appreciate how those flecks of nutmeg and cinnamon look in the finished bread!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Don’t rush here; this is key for that tender crumb and subtle sweetness in your Christmas Eggnog Bread.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, splash in the vanilla extract. These not only provide structure and flavor but also give the bread its beloved custardy vibe.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Eggnog
Time for the magic! Add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir gently between each addition; overmixing can make the bread tough, so combine just until you don’t see streaks of flour. Your batter should be thick, creamy, and fragrant—pure holiday cheer in a bowl.
Step 6: Bake
Pour that luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible—like the holiday season captured in one bake!
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Once cooled completely, whisk together the powdered sugar and a few teaspoons of eggnog until smooth (feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra magic). Drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for festive flair.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread
Garnishes
Turn up the festivity by sprinkling a little more ground nutmeg or cinnamon over the glaze, or add a handful of chopped candied pecans or dried cranberries for gorgeous color and crunch. If you’re feeling fanciful, a dusting of powdered sugar gives the look of fresh winter snow atop your Christmas Eggnog Bread.
Side Dishes
Christmas Eggnog Bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, like sliced oranges or a bowl of jewel-toned berries, which add brightness and balance. For brunch, serve it alongside savory frittatas or quiches, or next to a steaming mug of coffee, chai, or extra eggnog for a real holiday breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf thickly and wrap each piece in wax paper and festive twine for a sweet homemade gift. For parties, cube the bread and arrange on a platter with toothpicks, or toast slices and serve with spiced whipped cream. However you present Christmas Eggnog Bread, it’ll steal the show on your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Christmas Eggnog Bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to three days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist and fresh. The flavors even deepen a bit by the second day, making those leftovers extra special.
Freezing
Want to bake ahead? Let the loaf cool completely and skip the glaze if you’re freezing. Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature, then add the glaze just before serving for a just-baked finish.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop slices of Christmas Eggnog Bread in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and brings those holiday aromas right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy eggnog for Christmas Eggnog Bread?
Absolutely! Non-dairy versions like almond, oat, or coconut eggnog work beautifully and still provide rich flavor. Just make sure whatever you choose is unsweetened or only mildly sweet to avoid an overly sugary loaf.
Can I add mix-ins to the bread?
Definitely—feel free to fold in about half a cup of chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for more texture and festive flavor in every slice of your Christmas Eggnog Bread.
What if I don’t have a 9×5-inch loaf pan?
You can use an 8×4-inch loaf pan, but keep an eye on the baking time, as the bread may rise higher and take a bit longer to bake through. Or, divide the batter among mini loaf pans for adorable, gift-ready treats—just reduce the baking time accordingly.
Can I leave off the glaze?
Yes! Christmas Eggnog Bread is delicious all on its own, with a gently sweet, spiced flavor. The glaze is just a bonus for extra sweetness and a little sparkle, but skipping it won’t take away from the bread’s holiday magic.
Does this bread work as muffins?
Absolutely. Simply divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll end up with Christmas Eggnog Muffins—perfect for breakfast on the go or holiday brunch buffets!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake a loaf (or two!) of Christmas Eggnog Bread this holiday season. It’s everything we love about eggnog, but in a nostalgic, sliceable form—perfect for sharing, gifting, or quietly savoring during a winter sunrise. Gather your ingredients, cue the holiday playlist, and let the scent of Christmas fill your kitchen!
Print
Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful Christmas Eggnog Bread. A moist and flavorful loaf infused with the rich flavors of eggnog and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat 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, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add dry ingredients alternately with eggnog, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog for glaze, drizzle over bread.
Notes
- This bread stores well wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For added holiday flavor, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
