If you’re on a quest for a festive treat that feels warm and cozy in every bite, you have to try this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe. It transforms the beloved holiday drink into a moist, flavorful quick bread bursting with nutmeg and vanilla, perfectly spiced and sweetened just right. This bread is like a hug for your taste buds, whether you’re enjoying it alongside your morning coffee or sharing it at holiday brunch. Plus, the subtle hint of rum extract (or real rum if you prefer) gives it that classic seasonal flair that makes every slice taste like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe plays an important role, combining to create a bread that’s fluffy, flavorful, and wonderfully festive. Nothing fancy here—just familiar staples that come together to make magic happen.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for a soft, tender loaf.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully and creates a light texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings that warm, cozy aroma essential to holiday baking.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moistness for melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with browning for a golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a tender crumb.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient, infusing the bread with its unique holiday flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- Rum extract (optional): Gives an extra festive kick without overpowering the overall taste.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add delightful crunch and a pleasant contrast to the soft bread.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, then dust it lightly with flour. This simple step ensures your bread will come out clean and have a beautiful crust without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This even distribution of leavening and spice helps create a perfectly textured and fragrant bread.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and pale in color. This process traps air, giving your bread a light crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in eggs one at a time to maintain that fluffy texture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and rum extract if you’re using it, followed by the eggnog. The eggnog not only brings moisture but also lends its signature flavor throughout the loaf.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and soft. If you want some extra texture, gently fold in chopped pecans or walnuts now.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare and Add the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until silky smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bread for a pretty, festive finish that adds a little extra sweetness and moisture.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of extra nutmeg or some finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze for an inviting presentation. A few cranberries or pomegranate seeds alongside can add a pop of holiday color while complementing the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own, but pairing it with creamy butter, whipped cream, or a smear of spiced cream cheese can elevate the snacking experience. It also works wonderfully alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of eggnog to keep the holiday vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the bread and serving it in individual baskets lined with festive napkins for a charming brunch table display. For gifting, wrap the loaf nicely in parchment paper tied with a ribbon and a sprig of evergreen—perfect for spreading holiday cheer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its softness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, slice the bread and toast it lightly or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back that soft texture and amplifies the cozy eggnog aroma.
FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will add a personal touch and possibly a richer flavor, making your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe even more special. Just ensure it’s well chilled and preferably strained for a smooth batter.
Is rum extract necessary?
No, it’s optional. Rum extract adds a subtle festive flavor, but if you prefer, you can leave it out entirely or substitute with a splash of real rum for a little extra authenticity.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with plant-based margarine and using dairy-free eggnog alternatives. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture and richness but will still yield a delicious holiday bread.
What type of nuts work best?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are both excellent choices—offering a lovely crunch and complementing the spices in the bread. You can include them or leave the bread nut-free depending on your preference or dietary needs.
How long does the bread keep fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread will stay fresh for about 3 days. Refrigerating it can extend freshness to about a week, though it may dry out slightly without proper wrapping.
Final Thoughts
If you want a cozy, flavorful bread that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, wonderfully aromatic, and bound to become a holiday tradition in your kitchen. Trust me when I say, once you taste that first slice, it’ll be hard not to share it with everyone you love!
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Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is a festive and moist quick bread perfect for holiday breakfasts or desserts. Infused with warm nutmeg and rich eggnog, it features a tender crumb and optional nuts for added texture. Topped with a smooth eggnog glaze, this loaf brings seasonal cheer to your table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract (optional)
Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for a smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract and rum extract if using, to enhance the festive flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly pour the eggnog into the wet mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Nuts: If desired, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and helps the bread firm up.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread right before serving to add a sweet, spiced finishing touch.
Notes
- Perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Rum extract can be substituted with a splash of real rum or omitted entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
- For nut-free version, omit the nuts completely.
- Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
