If you’re looking to bring a slice of festive cheer to your holiday table, then this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine moist, tender bread boasting all the warm, comforting flavors of classic eggnog, accented beautifully by a hint of rum and nutmeg. Every bite is like a cozy holiday hug, perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite because it’s simple to make yet delivers that magical holiday spirit in loaf form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry about hunting down anything exotic here—this recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a deliciously rich and aromatic bread. Each component plays a special role, from the eggs providing structure and moisture to the nutmeg bringing that unmistakable holiday spice.
- 2 eggs: These give the bread a lovely lift and help bind all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness that perfectly balances the spices and richness.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Adds a buttery richness and tender crumb texture.
- 1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient, infusing the bread with creamy flavor and holiday nostalgia.
- 2 tbsp rum flavor extract: For that classic eggnog kick without the alcohol.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth and depth of flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure.
- 2 tbsp baking powder: Ensures your bread rises to perfection and stays fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: The essential holiday spice that gives the bread that unmistakable festive charm.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). As it warms, grab a 5×9-inch loaf pan and give it a generous greasing, focusing especially on the bottom to make sure your bread comes out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re light and frothy. Then add the sugar, melted butter, creamy eggnog, rum flavor extract, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until your mixture looks smooth and inviting.
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
While the wet ingredients are coming together, sift or stir the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. This step makes sure the leavening is evenly distributed and the nutmeg is perfectly sprinkled throughout your bread’s flavor base.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, slowly fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Go easy here—stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough, and we want it soft and tender instead.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake
Pour your beautifully combined batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—patience is key!
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the bread rest in the pan for about 11 minutes to settle before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for freshness. That’s it! Your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your festive loaf even more enticing, consider sprinkling a touch of powdered sugar on top for a snowy look. Or spread a little cinnamon butter or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist. These simple accents can really elevate your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe and create that wow factor.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a warm mug of spiced cider, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even your favorite holiday tea. It also makes a great side alongside creamy cheeses or fresh fruit during brunch. The flavors complement each other perfectly and highlight the festive vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and serving it on a wooden board adorned with fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, or pine needles to create a centerpiece that’s both rustic and elegant. You can also dress it up with festive napkins or wrap slices individually as charming holiday gifts for friends and neighbors. The Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe can be as delightful to present as it is to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover eggnog bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and moist for up to a week. This way, none of that lovely holiday flavor goes to waste.
Freezing
If you want to keep this treat for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the loaf securely in plastic wrap then in aluminum foil, or place slices in a freezer bag. The bread will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe back to life, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave. A quick 15–20 seconds does the trick to restore that freshly baked, soft texture and release the comforting aromas again.
FAQs
Can I use real rum instead of rum flavor extract?
Absolutely! Using real rum adds authenticity and a boozy warmth to the bread. Just replace the extract with an equal amount of rum, but keep in mind it may slightly affect the bread’s texture and baking time.
Is it necessary to use eggnog, or can I substitute milk?
Eggnog is key to capturing that iconic holiday flavor in this bread. While you can substitute milk in a pinch, the bread will lose some of its creamy sweetness and distinctive spice notes.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this recipe?
Definitely. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries are wonderful additions that add texture and extra bursts of flavor. Fold them in gently with the dry ingredients.
What’s the best way to tell if the bread is fully baked?
The classic toothpick test works best. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfect and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make this vegan or dairy-free, try swapping eggs for flaxseed meal and using a non-dairy eggnog alternative, like almond or coconut milk nog. Use a plant-based butter substitute as well. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and festive!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe brings the heart of the holiday season right to your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a flavorful, aromatic loaf packed with all the festive goodness you crave. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just because, this recipe is sure to become part of your holiday tradition. Go on, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of joyful comfort—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is a festive and moist quick bread that combines the rich flavors of classic eggnog with warm spices and a hint of rum extract. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a sweet treat alongside your favorite hot beverage, this easy-to-make bread fills your kitchen with comforting seasonal aromas.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 tbsp rum flavor extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the bread evenly.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease the bottom of a 5×9-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking and to ensure easy removal once baked.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the sugar, melted butter, eggnog, rum flavor extract, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet eggnog mixture. Stir gently just until all ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, checking by inserting a toothpick into the center to see if it comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 11 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Store: Once fully cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- You can substitute rum extract with actual rum if desired, but reduce the liquid eggnog slightly to compensate.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense and tough.
- Leftover bread can be toasted and served with butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast.
