7 Delicious Reasons to Bake This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe Today
When the air turns crisp and holiday lights begin to twinkle, nothing welcomes the season quite like baking a warm, spiced treat. This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe captures the essence of the holidays with its rich eggnog flavor, moist crumb, and a cozy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you serve it as a sweet breakfast loaf, a festive dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe brings seasonal joy to every slice.
Easy to prepare and full of holiday charm, this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is perfect for gatherings, gifting, or enjoying by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your collection of Christmas bread recipes, this is one to bake on repeat.
Why Eggnog Bread is Perfect for the Holidays
There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, and this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, filled with festive flavor, and perfect for sharing. Eggnog, with its creamy texture and signature warm spices, transforms into a rich, tender loaf that tastes like the holidays in every bite.
This recipe has quickly become a seasonal favorite because it suits so many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, bringing a dessert to a Christmas party, or preparing homemade food gifts, this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe delivers flavor, fragrance, and that unmistakable holiday charm.
It also pairs beautifully with warm drinks. Enjoy it with coffee, hot chocolate, or a chai latte to fully embrace the cozy mood of the season. And just like our moist easy peach loaf recipe, this bread is proof that loaf cakes can be both easy and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples plus the star ingredient—creamy eggnog. The combination of warm spices, sugar, and rich eggnog creates a flavorful, moist loaf that’s perfect for the season.
For the bread batter:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the eggnog glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog
- Pinch of nutmeg
Each component in this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe adds depth and texture, turning a classic holiday beverage into a satisfying baked treat.rm a batter that’s rich, smooth, and full of holiday flavor. You can also turn this base into an eggnog cake by doubling the recipe and using a bundt pan.
Step-by-Step Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Making this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is straightforward and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. With just a few steps, you’ll have a warmly spiced loaf ready to slice, serve, or wrap as a festive gift.
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Create the batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in gently now.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze (optional): Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, drizzle with eggnog glaze and sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.
With this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe, your kitchen will smell like the holidays—and each slice will taste just as festive.
Eggnog Glaze or No Glaze?
The glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal, especially if you’re planning to serve or gift this bread. However, the loaf is so moist and flavorful on its own that it doesn’t need frosting to shine.
You could also dust the loaf with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate. For a richer finish, turn this into a layered eggnog cake with cream cheese frosting.
It’s just like our lemon blueberry trifle—elegant enough for a party, but simple enough for everyday cravings.
Tips for Baking Perfect Eggnog Bread
To ensure this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe comes out perfectly every time, follow a few helpful baking tips that guarantee a moist, flavorful loaf with great texture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients so your batter mixes evenly.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients—this keeps the crumb tender.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens vary, so start checking with a toothpick at 45 minutes.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to avoid a crumbly texture.
- Glaze only after the bread has cooled, or the topping will melt right off.
If you enjoy reliable seasonal recipes like this, you’ll also love our moist easy peach loaf recipe—another simple but flavorful bread that delivers soft texture and vibrant taste.
These small adjustments make a big difference, ensuring your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is bakery-worthy every time you bake it.
Eggnog Cake vs. Eggnog Bread
While both desserts share many ingredients, there’s a difference in texture and presentation. Eggnog bread is denser, baked in a loaf pan, and often enjoyed sliced with coffee or tea. Eggnog cake tends to be lighter, sweeter, and more decorative—ideal for parties and formal gatherings.
That said, this recipe can be adapted into either form. Bake it in a bundt or layer cake pan, double the recipe, and add more glaze or frosting to create a centerpiece-worthy Christmas eggnog cake.
Eggnog Recipes to Pair With This Bread
Eggnog bread is excellent on its own but also pairs well with other eggnog-inspired dishes and drinks. Consider making:
- Eggnog lattes
- Eggnog pancakes or waffles
- Eggnog trifle with layers of cake and custard
- Eggnog cheesecake bars
- Eggnog French toast using slices of this bread
Together, they make a cohesive and seasonal dessert spread that’s sure to impress. Like our balsamic strawberry caprese salad, it’s about balance and presentation.
Variations to Try
Want to make this recipe your own? Try one of these simple tweaks:
- Add white chocolate chips or dried cranberries
- Swirl in a ribbon of cinnamon sugar
- Use maple extract instead of vanilla
- Top with a crumb streusel for a coffee cake feel
- Replace half the flour with almond flour for a nutty note
Each of these variations enhances the classic eggnog recipes theme while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread
Serve this bread slightly warm with a pat of butter, toasted for breakfast, or chilled with glaze for dessert. It also makes a great edible gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
For a more decadent experience, serve it as part of a dessert platter with cookies, candies, and mini loaves. It’s a standout addition to any Christmas brunch or family gathering.
Storing and Freezing Eggnog Bread
This bread keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for longer storage, or freeze slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to two months.
To thaw, bring slices to room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave. The texture remains moist and flavorful even after freezing—just like our no-bake banana split cake.
Eggnog Dessert Ideas for Holiday Gatherings
If you want to go beyond loaf cakes, transform this eggnog bread into:
- Eggnog bread pudding
- French toast casserole
- Eggnog tiramisu
- Mini eggnog muffins
- Eggnog sandwich cookies
The flavor is versatile, and the bread base works well in countless eggnog dessert forms.
Eggnog Recipes for Every Occasion
Don’t stop at bread—eggnog is a star ingredient in so many winter treats. Try adding it to:
- Cheesecakes
- Custards
- Cupcakes
- Milkshakes
- Bundt cakes
Much like we elevate fruit in our creamsicle orange cookies, eggnog transforms basic recipes into something extraordinary.
FAQ – Christmas Eggnog Bread
Can I make this with homemade eggnog?
Absolutely! Just be sure it’s fully cooked or pasteurized for food safety.
Can I substitute the oil?
Yes, melted butter or even applesauce (for a lighter version) works well.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but double-check the glaze ingredients too.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well—bake in two loaf pans or one bundt.
Is it okay to skip the glaze?
Definitely! It’s optional, though it adds a nice finishing touch.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Christmas eggnog bread recipe captures the cozy warmth of the season in every bite. With its spiced aroma, soft crumb, and buttery glaze, it’s destined to become a holiday tradition in your home. Easy enough for weekday baking, yet festive enough for your most special gatherings, it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and holiday cheer.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Bookmark it, bake it, and tag us when you do. And be sure to subscribe to recipesize.com for more Christmas bread recipes, eggnog treats, and festive baking ideas!
Print7 Delicious Reasons to Bake This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe Today
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet eggnog glaze, this Christmas Eggnog Bread brings festive flavor to every slice. Easy to make and perfect for gifting, brunches, or holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
-
1½ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet ingredients:
-
1 large egg
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
-
1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional mix-ins:
-
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Glaze (optional):
-
½ cup powdered sugar
-
2–3 tablespoons eggnog
-
Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
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In a large bowl, whisk egg, sugars, oil, eggnog, and vanilla until well combined.
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Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Fold in optional nuts if using.
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Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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For glaze: Mix powdered sugar with eggnog until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf and dust with nutmeg if desired.
Notes
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Room-temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter.
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Let the bread cool completely before glazing.
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Store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
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Delicious served slightly warm or toasted.