Christmas Eggnog Bread

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the comforting aroma of baked goods filling the kitchen, and this Christmas Eggnog Bread captures that festive spirit perfectly. Rich, moist, and bursting with the creamy sweetness of classic eggnog, this quick bread is the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or a warm mug of hot cocoa. It’s the kind of treat that immediately evokes cozy gatherings, twinkling lights, and all the warmth of Christmas mornings.

What makes this bread extra special is how simple it is to make. You don’t need a mixer or complicated steps—just one bowl for the wet ingredients, one for the dry, and a few minutes to combine them into a golden loaf that tastes like the holidays. With a touch of nutmeg, a hint of vanilla, and a splash of rum flavoring, this bread has the perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Eggnog Bread

• Festive Flavors: The rich eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla blend make this bread taste like Christmas in a slice.
• Moist & Tender: Melted butter and eggnog create an incredibly soft and rich crumb.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it in parchment and ribbon for a homemade holiday gift.
• Customizable: Add a glaze, sprinkle powdered sugar, or mix in nuts or white chocolate chips for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 eggs – Provides structure and richness to the bread.
• 1 cup sugar – Sweetens and balances the eggnog’s natural flavor.
• ½ cup melted butter – Adds moisture and buttery depth.
• 1 cup eggnog – The star ingredient, infusing the bread with holiday flavor.
• 2 tablespoon rum flavor extract – Brings that signature eggnog essence without alcohol.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances sweetness and warmth.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base that holds it all together.
• 2 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Gives the bread its cozy, spiced holiday aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. For easy removal, line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. This step helps create a light, fluffy texture in the finished bread.

Add the melted butter, eggnog, rum flavor extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed so the bread rises properly.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition. Mix only until everything is combined—overmixing can make the bread dense instead of tender.

5. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top starts browning too quickly, lightly tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into thick, soft pieces and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla for extra holiday flair.
• Festive Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg before serving.
• As French Toast: Slice leftover bread, dip in a mixture of egg and milk, and fry for a rich eggnog French toast breakfast.
• With Butter or Jam: Spread with softened butter, cinnamon butter, or cranberry jam for a sweet morning treat.
• Paired with Coffee or Cocoa: Perfect for cozying up by the fireplace.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Freezer: Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Tip: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Bread

• Use High-Quality Eggnog: A rich, creamy eggnog makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears to keep the bread tender.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different; test the center with a toothpick at 55 minutes.
• Add-Ins: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
• Make it Festive: A drizzle of white icing and red-and-green sprinkles make this bread a stunning holiday table centerpiece.

Variations to Try

1. Eggnog Glazed Bread: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of eggnog and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
2. Nutty Eggnog Bread: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a rich crunch.
3. Cranberry Eggnog Bread: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for a tart-sweet holiday twist.
4. Eggnog Muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes for easy, portable treats.
5. Spiced Eggnog Bread: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice along with the nutmeg for a deeper, cozier flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use real rum instead of rum extract?
Yes, you can replace the rum extract with 1–2 tablespoons of real rum for an adult version. Just be mindful that alcohol may slightly alter the texture.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! Eggnog bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

3. Can I use low-fat eggnog?
Yes, but full-fat eggnog gives the richest flavor and moistest texture.

4. What can I use instead of eggnog?
If you can’t find eggnog, try substituting with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of vanilla.

5. How do I keep my bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Eggnog Bread is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer into your kitchen. Its sweet aroma, golden crust, and soft, spiced crumb make it a true seasonal delight. Whether served at breakfast, gifted to friends, or enjoyed as a cozy evening snack, every slice is like a little taste of Christmas magic.

So, pour yourself a cup of eggnog, preheat the oven, and bake up a loaf of this festive bread. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a new holiday tradition in your home.