Homemade Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe: Holiday Magic in a Loaf

Crafting a delightful eggnog bread brings festive cheer to any kitchen gathering.

Seasonal spices and creamy richness define this classic holiday treat.

Warm aromas will fill your home with nostalgic comfort.

Winter celebrations become more magical with each slice of this delectable quick bread.

Smooth textures and subtle nutmeg notes create a memorable dessert experience.

Baking this recipe connects you to cherished family traditions.

Indulge in a slice that promises to spark joy and create delicious memories.

Why Eggnog Bread Is A Holiday Favorite

• Boost Holiday Cheer: Capture the magical essence of the season with this delightful eggnog bread that brings warmth and festive spirit to any gathering.
• Master Baking Simplicity: Craft a stunning bread with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can successfully execute.
• Create Versatile Treat: Enjoy this bread as a delectable breakfast option, afternoon snack, or delightful dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding nuts, experimenting with spices, or creating a simple glaze to match your taste preferences and make the bread uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need For Eggnog Bread

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the eggnog bread.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the bread.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its moist texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
• Eggnog: Delivers a distinctive holiday flavor and moisture to the bread.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light, airy texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the bread's overall flavor profile.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a classic holiday spice that complements the eggnog flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the bread.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bread.

Simple Steps For Eggnog Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease or line it with parchment paper for easy bread removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg

Blend until everything looks smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugars

In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars. Whip this mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud – about 3-4 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Drop eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each egg, creating a super smooth blend.

Step 5: Pour In Liquid Magic

Splash in vanilla extract and eggnog. Stir until the liquid disappears into the batter and everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet And Dry

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together – don’t go crazy with mixing.

Step 7: Optional Nutty Boost

If you’re feeling nutty, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts. Spread them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8: Pan The Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even surface.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 10: Cool Down

Pull the bread from the oven. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Slice And Enjoy

Cut into thick, delicious slices. Savor the rich, festive flavor of your homemade eggnog bread.

Helpful Tips For Eggnog Bread

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep the bread tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Boost Nutmeg Flavor: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more intense, aromatic spice profile compared to pre-ground versions.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert toothpick at an angle near center to ensure bread is fully baked without creating large holes.
• Enhance Texture with Nuts: Lightly coat chopped pecans or walnuts in flour before adding to prevent sinking to bottom of loaf.
• Store Smartly: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days at room temperature.

Easy Twists For Eggnog Bread

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and festive flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap eggnog with unsweetened almond milk mixed with ground turmeric for color, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Spiced Rum Infusion: Add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to the wet ingredients for an extra boozy holiday kick, enhancing the bread's warm, rich profile.
• Nutty Cranberry Variation: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped almonds to introduce a tart and crunchy element to the traditional eggnog bread recipe.

What To Pair With Eggnog Bread

• Sip Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, fragrant chai tea echoes the nutmeg and cinnamon notes in the bread, creating a cozy winter drink experience.
• Drizzle Bourbon Glaze: Craft a quick bourbon-powered glaze using powdered sugar and bourbon, which enhances the bread's rich, festive undertones and adds delightful complexity.
• Spread Cinnamon Butter: Whip softened butter with ground cinnamon and a touch of honey, spreading it generously on warm slices to amplify the bread's holiday spirit.

How To Store Eggnog Bread Properly

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap bread completely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, defrost overnight in refrigerator for best texture preservation.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For oven reheating, wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through, preserving moisture and preventing dryness.

Eggnog Bread Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

When mixing dry and wet ingredients, stir just until combined. If you see streaks of flour or overmix, the bread will become tough and dense instead of tender and soft.

• Can I make this bread without nuts?

Yes, absolutely! You can completely omit nuts or substitute with other mix-ins like dried cranberries or white chocolate chips if you prefer.

• Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This typically happens when there’s too much moisture or the leavening agents aren’t fresh. Always check your baking powder and baking soda expiration dates and measure ingredients precisely.

• Is eggnog essential for this recipe?

While eggnog provides unique flavor, you can substitute with milk or cream if eggnog isn’t available. The bread’s texture will remain similar, though the traditional holiday taste might be slightly different.

Eggnog Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, spiced eggnog bread brings festive cheer to holiday tables with its rich, custardy texture. Warm nutmeg and vanilla notes dance through each slice, promising a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Bread Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Extras:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl until completely combined and free of lumps.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and eggnog, blending until the liquid ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter appears uniform.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
7. If using, gently fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, slice and serve the eggnog bread, enjoying its rich, festive flavor.

Notes

• Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier taste profile.
• Use plant-based butter and dairy-free eggnog to create a vegan version of this festive bread that everyone can enjoy.
• Toast chopped nuts before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor and provide a delightful crunch in every slice.
• Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar on top to elevate the bread’s presentation and add extra sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 143 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg