Eggnog Bread Recipe

You’ve gotta try this Eggnog Bread Recipe if you’re on the hunt for a cozy, festive treat that fills your kitchen with the warmest holiday vibes. This bread isn’t just moist and delicious—it’s like a slice of holiday spirit in every bite. Between the nutmeg-spiced batter and that glossy eggnog glaze, it’s become my go-to for gifting and my own holiday breakfasts. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic bread right in your kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your kitchen, but each one plays an important role in this Eggnog Bread Recipe. Quality matters, especially with the eggnog and fresh spices, to really capture that holiday magic in every slice.

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness; I always use large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right without overpowering the eggnog flavor.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient—choose a good quality, creamy eggnog for that authentic taste.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled so it blends smoothly without cooking the eggs.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the spices.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread; spooned and leveled for accurate measuring.
• Baking powder: Gives a nice rise, keeping the bread fluffy but dense enough to hold together.
• Ground nutmeg: Essential for that signature eggnog spice hit—freshly ground is always best if you have it.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Powdered sugar (for icing): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that complements the bread perfectly.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Eggnog Bread Recipe is how open it is to your creative spin. I love sticking to the classic, but sometimes I’ll throw in a handful of chopped pecans or swap nutmeg for a blend of cinnamon and cloves for an extra holiday punch.

• Variation: Adding a cup of dried cranberries gave mine a lovely tart contrast that everyone raved about last Christmas.
• Dietary tweaks: I’ve tried swapping butter for coconut oil – it gives a subtle tropical hint, though the texture changes slightly.
• Spice swaps: Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice can replace nutmeg if you prefer a different festive flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat

First things first—grease a 9″x5″ loaf pan really well with butter or cooking spray, especially the bottom, so the bread releases easily after baking. Then, set your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. I’ve learned that preheating upfront gives the bread an even rise and bakes perfectly through.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This step ensures your leavening is evenly distributed and the spices get mixed throughout so every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat the eggs until blended, then whisk in the sugar, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled so you don’t scramble those eggs!), eggnog, and vanilla extract. This mix will be wonderfully creamy and fragrant—don’t skip vanilla; it’s the secret behind that comforting aroma.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet, folding them together gently. I like to add flour in batches to avoid over-mixing, which can make the bread tough. The batter should be thick but pourable — if it’s too stiff, a splash more eggnog can loosen it up.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes. The trick here is to start checking at about 35 minutes to avoid over-baking—insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden.

Step 6: Cool, Invert, and Ice

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool for about 5 minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack. I always take this moment to admire that beautiful golden crust. While it cools completely, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and eggnog one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, pourable glaze. Spread it over the cooled bread and finish with a light sprinkle of nutmeg for that extra festive touch.

How to Serve Eggnog Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of just a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or even a few cloves on top of the icing for an aromatic touch. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for a bit of crunch and nuttiness—it pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bread shines with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I often serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance the richness. During the holidays, it pairs nicely with spiced cider or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, I slice the bread, place the pieces in festive cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, and top each slice with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary to mimic a pine branch—simple yet thoughtful. I’ve also layered slices between wax paper in a decorative tin as a homemade holiday gift that everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and the flavors fresh. If your kitchen is especially warm, I pop it in the fridge but bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This Eggnog Bread freezes wonderfully. I slice it first, then individually wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, I just thaw the slices overnight in the fridge or toast them straight from frozen. It’s a lifesaver for busy holiday mornings!

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked feel, I warm slices in a toaster oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds. If you want to freshen up the icing, drizzle a little more eggnog glaze right before serving. Trust me, it tastes like you just baked it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Eggnog Bread Recipe has become such a holiday staple in my home because it’s simple, comforting, and downright delicious every time. If you want a quick festive treat that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, grab your loaf pan and give this a whirl. I promise, you’ll be slicing and sharing it with friends who’ll think you’re an absolute holiday hero. Enjoy the season—and your bread!

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