PERFECT CHRISTMAS EGGNOG BREAD

I’ll never forget the year I accidentally swapped the salt and sugar in my grandmother’s eggnog, resulting in a hilariously awful (but thankfully inedible) batch; that fiasco only fueled my determination to master all things eggnog, and now, I’m thrilled to share my perfected Christmas Eggnog Bread recipe with you, guaranteed to fill your home with the warm, comforting flavors of the holidays. Get ready for a slice of pure, festive bliss – you’ve got this!

The Magic of Eggnog Bread: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, friend, let’s talk about why this Christmas Eggnog Bread is about to become a staple in your holiday baking rotation. It’s more than just bread; it’s a taste of Christmas, all wrapped up in a tender, moist loaf. Think of it: the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog, the warmth of nutmeg and cinnamon, all baked into a golden-brown masterpiece. Seriously, what’s not to love?

But beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is also surprisingly easy. I know, I know, baking can sometimes feel intimidating, especially around the holidays when you’re already juggling a million things. But trust me on this one. I’ve broken it down into simple, foolproof steps, so even if you’re a baking newbie, you can totally nail this. And if you are a baking pro, well, you’ll appreciate how quickly this comes together!

What Makes This Eggnog Bread Special?

There are a lot of eggnog bread recipes out there, but this one is special for a few reasons:

• The Perfect Balance of Flavors: I’ve spent years tweaking this recipe to achieve the ideal balance of eggnog, spices, and sweetness. It’s not too overpowering, but it’s definitely bursting with that classic Christmas flavor.
• Incredible Moisture: Nobody wants dry bread, especially during the holidays. This recipe uses the right amount of fat and liquid to ensure a perfectly moist and tender crumb that stays delicious for days.
• Easy to Customize: Want to add chocolate chips? Go for it! Craving some nuts? Throw them in! This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your own preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible Christmas Eggnog Bread:

For the Bread:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g). Make sure to measure correctly! Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon. This is our leavening agent, giving the bread its rise.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1 teaspoon. A key ingredient for that classic eggnog flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds warmth and complements the nutmeg beautifully.
• Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Eggnog: 1 cup (240ml). The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade eggnog.
• Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.

Optional Glaze Ingredients:

• Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (120g). For the perfect sweet topping.
• Eggnog: 2-3 tablespoons. To create the right consistency for the glaze.
• Nutmeg: Pinch, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Christmas Eggnog Bread in no time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures that your bread won’t stick and will come out cleanly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid pockets of baking powder or spices in your bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. A few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Pour into Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. Add more eggnog, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Bread

Okay, bestie, here are a few insider tips to help you bake the absolute best Christmas Eggnog Bread:

• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and eggnog will incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures that you’re not using too much flour, which can result in dry bread.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. Every oven is different, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Let It Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice into the bread while it’s still warm! Letting it cool completely allows the crumb to set and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to jazz up your Christmas Eggnog Bread? Here are a few fun variations and add-ins to try:

• Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
• Chopped Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive and tart flavor. These would also go great with Christmas Cranberry Roll-ups on Christmas morning.
• Rum Extract: Add 1 teaspoon of rum extract to the batter for a boozy kick.
• Eggnog Glaze with Rum: Add a teaspoon of rum to your eggnog glaze for an adult version.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. But don’t worry! Here are some common problems you might encounter when making Christmas Eggnog Bread, and how to fix them:

• Bread is Dry: You may have overbaked it, used too much flour, or not enough liquid. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and check for doneness early. Next time, try adding an extra tablespoon or two of oil.
• Bread is Dense: You may have overmixed the batter or used old baking powder. Make sure to mix until just combined and use fresh baking powder.
• Bread is Sinking in the Middle: Your oven temperature may be too low, or you may have opened the oven door too many times while baking. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the door unnecessarily.
• Bread is Sticking to the Pan: You may not have greased and floured the pan thoroughly enough. Make sure to grease and flour every nook and cranny.

Serving Suggestions

This Christmas Eggnog Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Serve it warm with a pat of butter. Simple, classic, and oh-so-good.
• Toast it and top it with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A perfect breakfast or brunch treat.
• Make French toast with it. The eggnog flavor adds a delicious twist to classic French toast.
• Serve it alongside a cup of Creamy Dreamy Hot Chocolate or Slow-cooker Hot Chocolate. A perfect cozy combination.
• Bring a loaf to a holiday party. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! You could also bring some Christmas Puppy Chow for a sweet snack.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Christmas Eggnog Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. It’s almost as good as fresh! Alternatively, store slices in the freezer to toast later.

If you want to use up older bread, consider making bread pudding or croutons! No need to waste a single crumb.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it’s based on a solid foundation of baking principles. The balance of wet and dry ingredients, the use of baking powder for leavening, and the careful mixing techniques all contribute to a tender, moist, and flavorful bread. Plus, the eggnog adds a unique richness and depth of flavor that makes it perfect for the holidays. By using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe ensures that even beginner bakers can achieve success. It is also easily adaptable: much like my Pumpkin Crumb Bread, you can adjust the spices to suit your exact tastes! And, of course, every element is designed to complement the unique flavor profile of the eggnog itself. The spices enhance the subtle notes and richness, creating a harmonious blend that’s simply irresistible.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friend! My foolproof recipe for the most delicious Christmas Eggnog Bread you’ll ever taste. It’s the perfect way to bring a little holiday cheer into your home, whether you’re baking it for yourself, your family, or a festive gathering. Now go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of Christmas. Happy baking!

Perfect Christmas Eggnog Bread

This Christmas Eggnog Bread recipe is a moist, tender loaf infused with the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for bringing holiday cheer to your home. Enjoy a slice of festive bliss!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons eggnog for glaze
• Pinch of nutmeg for glaze garnish

Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden skewer or toothpick
• Wire rack
• Oven
• Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. If you’re making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. Add more eggnog, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter. Use room temperature ingredients. Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling. Check for doneness early to avoid overbaking. Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Variations: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or rum extract to the batter. Add rum to the eggnog glaze for an adult version.