Name: Eggnog Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-489062H43M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup sugar; ¾ cup eggnog; ½ cup melted butter; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you love holiday flavors that feel like a warm hug, you are going to adore this Eggnog Bread Recipe. It’s rich, tender, and packed with the classic spices of nutmeg and vanilla that remind you of cozy winter mornings. Each slice delivers that creamy, lightly sweet essence of eggnog, beautifully balanced with a moist, fluffy texture. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or with a drizzle of glaze, this bread turns any coffee or cocoa moment into a festive celebration. Trust me, once you try this delightful treat, it will become a beloved staple in your holiday baking traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A loaf of golden brown cake with a rough texture sits on a wooden board, covered with a thick layer of white icing that drips down the sides in uneven lines. Next to the cake, a silver knife with ornate details rests on a red and white checkered cloth. In the background, a clear glass of milk is slightly blurred, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Eggnog Bread Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the all-purpose flour that provides structure to the warm nutmeg that brings that unmistakable holiday charm. The eggnog itself is the star, lending moisture and that special flavor you adore during the festive season.

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, tender crumb that holds everything together perfectly.
2 tsp baking powder: Gives the bread just the right lift and fluffy texture.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
1 tsp nutmeg: Brings a warm, spicy note essential to traditional eggnog flavor.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the bread delicately without overwhelming the spice.
¾ cup eggnog: Infuses every bite with the creamy, festive essence that makes this bread special.
½ cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist.
2 eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while adding extra richness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the nutmeg with a smooth, aromatic finish.

How to Make Eggnog Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread releases easily once baked. This step gets everything ready so you can focus on mixing without delay.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This combination creates the flavorful base of your bread and makes sure the spice is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, eggnog, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture is where the creamy richness of eggnog shines, blending perfectly with the sweetness and butter.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Components

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth but still a little lumpy to keep the bread tender and light.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of nutmeg and vanilla will fill your kitchen in the best way!

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This waiting period lets the flavors settle and prevents the bread from crumbling when sliced. Then you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Eggnog Bread Recipe

The image shows a single loaf of brown cake with a thick white glaze drizzled unevenly over the top, running down the sides in smooth, creamy streams. The glaze has a slightly shiny texture and is sprinkled lightly with a fine dust of brown spice, possibly cinnamon, adding speckled detail. The loaf sits on a piece of brown parchment paper, on top of a crumpled white cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. The background is blurred, keeping the focus on the textured cake and glossy icing photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your eggnog bread experience, dust the slices with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog. A sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This eggnog bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea to balance the sweetness with a comforting beverage. For a festive brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and serve it with cream cheese spread infused with cinnamon and honey for a delicious twist. You can also toast slices lightly and top with butter or jam for a quick breakfast or snack that feels special all season long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover eggnog bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy over a few cozy mornings.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes beautifully. Slice first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or toast directly from the freezer.

Reheating

To refresh your slices, warm them gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back the softness and enhances the comforting aroma so it tastes freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different spice instead of nutmeg?

Absolutely! While nutmeg is traditional and gives that classic eggnog flavor, cinnamon or allspice can also work wonderfully to add warm, festive notes. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Is this bread gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to check that it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain texture.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts brings a lovely crunch, and dried cranberries or raisins make yummy bursts of sweetness. Add about ½ cup to the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients for extra flavor and texture.

How long does this bread keep fresh?

At room temperature, this bread stays fresh for up to three days when properly stored. To enjoy it longer, freezing is your best bet, locking in flavor and moisture until you’re ready.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Definitely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Mini loaves might need around 30-35 minutes, while muffins could take 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and do the toothpick test to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this cozy, flavorful Eggnog Bread Recipe. It’s the perfect way to bring a little extra warmth and cheer to your holiday season, whether as a gift, a breakfast treat, or a festive snack. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!