Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

Jolly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Whipping up a delightful christmas eggnog bread can transform your holiday baking into a magical experience.

Festive aromas will dance through your kitchen as nutmeg and creamy eggnog blend seamlessly.

Sweet memories of childhood celebrations might flood back with each slice.

Soft, rich textures promise pure comfort during chilly winter afternoons.

Warm spices create an inviting atmosphere that beckons loved ones to gather around.

Home bakers appreciate simple recipes that feel special and indulgent.

You’ll want to savor every delectable crumb of this seasonal treat.

Why Christmas Eggnog Bread Is A Holiday Favorite

  • Savor Holiday Magic: Capture the essence of festive cheer with this delightful eggnog bread that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Add pecans or experiment with spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences.
  • Master Simple Baking: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a homemade treat that works brilliantly for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weekend breakfasts.

What’s In Christmas Eggnog Bread

For the Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bread.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's soft texture.
  • Eggnog: Provides a unique holiday flavor and moisture to the bread.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeten the bread and help create a golden-brown crust.
For the Spices and Extras:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bread rise and create a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
  • Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Add warm, festive spices that complement the eggnog flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and complexity to the bread's taste.
For the Optional Add-in:
  • Pecans: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the bread.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth topping for the bread.

Directions To Make Christmas Eggnog Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon

Sift these ingredients together, breaking up any stubborn lumps for a smooth texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Whip these together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition to create a silky-smooth base.

Step 5: Blend Wet Ingredients

Stir in vanilla extract and eggnog. Mix until everything blends together beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a light touch and stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough.

Step 7: Fold in Nuts

If you’re using pecans, carefully fold them into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 8: Fill Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to 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 into the center – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Create Glaze

Whip up a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of eggnog until it reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency.

Step 12: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your festive creation!

Handy Baking Tips For Christmas Eggnog Bread

  • Control Moisture: Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure even mixing and a consistent, moist texture throughout the bread.
  • Check Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick near the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating perfectly baked eggnog bread.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the batter to release their natural oils and intensify their nutty, rich taste.
  • Store Smartly: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days.

Cool Twists For Christmas Eggnog Bread

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
  • Dairy-Free Eggnog Alternative: Swap traditional eggnog with almond or oat milk mixed with vanilla and a touch of nutmeg, using coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Nutty Cranberry Remix: Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts and add dried cranberries for a festive, tart flavor profile that complements the spices.
  • Vegan Winter Loaf: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, dairy-free milk, and egg-free nog to create a completely vegan version of the holiday bread.

Good Pairings With Christmas Eggnog Bread

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Rich, velvety cappuccino complements the eggnog bread's warm spices and sweet undertones, creating a luxurious breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Serve with Spiced Rum Butter: Whip softened butter with a splash of spiced rum and a pinch of cinnamon to spread on warm slices, enhancing the bread's festive flavor profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Slightly warmed eggnog bread topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream provides a decadent dessert experience with contrasting temperatures and textures.
  • Complement with Chai Tea Latte: Spicy, aromatic chai tea latte mirrors the bread's nutmeg and cinnamon notes, offering a harmonious and comforting beverage pairing.

How To Keep Christmas Eggnog Bread Tasting Great

  • Store cooled eggnog bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the fresh-baked taste.
  • For the best results, toast slightly or warm in the oven to crisp the edges and refresh the bread's soft interior before serving.

Your Christmas Eggnog Bread Questions Answered

  • What are the key flavor ingredients in this eggnog bread?

The key flavor ingredients are nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and eggnog, which provide a rich, warm holiday taste profile that makes the bread uniquely festive.

  • Can I make this bread without nuts?

Yes, the pecans are optional. You can completely omit them or substitute with other nuts like walnuts if desired, without affecting the bread’s overall texture and base recipe.

  • How do I know when the eggnog bread is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the bread, and if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the bread is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

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Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Eggnog Bread weaves holiday magic into every slice, blending rich seasonal flavors with comforting warmth. Creamy eggnog and delicate spices create a delightful treat that welcomes you to celebrate the spirit of the season.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread Dry Ingredients:

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

Wet Ingredients:

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

Sweeteners and Add-ins:

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and both 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, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, uniform texture.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract and eggnog, mixing until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender crumb.
  7. If using, gently fold chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure 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 let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. Once completely cooled, prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of eggnog until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
  12. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread, allowing it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Measure ingredients precisely for the perfect texture, as baking requires exact proportions.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth, even mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
  • Check bread doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to a dry, tough loaf.
  • Experiment with optional add-ins like dried cranberries or white chocolate chips for festive variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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