If you’re dreaming of a dessert that wraps the cozy, festive spirit of the holidays into every bite, the Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful bread blends the nostalgic flavors of traditional eggnog with warm spices and a sweet glaze that will make your kitchen smell like Christmas morning. Lightly spiced, tender, and perfectly moist, it’s an irresistible treat that’s ideal for festive brunches, afternoon snacks, or sharing with loved ones around the holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe means gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the rich taste, tender crumb, and festive aroma of this bread.
- 2 large eggs: The backbone for structure and richness in the bread.
- 1 cup (240ml) eggnog: The star ingredient packed with holiday flavor that makes this bread uniquely special.
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor with its lovely aromatic notes.
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bread its beautiful rise and airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and spices, amplifying all other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings that warm, festive spice that echoes classic eggnog.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides cozy, sweet warmth that complements nutmeg perfectly.
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar: For the sweet, creamy glaze topping.
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog: Mixed into the glaze to carry through the signature eggnog flavor.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for garnish): A pretty final touch and a hint more spice.
How to Make Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously and line it with parchment paper—this little tip ensures your beautiful bread will come out effortlessly, preserving its perfect shape and crust.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, eggnog, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, homogenous mixture. This combination is going to bring moisture and the signature eggnog flavor that makes this bread a seasonal star.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout your bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your bread tender and light—overworking can make it dense.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The countdown to festive deliciousness begins!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk the powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of eggnog until smooth to create a luscious glaze.
Step 7: Drizzle and Garnish
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread and sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for that extra festive flair. You now have a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table that tastes as amazing as it looks!
How to Serve Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping slices of this eggnog bread with a smear of cream cheese or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance. Add a few fresh cranberries or chopped pecans on the side for a burst of color and texture.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with hot beverages like spiced chai, coffee, or a cup of warm cocoa. It’s also wonderful alongside a fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the festive mood.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thickly and present it on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or pine for a winter-themed display. Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine for charming edible gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover eggnog bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps retain moisture and keeps it tasting fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it between layers of parchment paper in a zip-top bag. Frozen slices can last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature, so you can enjoy the bliss of this bread even days after baking.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Finish with a quick drizzle of fresh glaze or a pat of butter for pure indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will add a lovely fresh flavor, though be sure it’s well chilled before using. Just substitute it cup for cup, and you’ll get the same wonderful results.
Is there a non-alcoholic option for the eggnog?
Yes, you can use non-alcoholic eggnog or even a rich vanilla custard or milk mixed with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. The key is to maintain the creamy, spiced character that eggnog imparts.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, switching the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend should work well. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and you might need to adjust liquid slightly to get the right batter consistency.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
This eggnog bread stays moist and fresh for up to three days at room temperature when stored correctly in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or light olive oil. Each option will subtly influence flavor and texture, but all will keep your bread wonderfully moist.
Final Thoughts
This Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is one of those festive treasures that you’ll want to bake again and again throughout the holiday season. It’s comforting, bursting with seasonal flavors, and simple enough to whip up at a moment’s notice. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a cherished holiday tradition in your kitchen and heart.
Print
Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (or 8–10 slices depending on thickness)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Heavenly Christmas Eggnog Bread is a festive and moist sweet loaf infused with classic holiday spices and rich eggnog flavor. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a delightful dessert, this bread features a tender crumb topped with a smooth eggnog glaze and a hint of nutmeg, capturing the spirit of the season in every slice.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) eggnog
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread once baked.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of eggnog to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, then sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- If you prefer a stronger eggnog flavor, use the maximum amount of eggnog in the glaze or add a splash extra into the batter.
- Ensure the bread is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a boozy twist, add 1 tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the glaze.
