It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means it’s time to break out the Christmas Eggnog Bread recipe! Every holiday season, I look forward to the moment I can pour a glass of eggnog, curl up by the fireplace, and indulge in a warm, fragrant slice of this festive quick bread. There’s just something about the combination of rich eggnog, cozy spices, and a tender, buttery crumb that transports me right to the heart of the Christmas season.
I can still remember the first time I baked this Christmas Eggnog Bread. It was a few years ago, and I had just moved into my new home. I was hosting my very first holiday party, and I wanted to wow my guests with a showstopping homemade treat. As soon as I saw this recipe, I knew it was the one – the perfect blend of classic Christmas flavors that would fill my house with the most tantalizing aroma.
When the bread finally emerged from the oven, golden-brown and fragrant, I could hardly wait to slice into it. That first bite was absolute perfection – the eggnog lent a delightful creaminess, the spices added warmth and depth, and the tender crumb practically melted in my mouth. It was an instant hit with my guests, and from that moment on, Christmas Eggnog Bread has been a non-negotiable part of my holiday baking lineup.
Why This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Eggnog Bread
What makes this Christmas Eggnog Bread recipe truly special is the way it balances all the classic holiday flavors into one irresistible quick bread. The secret lies in the carefully curated blend of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – which perfectly complement the rich, creamy eggnog. And the melted butter adds an unparalleled tenderness and moisture to the crumb.
But perhaps the most genius part of this recipe is the way the eggnog is incorporated. Rather than just adding a splash of store-bought eggnog, this recipe calls for a full cup, which means you get that beloved eggnog taste in every single bite. The result is a bread that’s bursting with festive flavor, yet still maintains a light, airy texture that’s never dense or heavy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Christmas Eggnog Bread, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the bread, providing structure and a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and achieve that perfect, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Adds a subtle rise and a touch of tang to balance out the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings that classic Christmas spice flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Provides a gentle heat and a cozy, comforting note.
- 3 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s rich, moist crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and caramelizes for a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 cup eggnog – The star of the show, lending its signature creamy, festive flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Keeps the bread tender and adds irresistible richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors and adds a touch of complexity.
Step-by-Step Christmas Eggnog Bread Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Eggnog Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a 55-minute bake, you’ll have a freshly baked loaf of Christmas Eggnog Bread ready to enjoy in just 70 minutes total.
1- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. This dry ingredient blend will form the foundation of your tender, spice-infused bread.
2- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The sugar will dissolve into the eggs, creating a smooth, cohesive mixture.
3- Pour in the eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is well incorporated. You’ll notice the batter becoming rich, creamy, and fragrant with the classic Christmas flavors.
4- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense, tough crumb.
5- Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. For the perfect golden-brown crust, you can sprinkle a light dusting of raw sugar over the top.
6- Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the Christmas Eggnog Bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter – this can result in a tough, dense texture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients for optimal rise and texture. Take the eggs and eggnog out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking.
- For an extra-festive touch, try adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a drizzle of eggnog glaze over the top of the cooled bread.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture. Cutting into it too soon can cause the center to sink.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with mix-ins like chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or a touch of orange zest to put your own spin on this classic recipe.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Eggnog Bread
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Eggnog Bread
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is the perfect accompaniment to all your holiday festivities. Serve it up alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy, indulgent treat. It also makes a fantastic hostess gift or addition to a Christmas brunch or dessert spread – this recipe yields 12 generous servings, so there’s plenty to share.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once your Christmas Eggnog Bread has cooled completely, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
If you’d like to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can easily make this bread up to 3 months in advance. Simply wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before slicing and serving.
To reheat a slice, simply pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or toast it lightly. The warm, fragrant bread will be just as fresh and delicious as the day it was baked.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Eggnog Bread
Creative Christmas Eggnog Bread Variations
For a fun twist on this classic recipe, try swapping out the eggnog for another festive flavor. Peppermint eggnog, rum-spiked eggnog, or even a combination of eggnog and spiced apple cider would all make for delicious variations.
You could also experiment with mix-ins like chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or a dollop of cream cheese filling for extra richness and texture. And don’t forget the garnishes – a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar would all take this bread to the next level.
Making Christmas Eggnog Bread Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make this Christmas Eggnog Bread a little more diet-friendly, there are a few easy substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, but the end result will still be just as delicious.
To make a vegan Christmas Eggnog Bread, replace the eggs with flax or chia “eggs,” the eggnog with a plant-based milk, and the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Just be sure to choose a high-quality eggnog alternative that will provide the same richness and flavor.
And for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit in place of the granulated sugar, and almond or coconut flour instead of all-purpose. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the texture and rise of the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
A: While you can certainly try using whole wheat flour, it will result in a denser, heartier texture that may not be as light and airy as the original. If you want to maintain the tender crumb, it’s best to stick with all-purpose flour.
Q: How long does this Christmas Eggnog Bread take to bake?
A: As noted in the recipe, the total baking time for this bread is 55 minutes. Be sure to preheat your oven to 350°F before getting started, and use the toothpick test to ensure the bread is fully cooked through.
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Christmas Eggnog Bread keeps beautifully for up to 1 week when stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cooled loaf for up to 3 months for easy reheating and serving.
Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe for Christmas Eggnog Bread makes a full 12 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Q: What should I do if the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly?
A: If you notice the top of the bread browning faster than you’d like, simply tent it loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will prevent the exterior from over-browning while allowing the interior to continue baking.
Christmas Eggnog Bread
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavor of Christmas eggnog in this delightful holiday bread. Perfectly moist and packed with festive spices, this eggnog-infused quick bread is a must-try for the holiday season.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a more pronounced eggnog flavor, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of eggnog to the batter. Serve the bread with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for an extra festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Christmas Eggnog Bread is an absolute must-bake for the holiday season. With its festive flavors, tender crumb, and gorgeous presentation, it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it. Whether you serve it for Christmas breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, this recipe will quickly become a new tradition in your home.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma of Christmas cheer. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy this wonderful Christmas Eggnog Bread. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know!
