If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday treat that hits all the right notes of festive flavor, look no further than Christmas Eggnog Bread. This quick loaf is rich, moist, and flavorful, with cozy spices and genuine eggnog that bring the warmth of the season to every bite. Whether served for a celebratory brunch or enjoyed with a mug of coffee by the tree, each slice feels like a little gift—especially with that creamy glaze on top!

Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to maximize the tender crumb, flavor depth, and holiday aroma. Don’t skip or swap anything unless absolutely necessary—each one creates the magic that makes Christmas Eggnog Bread so memorable.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of this bread, providing structure while keeping the crumb soft.
Baking powder: Gives your loaf a beautiful rise, making it light and airy.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet and spiced flavors.
Ground nutmeg: This is what gives the Christmas Eggnog Bread its signature holiday essence.
Unsalted butter, softened: Creamed with sugar, it provides richness and a tender bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the whole loaf and helps achieve the classic golden crust.
Large eggs: These help bind everything together and add even more richness.
Eggnog: The star of the show—a must for that unmistakable holiday flavor and creamy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
Rum extract (optional): For a playful holiday kick that pairs so well with eggnog.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): The foundation of a silky-smooth, sweet finish.
Eggnog (for the glaze): Continues the flavor theme and ensures a pourable glaze.
Pinch of nutmeg (for the glaze): Sprinkled on top, it looks gorgeous and boosts the festive aroma.

How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your Christmas Eggnog Bread bakes evenly and pops out without a fuss, with beautifully browned edges every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and fragrant nutmeg. Combining these first distributes the spices and leavening, so your bread is perfectly spiced and rises just right.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender texture—and it makes your kitchen smell incredible!

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and a touch of rum extract if you’re using it. These little splashes add that unmistakable holiday aroma that fills the air when you serve Christmas Eggnog Bread.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Alternate adding the flour mixture and eggnog to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—being careful not to over-mix so your bread stays moist and tender.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is now an absolute holiday wonderland.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, simply whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and pinch of nutmeg until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled loaf for that sweet, festive finish.

How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread

Garnishes

The classic glaze is a showstopper, but take things up a notch with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a touch of cinnamon on top. Some folks love to add sugared cranberries or even a scattering of chopped candied pecans for crunch and holiday sparkle.

Side Dishes

This loaf shines as the centerpiece of a cozy brunch spread. Pair your Christmas Eggnog Bread with creamy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. For a full-on feast, offer hot coffee, spiced chai, or even more eggnog to sip alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and wrap individual pieces in parchment for adorable edible gifts, tuck a loaf into a festive basket, or cut Christmas Eggnog Bread into cubes and make decadent bread pudding. If you love entertaining, try using thick slices as the base for French toast—trust me, your guests will ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bread has cooled completely, store it covered at room temperature for up to three days. The rich eggnog and butter actually help it stay wonderfully moist, and flavors only get better over time.

Freezing

Christmas Eggnog Bread freezes like a dream. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked experience, warm slices in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in a low oven for a few minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds—just until lightly warm and fragrant.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Eggnog Bread without rum extract?

Absolutely! The rum extract is optional and just adds a fun holiday twist. Leaving it out still gives you plenty of eggnog flavor and warmth from the vanilla and nutmeg.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for eggnog?

Yes, there are delicious dairy-free eggnogs available at most grocery stores during the holidays. Swap in a plant-based eggnog for a lactose-friendly version—just be sure it’s unsweetened if you want to keep the overall sweetness in check.

Can I use this batter to make muffins instead of a loaf?

You sure can! Divide the batter among lined muffin cups and bake at the same temperature for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll have grab-and-go Christmas Eggnog Bread muffins everyone will love.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Your best bet is to insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Is Christmas Eggnog Bread better the next day?

Honestly, yes! Letting it rest overnight melds the flavors beautifully, and the texture is even more moist and tender. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday mornings.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eggnog Bread is my go-to every holiday season, and I can’t wait for you to experience its magic too. Whip up a loaf for your next gathering or just to treat yourself—you’ll be spreading festive cheer with every dreamy bite!

Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this delicious Christmas Eggnog Bread. A moist and flavorful loaf with hints of nutmeg, vanilla, and a touch of rum essence, topped with a sweet eggnog glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon rum extract (optional)

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons eggnog
Pinch of nutmeg

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Prepare wet mixture: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and rum extracts. Alternately add the flour mixture and eggnog, starting and ending with the flour, mixing just until combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool before adding glaze.
Make glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.