If you are looking for a cozy, festive treat that brings holiday cheer right to your kitchen, this Eggnog Bread Recipe will become your new favorite. Infused with velvety eggnog, fragrant nutmeg, and rich vanilla, it offers a beautifully moist texture and a sweet, warming flavor that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a thoughtful homemade gift. This delightful loaf combines classic Christmas flavors with the comforting charm of homemade bread, making it an irresistible addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients is key to capturing the magic of this Eggnog Bread Recipe. Each item contributes something special, whether it’s richness, spice, or a tender crumb, helping you create that picture-perfect holiday loaf.
- 2 cups flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient that infuses the bread with creamy, spiced warmth.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness without overpowering the spices.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: Brings richness and moisture to every bite.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds to the bread’s fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a light and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the eggnog to help the bread rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: The quintessential holiday spice adding warmth and festive charm.
How to Make Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly warm when your batter is ready. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the eggnog, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This blend creates a creamy base packed with flavor that will soak the flour perfectly.
Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg. This dry mixture will evenly distribute all the leaveners and spices, ensuring every slice is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your bread tender and soft, with a fine crumb.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the loaf has a gorgeous golden crust.
How to Serve Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your slices, dust the bread lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze. For an extra touch of holiday magic, sprinkle some crushed nutmeg or cinnamon on top. These garnishes add a festive finish and enhance the tantalizing flavors within.
Side Dishes
Eggnog Bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate — perfect for cozy mornings. For a more indulgent brunch, serve with creamy butter, whipped cream cheese, or a smear of spiced jam to complement the bread’s sweet and spicy profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Eggnog Bread and arrange the pieces on a wooden board adorned with sprigs of holly or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch. You can also make mini toasts and top them with cream cheese and a dash of nutmeg for an elegant appetizer or snack. Presentation keeps the warmth and joy of this recipe alive at your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep your Eggnog Bread moist and flavorful for up to four days, perfect for enjoying multiple breakfasts or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to keep the deliciousness longer, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable bag or wrap. Frozen bread maintains its texture well and can be stored for up to two months. Just thaw slices overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
Warm previously baked or frozen slices in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked aroma and soft texture, making it taste as wonderful as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog for the Eggnog Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will add a richer, more personalized flavor to your bread. Just be sure to use the same quantity and keep the ingredients cold before mixing for best results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this bread?
Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries complement the festive flavors beautifully. Fold them into the batter in Step 4 for an added texture and burst of flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Eggnog Bread Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products and uses common vegetarian baking ingredients.
How can I make a glaze to go with this bread?
A simple glaze can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a drop of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch that’s perfect for the holidays.
What makes this bread different from regular sweet breads?
The inclusion of eggnog, with its unique blend of cream, eggs, and spices, gives this bread a moist texture and festive flavor that regular sweet breads lack, making it a special treat during holiday seasons.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Bread Recipe is a heartwarming treat that captures the essence of the holidays in every bite. Its simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and irresistibly festive flavors make it a must-try for anyone looking to bring a little extra joy to their breakfast table. I encourage you to bake this lovely bread and watch it become a treasured seasonal favorite in your home!
Print
Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Eggnog Bread is a festive sweet bread infused with creamy eggnog, warming nutmeg, and fragrant vanilla. Its moist, tender crumb makes it perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a delightful gift during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently fold together just until the batter is homogeneous. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added sweetness and texture, fold in white chocolate chips before baking.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for extra festivity.
- Store the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
