If you’re looking to add a cozy, festive touch to your holiday baking, this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the rich, creamy warmth of traditional eggnog with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a moist, tender loaf that feels like a hug in bread form. Each slice is a wonderful balance of sweet and spiced, perfect for sharing with family and friends over a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday drink. This bread is an irresistible holiday treat that brings the spirit of Christmas straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that perfect texture, taste, and seasonal aroma that makes this bread so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and soft crumb essential to a perfect loaf.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a lovely crust.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Gives a deeper, caramel-like flavor and moisture to the bread.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely, keeping it light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Brings a warm, nutty spice that complements the eggnog beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the bread with that classic, cozy holiday spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient that makes this bread uniquely festive and creamy.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet aroma that ties all spices and flavors together.
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the tender bread.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan well is crucial to ensure your bread releases smoothly after baking and maintains its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients ensures the right balance of leavening and flavor throughout the bread.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This mixture brings the rich, festive flavor and moisture that makes this bread so distinctively delicious.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can make your bread dense, so a gentle fold is key. At this stage, fold in the chopped pecans if you’re including them – they add the perfect crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your greased loaf pan. Spreading it evenly helps the bread bake consistently and rise evenly for a perfect golden top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bread for 50 to 60 minutes. Testing with a toothpick inserted into the center is the best way to check doneness – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely helps the bread set properly, making it easier to slice and enjoy every flavorful bite.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe beautifully, creating a festive and inviting look. You could even top it with a sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans or a pinch of nutmeg for some extra holiday flair.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with rich spreads like cinnamon butter or cream cheese frosting for the ultimate indulgent treat. Consider serving it alongside hot drinks such as coffee, spiced chai, or, of course, a warm mug of eggnog to fully embrace the season.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf and arrange the pieces on a festive platter alongside seasonal fruits like cranberries or figs. You can even toast slices lightly and serve with butter for a delightful breakfast or snack that’s perfect any time throughout the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe stays fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. This makes it a great option for prepping ahead, so you can enjoy that seasonal goodness without rushing on the day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this bread around longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen bread back to warm perfection, slice and toast it lightly or warm it in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. The warmth will bring back the inviting aroma and tender texture you fell in love with in the first place.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and makes this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe both easy and authentic. Just make sure to use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the eggnog with a dairy-free version, such as almond or coconut milk-based eggnog alternatives, and use dairy-free vegetable oil. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.
Can I omit the pecans?
Definitely. The pecans are optional but add a wonderful crunch. If you have nut allergies or prefer a smoother texture, simply leave them out or substitute with dried fruit like cranberries.
How can I make this bread more festive?
To boost the holiday vibes, try adding a handful of dried cranberries or orange zest to the batter. Both bring bright, cheerful notes that complement the eggnog flavor beautifully.
What’s the best way to slice the bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and slice gently to avoid squashing the loaf. Let it cool completely before slicing so the bread holds together nicely and cuts clean.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is truly one of those delightful holiday treats that feels like sharing a warm memory with loved ones. Its tender crumb, cozy spices, and creamy eggnog flavor make it a standout on any holiday table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bake this bread for your next festive gathering—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a new family favorite!
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Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Eggnog Bread is a moist, flavorful holiday treat that combines the rich taste of traditional eggnog with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfectly spiced and lightly sweetened, this quick bread is delicious as a snack or dessert during the holiday season. Optional chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, making it a festive addition to your Christmas table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped pecans if using to add texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to slightly set, then remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
- Use fresh eggnog for best flavor; store-bought is fine but ensure it’s well chilled before mixing.
- This bread stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For extra moistness, you can brush the top with melted butter after baking.
