Eggnog Bread is a soft, moist holiday quick bread filled with warm spices and rich eggnog flavor. This cozy loaf tastes just like the holidays and is perfect for Christmas mornings, afternoon coffee, or gifting to friends and family. It’s easy to make, no yeast needed, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients and classic eggnog.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Eggnog Bread is rich but not heavy, sweet but not overpowering, and packed with comforting holiday flavor. It stays moist for days, slices beautifully, and fills your kitchen with a warm, festive smell while baking. It’s also beginner-friendly and works great with store-bought eggnog.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon rum extract
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum extract if using.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cooking Notes
- Use full-fat eggnog for best flavor and texture
- Do not overmix the batter or the bread may turn dense
- Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too fast
- Bread sets more as it cools
- Nutmeg flavor deepens the next day
Variations
- Add white chocolate chips
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts
- Drizzle with vanilla glaze
- Add cranberries for a festive twist
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Pair with coffee or hot cocoa
- Slice and gift for the holidays
- Toast leftovers lightly
Tips
- Measure flour correctly for best texture
- Use room-temperature eggs
- Let bread cool fully before slicing
- Store tightly wrapped to keep moist
- Flavor improves after resting overnight
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 260 calories
4g protein
10g fat
38g carbohydrates
FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Yes, homemade eggnog works great.
Can I freeze Eggnog Bread?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Is this bread very sweet?
It’s mildly sweet and balanced.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Does this taste like alcohol?
No, the flavor is mild and kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Eggnog Bread is a simple, festive loaf that brings classic holiday flavor to your kitchen. Soft, spiced, and comforting, it’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying all season long.