If you are a fan of festive flavors and warm, comforting treats, this Eggnog Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite way to celebrate. Imagine a moist, tender loaf bursting with the nostalgic spices of nutmeg, all infused with the rich, creamy goodness of classic eggnog. It’s the perfect blend of holiday cheer and everyday indulgence, bringing a slice of joy to your breakfast table or afternoon coffee break. This bread is incredibly simple to make but delivers an unforgettable taste that captures the spirit of the season beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor in this Eggnog Bread Recipe. Each item plays a special role, from the tender crumb to the luscious glaze on top.
- All-purpose flour: the foundation of our loaf, providing structure and a light crumb.
- Baking powder: helps the bread rise to a soft, fluffy perfection.
- Ground nutmeg: adds that signature warm spice resembling classic eggnog flavor.
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Large eggs: bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s rich texture.
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the loaf without overpowering the delicate spices.
- Unsalted butter (melted): adds moisture and a buttery richness.
- Eggnog: the star ingredient that infuses the bread with creamy, festive flavor.
- Vanilla extract: elevates the overall aroma and sweetness with a warm, floral note.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): makes a smooth, sweet topping that perfectly complements the loaf.
- Extra eggnog (for glaze): thins the powdered sugar to a delightful drizzle.
How to Make Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by either greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully intact for slicing.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these elements evenly at this stage helps distribute the rising agents and spices, setting the stage for a perfectly spiced crumb.
Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and frothy—this helps incorporate air for a tender texture. Then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggnog, mixing everything together until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep the batter light and avoid a dense loaf.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared loaf pan and gently level the surface. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, checking around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when the bread is perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of eggnog to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.
How to Serve Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of grated nutmeg can add a beautiful finishing touch. You might even top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese to amplify the festive flavors.
Side Dishes
This Eggnog Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or hot chocolate, making your morning or afternoon feel cozier. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a fruit compote to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming holiday treat, cut the bread into small squares, glaze them, and serve on a festive platter. You could also toast slices lightly and spread with butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a warm, irresistible snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover eggnog bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Eggnog Bread Recipe for longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh your bread, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds. This brings back that soft warmth and enhances the cozy spices, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and will give your bread that classic holiday flavor without any extra fuss.
Is this Eggnog Bread Recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, try substituting a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to check the blend’s baking powder content for best results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts and dried cranberries or raisins make fantastic additions. Fold in about ½ cup right before baking for extra texture and flavor.
How long does the glaze keep on the bread?
The glaze sets nicely after about 30 minutes and will hold up well for a couple of days when refrigerated. It may soften slightly over time but still tastes delicious.
Is this bread sweet enough to be a dessert?
This bread strikes a lovely balance of sweetness and spice. It’s rich enough to be served as a dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Bread Recipe is such a delightful way to bring a little holiday magic into your kitchen any time of the year. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of that nostalgic flavor we all love. I encourage you to give it a try—slice it thick, share it with loved ones, and savor every festive bite.
Print
Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Eggnog Bread is a delightful and moist quick bread infused with classic holiday flavors of nutmeg and eggnog. Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy winter treat, this easy-to-make loaf features a tender crumb and a sweet eggnog glaze on top, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and frothy. Then, add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggnog, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when ready.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of eggnog until smooth to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a light and tender bread.
- If you prefer a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add an extra ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or a pinch of cinnamon.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the eggnog and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread also freezes well; wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
