If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, the Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delicious loaf combines the creamy richness of eggnog with warm spices and a hint of rum flavor extract, creating a moist, flavorful bread that tastes like the holidays baked into every bite. It’s not just a dessert, but a comforting centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, filling your kitchen with the nostalgic scents of nutmeg and vanilla that instantly make you feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in making the bread delightfully moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. From the creamy eggnog to the fragrant nutmeg, every ingredient is essential to achieve that festive, comforting taste.
- 2 eggs: These provide structure and richness, helping the bread hold together beautifully.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the spices and eggnog.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Contributes to a tender, moist crumb and adds a buttery flavor.
- 1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient that brings creamy, holiday magic and moisture to the bread.
- 2 tbsp rum flavor extract: Gives the bread an authentic festive warmth without adding alcohol.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its structure and perfect texture.
- 2 tbsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Offers that classic holiday spice note to make every bite feel festive.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Start by setting your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease the bottom of a 5×9-inch loaf pan generously. A well-prepared pan ensures your Christmas Eggnog Bread will release easily once baked, preserving its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until just combined for a light texture. Then add the sugar, melted butter, eggnog, rum flavor extract, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until smooth and invitingly creamy. This mixture lays the foundation for the bread’s moist crumb and rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients infuses the bread with gentle lift and that unmistakable nutmeg warmth that signals festive baking at its best.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently and just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bread tender and light, with a melt-in-your-mouth softness that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts or afternoon teas.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour your luscious batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, checking at around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick. When it comes out clean, your Christmas Eggnog Bread is ready to cool and delight everyone around your table.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let the bread rest in its pan for about 11 minutes to slightly firm up before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely—that gentle transition ensures perfect slicing later. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe even further, consider topping slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness and shine. A sprinkle of crushed nutmeg or cinnamon adds visual appeal and enhances that seasonal spice aroma.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like mulled cider, hot chocolate, or a comforting cup of coffee. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance its sweet richness with fresh and tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this bread sliced on a festive platter garnished with holly leaves or cranberries for holiday charm. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spread of whipped cream cheese mixed with a hint of cinnamon for an indulgent treat everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is wonderfully forgiving when it comes to storage. Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread fresh and moist for up to a week, making it perfect to enjoy throughout the holidays.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Christmas Eggnog Bread for longer, slice it first and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices will maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This will revive the soft texture and enhance those festive flavors, making each bite taste like it was just pulled from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
You can substitute regular milk, but the unique creamy flavor and richness of eggnog are key to making this bread truly festive and moist. For best results, stick with eggnog or try a spiced homemade version to maintain that holiday magic.
Is this bread alcoholic?
No, the rum flavor extract adds the warming taste of rum without any alcohol content, making it suitable for all ages and enjoyable at any time during the holidays.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe, use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and festive.
How long will this bread stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator wrapped tightly, this bread stays fresh for about one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries can add wonderful texture and flavor. Fold them gently in with the dry ingredients before mixing to evenly distribute throughout the loaf.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing homemade holiday treats, and this Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe is one of those treasures that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. It’s straightforward to make yet bursting with rich holiday flavors, making it perfect to enjoy with loved ones while creating lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and let it become a new festive favorite in your kitchen year after year.
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Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Eggnog Bread is a moist and flavorful holiday treat, combining the rich, creamy taste of eggnog with warm spices and a hint of rum flavor. Perfect for serving at holiday breakfasts or as a sweet snack during the season.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 tbsp rum flavor extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Pan. Grease the bottom of a 5×9-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Then add sugar, melted butter, eggnog, rum flavor extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Combine Ingredients. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet eggnog mixture. Mix gently and only until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
- Pour & Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 11 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store. Once fully cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- This bread pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze if desired.
- For a boozy variation, substitute rum flavor extract with actual rum (reduce to 1 tbsp).
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
