There’s something about the smell of warm spices and sweet eggnog drifting through the kitchen that immediately makes the whole house feel cozy. This Christmas eggnog bread brings all of that holiday comfort in one simple loaf. It’s soft, buttery, scented with nutmeg, and finished with a sweet eggnog glaze that melts right into the warm slices. If you love festive baking that doesn’t take all day, this one fits perfectly into your holiday routine.
It’s the kind of quick bread you can mix together while the tree lights glow and the oven warms the kitchen. You get a tender crumb, a gentle sweetness, and that unmistakable eggnog flavor that always brings people back for another slice. It’s lovely for breakfast, afternoon snacking, or wrapped up to give as a homemade treat.
Once you bake it the first time, you’ll understand why it becomes a tradition so easily.
Why This Eggnog Bread Is the Perfect Holiday Bake
Holiday treats sometimes feel like a project, but this one doesn’t. There’s no yeast. No long chill times. No complicated folding or shaping. Just a bowl, a whisk, and your loaf pan. You’ll be surprised at how quickly everything comes together.
The texture is soft and moist without being overly dense. Every bite carries a hint of warm nutmeg and creaminess from the eggnog. And the glaze? It soaks in just enough to give you a sweet finish without making the loaf soggy.
If you’re hosting overnight guests or bringing a dish to a holiday brunch, this loaf holds up beautifully. It slices cleanly once cooled and keeps its fresh taste for several days. I love that you don’t have to fuss over it. You bake it, cool it slightly, drizzle the glaze, and it’s ready. Simple, festive, and comforting.
Christmas Eggnog Bread Ingredients
The ingredients are all pantry staples with a seasonal twist. Each one plays a part in creating that tender crumb and holiday flavor.
You’ll need:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup eggnog
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
2 to 3 tablespoons eggnog
-
Pinch of nutmeg
The spice blend is light but warm. The eggnog brings richness and moisture to the loaf while the melted butter gives a tender texture and buttery flavor. Because eggnog is already sweet, the bread itself stays balanced, especially once the glaze is added.
How to Make Christmas Eggnog Bread
This recipe follows the same easy rhythm used in the reference files: simple steps, homey cooking cues, and clear guidance. Everything mixes in moments, and the batter bakes into a beautifully golden loaf.
Here’s how to make it:
STEP ONE: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes lifting the bread out even easier once it cools.
STEP TWO: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is evenly combined so the spices are distributed throughout the loaf.
This mixture gives the bread its structure while keeping the flavor warm and cozy.
STEP THREE: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla. The mixture will look smooth and creamy. Make sure the butter isn’t hot or it may scramble the eggs.
STEP FOUR: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s fine if the batter looks slightly lumpy; overmixing will make the bread tough.
The batter should feel thick but pourable, similar to a classic quick bread.
STEP FIVE: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and the loaf should spring back gently when touched.
If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
STEP SIX: Cool Before Glazing
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely. The glaze will set better when the loaf has cooled, but if you pour it while still slightly warm, it’ll soak in beautifully.
STEP SEVEN: Mix the Glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more eggnog if you want it thinner or more powdered sugar if you prefer it thick.
STEP EIGHT: Glaze the Bread
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf. It’ll drip down the sides and settle perfectly into each slice.
Let the glaze set before cutting to get clean slices.
Recipe Tips for the Best Christmas Eggnog Bread
Because this bread is simple, the little details matter. Here are a few tips that make a noticeable difference.
Use room temperature ingredients.
Eggnog, butter, and eggs blend more smoothly when they aren’t cold. This keeps the crumb tender.
Don’t skip the nutmeg.
Nutmeg is what gives eggnog its personality. Even a small amount helps bring out the seasonal flavor.
Melted butter adds richness.
Using melted butter instead of oil gives you that holiday-bake flavor and a soft texture.
Avoid overmixing.
Fold just until the flour disappears. Overworking the batter can make the loaf dense.
Let the loaf cool before glazing.
A slightly warm loaf creates a glaze that sinks in softly. A cooled loaf creates a glaze that sits on top prettily. Either way works.
Eggnog Bread Variations
This bread is delightful as-is, but you can adjust it to make it even more festive. Here are some simple ways to personalize your loaf.
Add-ins:
-
½ cup white chocolate chips
-
½ cup chopped pecans
-
½ cup dried cranberries
Spice variations:
-
Add a little more cinnamon for warmth
-
A touch of cloves for deeper spice
-
A splash of rum extract for a classic eggnog twist
Topping ideas:
-
Sprinkle raw sugar over the batter before baking for a sweet crunch
-
Add chopped nuts over the glaze for extra texture
Every version keeps the flavor holiday-ready but lets you tailor it to your preference.
How to Serve Eggnog Bread
This bread fits into holiday menus effortlessly. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Here are a few favorite pairings:
-
A mug of hot chocolate or chai tea
-
Fruit salad for a brunch spread
-
Creamy scrambled eggs on Christmas morning
-
A platter of cookies and small treats for guests
The loaf slices cleanly, stays moist, and tastes even better the next day. It makes a lovely addition to a holiday breakfast table or a sweet afternoon snack.
This bread is also wonderful for gifting. Wrap it in parchment, tie it with twine, and you have a thoughtful homemade present.
How to Store Christmas Eggnog Bread
This loaf keeps its texture and flavor beautifully, making it a great make-ahead treat for the busy holiday season.
In the Fridge
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly or store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator. Because the loaf is moist, chilling helps it stay fresh.
At Room Temperature
If your kitchen isn’t too warm, the bread can stay on the counter for two days, wrapped well. The glaze will stay soft.
In the Freezer
This eggnog bread freezes well. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months.
If you’re planning ahead:
-
Freeze without the glaze.
-
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Add fresh glaze before serving.
This keeps the topping looking and tasting its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this in smaller pans?
Yes. Mini loaf pans work beautifully. Reduce baking time to around 22 to 28 minutes and check early.
Can I use low-fat eggnog?
You can, but the loaf won’t be quite as rich. Full-fat eggnog gives the best holiday flavor and texture.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely. Scoop the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 16 to 20 minutes.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes. The bread is sweet enough on its own, but the glaze adds a festive finish.
Christmas Eggnog Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tablespoons eggnog
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg until smooth. Adjust thickness as desired.
- Drizzle glaze over the cooled loaf. Slice and serve.
This Christmas eggnog bread is one of those recipes that slips quietly into your holiday routine and stays there. It’s easy, warm, welcoming, and full of seasonal flavor. You can bake it in the middle of a busy December morning or late at night when the house is quiet and you want something comforting.
It slices beautifully, stores well, and always feels festive. And once you’ve made it once, it’s hard not to make it again.
