Name: Eggnog Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 eggs beaten; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup eggnog; 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar sifted; 2 tablespoons eggnog; Dash of nutmeg; Nutmeg for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 30 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for something cozy, festive, and downright delicious this holiday season, look no further than this Eggnog Bread Recipe. It’s like capturing the essence of holiday cheer in every slice—soft, fragrant, and laced with those spicy nutmeg notes that instantly warm your soul. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your kitchen will smell like Christmas morning, and you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, grab your loaf pan and let’s dive in—this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why This Recipe Works

Classic Holiday Flavor: The nutmeg and eggnog combo creates that unmistakable festive taste.
Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with a twist of holiday magic.
Moist & Tender Crumb: The melted butter and eggsnog keep the bread soft without drying out.
Easy Icing: The quick eggnog glaze adds a perfect sweet finish that’s anything but boring.

Eggnog Bread Holiday Bread Festive Eggnog Bread Christmas Bread Easy Eggnog Bread - A rectangular loaf cake sits on a white rectangular tray over a red cloth with white and blue flower patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a golden-brown color and is covered on top with thick, creamy white icing that drips over the edges and pools around the base. The icing is lightly sprinkled with a fine brown powder, likely cinnamon or nutmeg. The scene includes dried flowers blurred in the background and a woman's hand holding a silver knife positioned above the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Eggnog Bread Recipe plays a starring role in balancing flavor and texture. From the warmth of nutmeg to the richness of eggnog, they come together in a way that feels familiar yet exciting. A little tip for shopping: use high-quality eggnog if you can—it really amps up the bread’s flavor.

Eggnog Bread Holiday Bread Festive Eggnog Bread Christmas Bread Easy Eggnog Bread - Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy pale yellow eggnog, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a simple mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl with additional eggnog for icing, accompanied by a sprinkle of whole nutmeg seeds arranged neatly beside the bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Eggs: Provide structure and richness; beating them well ensures a light texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with the tender crumb.
Eggnog: Adds moisture and those signature holiday flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and cooled to incorporate smoothly without scrambling the eggs.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor depth and aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: The base, giving body to the bread.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise nicely.
Ground Nutmeg: The star spice that brings seasonal warmth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all flavors.
Powdered Sugar (for icing): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
Extra Eggnog (for icing): Thins the glaze while adding flavor.
Nutmeg (for garnish): Adds a festive finishing touch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Eggnog Bread Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few add-ins and swaps, and honestly, it’s fun to make it your own holiday signature. Don’t be shy to try a little extra spice or even toss in some mix-ins.

Variation: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a delightful crunch—I love this because it adds texture without overpowering the subtle eggnog flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap regular eggnog for a dairy-free version like almond or oat milk eggnog, and it still bakes up beautifully.
Spice It Up: Try a pinch of cinnamon or cloves along with nutmeg for a spicier taste.
Mini Loaves: Baking this recipe in smaller loaf pans makes fantastic gifts or party treats!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first: grease the bottom of your 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with butter or cooking spray so the bread doesn’t stick. I like to use a little extra because it helps the edges brown nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot when your batter’s ready.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly, so you don’t end up with clumps or uneven flavor spots.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until smooth—this helps create a tender crumb. Then stir in the melted (and cooled!) butter, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Be sure your butter’s not hot or it will scramble the eggs. I learned this the hard way one year during holiday baking, so take it from me, patience pays off!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here; a few lumps are totally fine. Pour this lovely batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 35–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 35 minutes. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely—this step helps prevent soggy bottoms.

Step 6: Finish With Icing

While the bread cools, mix powdered sugar with eggnog one tablespoon at a time until you get a glaze you like—thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle. Pour it over the cooled bread and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg for that perfect holiday touch.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Butter Temperature: Always let melted butter cool before mixing it with eggs to avoid scrambled bits.
Don’t Overmix: Fold the flour mixture gently to keep your bread tender, not tough.
Check Early: I start testing the bread at 35 minutes since ovens can bake hot; no sad over-baked breads here!
Cool Completely: Wait until the bread is fully cooled before adding icing to avoid it melting into a puddle.

How to Serve Eggnog Bread Recipe

Eggnog Bread Holiday Bread Festive Eggnog Bread Christmas Bread Easy Eggnog Bread - A loaf cake with a light brown crust sits on a white rectangular plate against a white marbled surface. The cake is sliced twice, with two visible slices lying flat next to the main loaf. A thick white glaze covers the top of the cake, dripping over the sides and partly onto the plate, with a light dusting of cinnamon on top. The inside of the cake is a soft beige color with a slightly crumbly texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this bread with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg sprinkled over the icing—it’s simple, elegant, and smells incredible. Sometimes I toss on a few chopped toasted pecans for extra oomph. These little touches make it feel extra special without much fuss.

Side Dishes

This Eggnog Bread is perfect with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For holiday brunches, I’ve paired it with scrambled eggs and roasted fruit, creating a nice balance of sweet and savory. It also goes surprisingly well alongside a mild cheese plate—if you want to impress guests!

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, I’ve wrapped mini loaves in pretty parchment paper and tied them with twine as edible gifts. Another idea I love is slicing the bread thick, toasting it lightly, then spreading with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an indulgent snack station. Presentation really amps up the cozy holiday vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover eggnog bread tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container to keep it fresh. At room temperature, it stays good for about 3 days, and honestly, I rarely have leftovers longer than that because it gets eaten so fast!

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with this bread. Slice it before freezing, then separate slices with parchment paper and place in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer for a quick holiday treat.

Reheating

I like to warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, warm feeling. If you want to reapply icing, do so after reheating to keep it fresh and glossy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog or homemade for this Eggnog Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Both work beautifully. Store-bought eggnog is convenient and flavorful, but if you have a homemade batch, it adds even more richness and a personal touch.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

A classic toothpick test is your best friend here—insert it into the center of the loaf and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If it’s wet, give it more time and check every few minutes.
Can I make this Eggnog Bread Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute regular eggnog with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk eggnog, and you’ll still get great flavor and texture.
Is the icing necessary?

The icing adds a lovely sweet glaze and festive flair, but the bread itself is delicious without it. If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to skip or serve it on the side.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this Eggnog Bread Recipe?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch, and dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins give a chewy texture and bursts of flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Bread Recipe has genuinely become one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s an easy way to bring that cozy, nostalgic flavor of eggnog in a new and delightful form—perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a festive snack. I hope you enjoy making it (and eating it!) as much as I do. Take your time, have fun, and let the scent of nutmeg and vanilla fill your home. Happy baking, friend!