Easy Eggnog Bread Recipe: Your Ultimate Holiday Quick Bread Guide

Step into the festive season with a slice of pure holiday bliss! This incredibly easy Eggnog Bread is a quick bread sensation, boasting a perfectly moist crumb and a heavenly, decadent eggnog glaze that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat, an elegant dessert, or a heartwarming gift, this recipe captures all the magic of the holidays in every bite.

Eggnog, a rich and creamy seasonal beverage, is synonymous with festive cheer and warmth. This quick bread recipe expertly infuses all those beloved, cozy eggnog flavors into a fabulous, bakeable treat. The combination of classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, coupled with the subtle hint of rum, transforms a simple loaf into an unforgettable holiday indulgence.

The star of the show, beyond the moist bread itself, is undoubtedly the sweet and smooth eggnog glaze that cascades over the top. It adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful, inviting finish, making this the best holiday bread. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, the festive aroma filling your kitchen, and enjoying it with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa. It’s a moment of pure holiday joy.

If you adore the distinct taste of eggnog, you’ll be thrilled to explore more ways to incorporate it into your holiday baking. Don’t miss our other fantastic eggnog creations, including the delightful Eggnog Cookies Recipe, a luscious Eggnog Cake, and a comprehensive list of 53 Eggnog Desserts to inspire your entire holiday season!

What is Eggnog Bread?

Eggnog bread is a type of quick bread that incorporates eggnog into its batter, along with traditional holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Unlike yeast breads, quick breads use leavening agents like baking powder to rise, making them incredibly fast and easy to prepare. This results in a dense yet tender loaf with a rich, festive flavor profile that mirrors the beloved holiday drink, often enhanced by a sweet, creamy eggnog glaze.

Why We Love This Easy Eggnog Bread

There are countless reasons why this Eggnog Bread will become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy and festive cheer to any occasion:

• Effortlessly Delicious: This is a surprisingly simple sweet treat that even novice bakers can master. Its straightforward process means you can whip up a batch without stress, leaving you more time to enjoy the holidays.
• Minimal Cleanup: You won’t dirty up a mountain of dishes making this recipe. With just a couple of mixing bowls and your loaf pan, cleanup is a breeze, which is a major win during the busy holiday season.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each bite is a symphony of holiday tastes, loaded with aromatic cinnamon, warm nutmeg, a hint of rum extract, and the creamy richness of eggnog. It’s an explosion of festive flavors that truly makes it an unforgettable recipe.
• Perfect for Gifting: This bread is ideal for a thoughtful holiday gift. Wrap individual mini loaves or a full loaf with a festive ribbon, and your friends, neighbors, and colleagues will absolutely adore it. It’s a homemade present that truly shows you care.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy Christmas morning breakfast, a delightful addition to your holiday brunch spread, a crowd-pleasing party treat, or a simple afternoon snack with tea, this bread fits perfectly. Its versatility makes it a staple for any festive gathering.
• Aromatic Delight: The scent of this bread baking will instantly fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of the holidays, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that sets the perfect festive mood.

The Magic of Eggnog: A Seasonal Delight

Eggnog has a rich history, dating back to medieval Britain, evolving into the creamy, spiced beverage we cherish today. Traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, and often a spirit like rum or brandy, it’s a quintessential holiday drink. Its distinctive flavor comes from a blend of spices, primarily nutmeg, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the dairy and eggs. Incorporating eggnog into bread means you’re not just baking, you’re embracing centuries of festive tradition, bringing a unique, comforting, and nostalgic taste to your holiday table.

Key Ingredients for Eggnog Bread & Glaze

For the Bread:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our quick bread, providing structure. While all-purpose works best for its tender crumb, you can experiment with a small percentage of whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but be mindful of the texture change.
• Ground cinnamon and Ground nutmeg: These are the quintessential spices that define eggnog’s flavor. They enhance the warmth and festive aroma, making the bread truly taste like the holiday drink. Don’t skimp on fresh, quality spices for the best results!
• Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and contribute to the bread’s tender structure. Ensure they are beaten well before incorporating them into the wet ingredients for an even consistency.
• Butter: Melted butter provides richness and contributes to the bread’s moist texture. Make sure it’s melted and then cooled slightly before adding to prevent cooking the eggs in the batter.
• Eggnog: This is the star ingredient! Full-fat eggnog is highly recommended as it delivers the richest flavor and most decadent texture to the bread. The higher fat content contributes to a supremely moist loaf.
• Rum Flavored Extract: This extract boosts the classic rum notes found in traditional eggnog. While you can omit it or substitute with vanilla extract, we find it truly elevates the authentic eggnog taste without adding alcohol.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help tenderize the crumb.
• Baking Powder and Salt: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, giving the bread its lift. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: The base of our smooth, sweet glaze. It’s crucial to sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps, ensuring the smoothest, most professional-looking consistency for your glaze.
• Eggnog: Used to thin the powdered sugar and infuse more eggnog flavor directly into the glaze.
• Rum or rum extract: A small amount adds an extra layer of characteristic eggnog flavor to the glaze. Use the option you prefer.
• Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg in the glaze adds a beautiful speckled appearance and reinforces the holiday spice profile.

You can find the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making this quick bread doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen essentials:

• 9×5 inch Loaf Pan: The standard size for this recipe. Ensure it’s greased and floured or sprayed with non-stick spray.
• Large Mixing Bowls (x2): One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and making the glaze.
• Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): Recommended for beating wet ingredients, but you can also do it by hand.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For gently combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire Rack: Essential for cooling the bread evenly after baking.
• Toothpick or Skewer: For checking the bread’s doneness.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: For sifting powdered sugar for the glaze.

Step By Step Baking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Eggnog Bread that will impress everyone:

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Then, prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by generously coating it with cooking spray or butter and flouring it. This crucial step ensures your beautiful bread won’t stick, making for easy removal. Set the prepared pan aside.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise and flavor throughout the bread.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients. You will need another large bowl. Beat together the large eggs, granulated sugar, melted and cooled butter, eggnog, vanilla extract, and rum flavored extract until the mixture is light, creamy, and well combined. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer will make this process quick and ensure a smooth, emulsified base for your bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Next, gently add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir until just combined. This is a critical step: do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, dry bread instead of the soft, fluffy loaf we’re aiming for.

Step 5: Bake the Bread. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. Baking times can vary by oven, so keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Cool the Bread. Allow the baked bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it firm up and prevents it from breaking when removed. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely before glazing is key, otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off.

• Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze. While the bread is cooling, prepare your decadent eggnog glaze. In a small mixing bowl, simply whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, eggnog, a pinch of nutmeg, and rum/rum extract until smooth and free of lumps. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the liquid glaze generously over the top. For an extra touch of decadence, consider serving each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

Storing Your Eggnog Bread for Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping your Eggnog Bread moist and delicious long after baking. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Once the bread has completely cooled and the glaze has set, place the loaf inside an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. A bread box or a container with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly.
• Freezing for Extended Storage: For longer enjoyment, you can easily freeze this delicious bread. Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double layer protects against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen loaf, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, you can add a fresh batch of glaze before serving, or warm slices gently in the microwave or oven for a “freshly baked” experience.
• Glazed vs. Unglazed for Freezing: While you *can* freeze glazed bread, the glaze might become slightly sticky or watery upon thawing. For best results, it’s often better to freeze the bread unglazed and then prepare a fresh batch of glaze right before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Bread

Achieve bakery-quality Eggnog Bread with these expert tips and tricks:

• Cover the bread if needed: If you notice the top of your bread is browning too quickly but the center is still not cooked through (as indicated by the toothpick test), simply tent the loaf pan loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents further browning on top while allowing the inside to finish baking to perfection.
• Choosing between Rum or Rum Extract: You can absolutely use real rum instead of rum extract in this recipe for an even deeper flavor, but remember that rum extract is much more concentrated. As a general rule, you will need to use 1 tablespoon of rum for every teaspoon of rum extract to achieve a similar level of flavor intensity. Adjust to your taste preferences!
• The Golden Rule: Don’t overmix! This is perhaps the most important tip for any quick bread. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet until they are *just* mixed together and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy, and dense bread rather than a soft and fluffy one.
• Sift the powdered sugar for a smooth glaze: Do not skip this simple step! Sifting powdered sugar before whisking it into the glaze ingredients will eliminate any lumps, resulting in a perfectly smooth, creamy, and professional-looking glaze that drizzles beautifully over your bread.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs, butter (if not melted), and eggnog are at room temperature. This allows them to incorporate more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother emulsion and a more consistent texture in your baked bread. Room temperature ingredients also produce a more tender crumb.
• Enhance with Vanilla Pudding Mix: For an extra boost of moisture and a slightly richer, more complex vanilla flavor, consider adding a small box of instant vanilla pudding mix (the powder only, not prepared pudding) to your dry ingredients. This simple addition can make your bread incredibly moist and tender.
• Mini Loaves for Gifting: If you’re planning to give this delicious Eggnog Bread as gifts, using mini loaf pans is a fantastic idea. Remember to significantly reduce the baking time for mini loaves and always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. They’ll bake much faster, typically in 25-35 minutes depending on the size of your pans.
• Add-ins for Extra Texture: Feel free to customize your bread with festive add-ins! Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries along with the dry ingredients for added texture and flavor.
• Zest for Brightness: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can add a wonderful bright note that complements the rich eggnog flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions for Eggnog Bread

While this Eggnog Bread is absolutely delicious on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Classic Coffee Pairing: A warm slice with your morning coffee is pure comfort.
• Holiday Brunch Staple: Serve alongside a festive brunch spread with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon.
• Dessert Extravaganza: A warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg makes for an exquisite dessert.
• Tea Time Treat: Perfect with a cup of holiday tea or a spiced hot chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Gourmet French Toast: For a truly indulgent breakfast, slice the bread and use it to make eggnog French toast!

Common Questions About Eggnog Bread

• Can I use light or dairy-free eggnog? Yes, you can. However, full-fat eggnog is recommended for the richest flavor and most moist texture. Light or dairy-free versions might alter the final texture slightly, potentially making it less rich or moist.
• Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the batter? Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries (or a mix) is a fantastic way to add extra texture and holiday flavor. Fold them in gently with the dry ingredients.
• Is this recipe suitable for beginners? Yes, quick breads are generally very forgiving and easy to make, making this an excellent recipe for beginner bakers. The key is not to overmix the batter!
• How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked? The best way is the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, the bread is done. If it has wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
• Can I make the batter ahead of time? It’s generally best to bake quick bread batter soon after mixing to ensure optimal leavening. However, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before baking.

Troubleshooting Your Eggnog Bread

• Bread is dry or dense: This is almost always due to overmixing the batter or baking for too long. Ensure you only mix until just combined and check for doneness at the earlier end of the baking time range. Using room temperature, full-fat eggnog also helps.
• Bread sinks in the middle: This can happen if the bread is underbaked (the structure hasn’t set) or if there’s too much liquid or leavening agent. Ensure accurate measurements and proper baking time. Opening the oven door too early or too often can also cause this.
• Glaze is too thin or too thick: The glaze consistency is easy to adjust. If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more eggnog (or milk/cream) until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.

Now, it’s your turn to make this incredibly yummy and festive Eggnog Quick Bread. We promise it will fill your home with holiday cheer and your tummy with deliciousness. Please leave a comment and a star rating after you try it – we love hearing from you!