Eggnog Bread Recipe – Moist, Easy, and Perfect for the Holidays

At Eminent Recipes, every dish begins with a love for comforting, homemade food that brings people together. This eggnog bread is inspired by cozy holiday moments spent in the kitchen, turning simple ingredients into something memorable. Soft, warmly spiced, and easy to prepare, this Christmas eggnog bread recipe reflects my passion for family-friendly baking that feels special without being complicated—perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a quiet cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Eggnog Bread recipe is everything a holiday bake should be—simple, comforting, and packed with festive flavor. Designed for home cooks who value ease without sacrificing taste, this Christmas eggnog bread recipe comes together quickly using everyday pantry ingredients and creamy eggnog. The result is a moist, tender loaf infused with warm spices that feels special yet familiar.

You’ll love how versatile this eggnog bread recipe is. Make it with or without rum extract, add a sweet rum glaze, or keep it classic for a family-friendly treat. It works beautifully as a breakfast loaf, afternoon snack, or holiday dessert, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Unlike complicated holiday bakes, this easy eggnog bread requires no yeast, no mixer, and minimal prep time.

At Eminent Recipes, comfort and balance are key, and this homemade eggnog bread delivers just that. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and perfect for gifting during the holidays. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or quiet winter mornings, this festive eggnog bread recipe fits seamlessly into your routine while bringing cozy Christmas flavor to every slice.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The ingredients for this eggnog bread recipe are simple, familiar, and carefully balanced to create a soft, flavorful holiday loaf. All-purpose flour forms the sturdy yet tender base, while baking powder and baking soda help the eggnog bread rise evenly as it bakes. Salt enhances every flavor, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon give this Christmas eggnog bread recipe its signature festive aroma. Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture, while granulated sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the eggnog flavor.

Eggs bind the batter together and contribute to a tender crumb, while vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness. The star ingredient, eggnog, brings creaminess and seasonal depth, making this homemade eggnog bread taste indulgent yet comforting. Optional rum extract adds classic holiday warmth without alcohol, while chopped nuts introduce texture. A simple rum glaze can be added for a bakery-style finish, making this eggnog bread recipe customizable for any occasion.

Slice of eggnog bread with glaze
Eggnog Bread Recipe – Moist, Easy, and Perfect for the Holidays 13

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):

For the Eggnog Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup eggnog

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ teaspoon rum extract
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Optional Rum Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons eggnog
  • ½ teaspoon rum extract or dark rum

How to Make This Recipe

Making this eggnog bread recipe is simple, straightforward, and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. The process focuses on gentle mixing and proper baking to achieve a moist, tender crumb. By combining the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients, this homemade eggnog bread bakes evenly and develops a rich holiday flavor. Creaming the butter and sugar properly helps create a light texture, while eggnog adds moisture and seasonal depth. This Christmas eggnog bread recipe requires no yeast, no complicated steps, and minimal prep, making it ideal for busy schedules, family baking days, or festive gatherings. With the right oven temperature and a little patience, this easy eggnog bread delivers bakery-style results every time.

🛒 Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan for even baking of the eggnog bread recipe.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon to build the spiced base for this Christmas eggnog bread.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a soft crumb in the homemade eggnog bread.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and eggnog to create a smooth, creamy batter.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for even rising.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the eggnog bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Eggnog bread baking in oven
Eggnog Bread Recipe – Moist, Easy, and Perfect for the Holidays 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfecting this eggnog bread recipe comes down to understanding how each ingredient and technique affects the final loaf. Using full-fat eggnog is essential for achieving a rich, moist texture in this homemade eggnog bread. Room-temperature butter and eggs blend more smoothly, creating a balanced batter that bakes evenly. Spices like nutmeg and cinnamon should be fresh to fully enhance the warm holiday flavor of this Christmas eggnog bread recipe. Gentle mixing is key—overmixing can make the crumb dense instead of soft and tender. Paying attention to baking time and oven temperature ensures your eggnog bread rises properly and stays moist without overbrowning.

💡 Expert Tips:

  • Use full-fat eggnog for maximum moisture and classic flavor in this eggnog bread recipe.
  • Bring butter, eggs, and eggnog to room temperature for smoother mixing and even baking.
  • Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling to avoid a dry Christmas eggnog bread.
  • Mix the batter gently to maintain a light crumb in the homemade eggnog bread.
  • Tent the loaf loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking.
  • Let the eggnog bread cool completely before slicing to preserve clean slices.
  • Add rum extract for traditional holiday flavor or skip it for a family-friendly version.
  • Enhance presentation with a light eggnog glaze for a bakery-style finish.
Eggnog bread variations
Eggnog Bread Recipe – Moist, Easy, and Perfect for the Holidays 15

FAQs

Does eggnog bread contain alcohol?

Most eggnog bread recipes are non-alcoholic. This eggnog bread recipe uses store-bought eggnog and optional rum extract, which is alcohol-free. If you add a rum glaze or spiked eggnog, the bread can become an alcoholic eggnog bread version.

Can I make eggnog bread without rum extract?

Yes, this homemade eggnog bread can be made without rum extract. Vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon provide plenty of flavor, making this Christmas eggnog bread recipe completely family-friendly.

Can I freeze eggnog bread?

Eggnog bread freezes very well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil to maintain moisture. This easy eggnog bread keeps in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I use cake mix or instant pudding in eggnog bread?

Yes, eggnog bread with cake mix or eggnog bread with instant pudding is a popular variation. Both options create a softer, moister texture while keeping the rich holiday flavor of this eggnog bread recipe.

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This eggnog bread recipe is a must-bake for the holiday season, combining creamy eggnog, warm spices, and a soft, tender crumb in one easy loaf. Perfect for Christmas mornings, family gatherings, or gifting, this homemade eggnog bread is both comforting and versatile. Whether made with or without rum extract, topped with a sweet glaze, or kept simple for a family-friendly treat, this festive eggnog bread delivers classic holiday flavor with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

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Eggnog bread baking in oven

Eggnog Bread


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A soft, moist holiday quick bread made with creamy eggnog, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla. This festive loaf is perfect for Christmas mornings, holiday gatherings, or cozy winter afternoons. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a sweet rum glaze for a bakery-style finish.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×5-inch loaf):

For the Eggnog Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup eggnog

Optional Add-Ins:

½ teaspoon rum extract (optional)
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Optional Rum Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons eggnog
½ teaspoon rum extract or dark rum (optional)


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla (and rum extract if using).

Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with eggnog, mixing just until combined.

Step 2: Bake the Bread
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Add Glaze (Optional)
Whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, and rum extract until smooth.

 

Drizzle over cooled bread and allow to set before slicing.

Notes

Flavor Boost: Freshly grated nutmeg enhances the eggnog flavor.
No Alcohol Version: Skip rum extract and glaze for a family-friendly loaf.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.
Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Holiday Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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