Christmas Eggnog Bread is a festive, rich, and flavorful treat perfect for the holiday season.
This moist, spiced bread is made with eggnog, a holiday favorite, and often includes warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
With its sweet, creamy flavor and tender crumb, it’s a wonderful addition to your Christmas baking lineup.
Topped with a glaze or dusting of powdered sugar, this bread is ideal for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa during the holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup eggnog
2 tbsp rum flavor extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
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).
Prepare the Pan: Grease the bottom of a 5×9-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the sugar, melted butter, eggnog, rum extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Combine: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the eggnog mixture.
Stir just until everything is combined.
Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 11 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Store: Once fully cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
Variations for Christmas Eggnog Bread
Spiced Eggnog Bread
Add more warm spices like ginger, cloves, and allspice to enhance the holiday flavor.
Eggnog Nut Bread
Stir in chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and a nutty taste.
Eggnog Chocolate Chip Bread
Mix in chocolate chips (white or dark) to add a sweet and indulgent touch.
Cranberry Eggnog Bread
Fold in dried cranberries or fresh cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet bread.
Eggnog Glazed Bread
Drizzle an eggnog glaze (egg nog, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract) over the bread for extra sweetness and moisture.
Rum-Flavored Eggnog Bread
Add a splash of rum or rum extract to the batter for that classic eggnog flavor with a boozy twist.
Tips for Making Christmas Eggnog Bread
Use Full-Fat Eggnog
Full-fat eggnog adds richness and moisture to the bread. Low-fat or homemade eggnog may affect the texture.
Don’t Overmix
Mix the batter just until combined to avoid tough, dense bread. Overmixing can result in a dry texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Use room-temperature eggs and butter to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
Grease the Pan Well
Ensure you grease and flour the loaf pan or use parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
Check Doneness with a Toothpick
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread to test doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let It Cool Completely
Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to help it firm up and make cleaner cuts.
With these variations and tips, your Christmas Eggnog Bread will be a delicious hit for the holidays!
To store Christmas Eggnog Bread and keep it fresh, follow these steps:
At Room Temperature:
Wrap It Well: Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container.
Shelf Life: It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.
In the Refrigerator:
Extended Freshness: For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in the fridge. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
Shelf Life: It can last up to a week in the fridge, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing:
For Longer Storage: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Slice Before Freezing: You can also slice the bread before freezing to thaw only the amount you need.
Shelf Life: It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Tips:
Warm the bread in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or use the microwave for individual slices to bring back some freshness.
These methods will help preserve the texture and flavor of your Christmas Eggnog Bread!