When the holidays comes around, you can almost smell eggnog in the air and it makes me think of fun times with family. Its creamy, kinda sweet taste made from eggs, milk, sugar and a little nutmeg has got a spot in everyones heart. You can drink it plain or stir it into cakes and puddings. But this year i wanted to try it in a loaf of bread—eggnog bread.
Eggnog bread takes that rich, cozy flavor of eggnog and turns it into a soft, spiced loaf thats great for breakfast or snack time. Its moist texture and warm spices make it an easy treat to share at holiday get-togethers. In this post, we’ll cover where eggnog bread started, what you need to make it, and a step-by-step guide to bake your own. Plus you’ll get tips for the best results, ideas for serving, and answers to questions you might have. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get bakin’!
What is Eggnog Bread?
Eggnog bread is a simple quick bread that uses eggnog instead of plain milk or water. You mix in the usual stuff—flour, sugar, some eggs and spices—and bake it in a loaf pan. The result is a soft, tender crumb with all the cozy nutmeg and cinnamon flavors you love from eggnog. You can dust it with powdered sugar or spread a simple glaze on top if you want to get fancy.
The idea came from bakers not wanting to waste leftover eggnog after the holidays. Instead of throwing it out, they poured it into bread batter. Soon every family had their own version, and it became a holiday staple. Today, eggnog bread reminds many of us of warmth, family, and the spirit of the season.
Compared to drinking a glass of eggnog, eating a slice of eggnog bread feels more filling and can be eaten anytime—morning, afternoon or even as a late night snack. Its just a fun twist on that familiar holiday taste.
Why Use Eggnog in Baking?
Using eggnog in baking gives you a flavor punch that plain milk cant match. Eggnog has eggs, milk, sugar and spices like nutmeg already mixed in, so it adds extra taste to your baked goods without much work.
One big bonus is the texture. Because eggnog is thicker than milk, it helps make a super moist and soft crumb. You wont get that dry, crumbly feel that sometimes happens with other quick breads. Instead, each slice of eggnog bread stays nice and tender.
Eggnog also adds some extra protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk. So your bread is just a bit richer and more filling. Plus it screams “holiday!” every time you take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Eggnog Bread
Gather these simple ingredients to bake your own festive loaf:
Key Ingredients
- Eggnog: The star of the show, it brings flavor, moisture, and holiday vibes.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great for structure.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and balances the spices.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add protein.
Optional Ingredients
- Nutmeg and cinnamon: Amp up the spiced eggnog flavor.
- Raisins or dried cranberries: For a chewy, sweet pop.
- Walnuts or pecans: To give the bread a little crunch.
Directions for Making Eggnog Bread
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper so the bread comes out easy.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a big bowl, whisk together the wet stuff: eggnog, eggs, and melted butter. In another bowl, stir the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder and any spices. Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry and stir until you just dont see big clumps. Dont overmix—youll end up with heavy bread. If you want to add nuts or dried fruit, fold them in now.
Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out mostly clean. If the top starts turning too dark, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
Cooling and Serving
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Wait until it cools all the way before slicing. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a quick glaze made from eggnog and powdered sugar.
Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Bread
- Storage tips for freshness: Keep leftover slices in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to a week. You can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Ideas for variations: Throw in chocolate chips, use different nuts, or mix in dried cherries. You can also glaze it with a spiced icing.
- How to repurpose leftover eggnog: Use it instead of milk in pancakes, waffles, or even in your morning smoothie.
Suggested Pairings
- Beverages: A cup of chai tea, a frothy latte with nutmeg, or even warm apple cider goes great with eggnog bread.
- Other holiday treats: Serve it beside pumpkin pie, gingerbread cookies, or a cheese plate for a festive spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing batter: Stir too much and youll get a dense loaf. Just fold until combined.
- Using expired eggnog: Check the date. Old eggnog can ruin the taste and might upset your stomach.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Make sure your oven is set right. Too hot or too cool and the bread wont bake evenly.
Health & Dietary Modifications
- Substitutes for healthier options: Swap in whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Try almond milk with eggs and spices instead of heavy eggnog for a lighter loaf.
- Adjusting sugar and spice levels: Cut sugar down or use honey/maple syrup. Tweak the amount of nutmeg and cinnamon to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to store eggnog bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temp for up to three days. You can also keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped tight for several months.
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade eggnog can taste even better, just make sure its smooth and fresh before mixing.
How long does eggnog bread last?
It lasts about three days on the counter, a week in the fridge, and months in the freezer if wrapped well.
Can I freeze eggnog bread?
Yes, just wrap slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when youre ready to eat.
What are some variations to traditional eggnog bread?
You can add chocolate chips, swap nuts, change the spices, or even use flavored creamers instead of eggnog to mix things up.
Conclusion
Eggnog bread is a fun way to bring holiday flavors into a cozy, shareable treat. Its simple to make, moist, and packed with that familiar nutmeg taste. Give it a try this season—your friends and family will love it! Let us know how your loaf turns out and enjoy the festive baking.
eggnog bread
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or electric mixer
- 1 spatula
- 1 9x5 inch loaf pan
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 toothpick for testing
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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