Name: Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup eggnog; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons eggnog, pinch of nutmeg

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Table of Contents: Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread

Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread

There’s something magical about the deep, creamy scent of eggnog wafting through the kitchen during the holidays. For readers over 40 and long-time bakers, this Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread is more than just a treat—it’s a nostalgic nod to family traditions, cozy gatherings, and the warmth of a homemade dessert. Imagine slicing into a moist, golden-brown loaf that tastes like Christmas in every bite: warm spices, golden raisins, toasted pecans, and just a hint of rum. This Eggnog Loaf Cake isn’t just delicious—it’s the Christmas Quick Bread you’ll make year after year, whether for a Christmas morning, as a hostess gift, or a sweet addition to a holiday brunch.

What makes this Spiced Eggnog Recipe so special is how effortlessly it blends holiday cheer with everyday ease. No fussy layers. No stand mixer required. Just simple pantry staples, a bowl, and a loaf pan. The secret? The rich, slightly sweet eggnog gives the bread its signature creamy depth and tenderness, while nutmeg and a splash of rum extract elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s the ultimate easy comfort food for family dinners, and one that brings back memories of simpler baking days—when joy came from a warm oven and a shared slice.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might find this Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread under many charming names, including:
– Eggnog Loaf Cake
– Holiday Spice Quick Bread
– Christmas Eggnog Muffins (using a muffin tin)
– Nutmeg-Raisin Eggnog Bread
– Spiced Eggnog Recipe (as seen in holiday magazines)

This Sweet Eggnog Quick Bread is a crowd-pleaser on dessert trays, and a perfect partner to Cinnamon Rolls or Peppermint Bark. For those avoiding alcohol, the recipe stays delicious without rum—making it ideal for all generations.

Ingredients: Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread

– 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for lighter texture)

– 1 large egg, room temperature (for richness and structure)
– ½ cup granulated white sugar (sweetens without overwhelming)
– 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (enhances flavor)
– 4 teaspoons baking powder (perfect leavening for tender crumb)

– ½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans (adds crunch and nuttiness)
– 1 cup plump golden raisins (soaked in warm water for 5 minutes, then drained, keeps them juicy)
– ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (adds moisture, reduces oil)

– 1¾ cups fresh or store-bought eggnog (preferably full-fat for best flavor)
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
– ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil (neutral flavor, keeps bread moist)

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for depth)
– Splash of rum extract (½ tsp, optional) (adds that classic eggnog warmth)

Pro tip: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant—this enhances their nutty flavor and complements the nutmeg.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Sifting ensures a light, fluffy crumb and even distribution of leavening.

3. Stir in mix-ins: Fold in ½ cup toasted chopped pecans and 1 cup drained golden raisins. Use a rubber spatula to incorporate gently—don’t overmix.

4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, ¼ cup applesauce, ¼ cup oil, ½ cup white sugar, and 1¾ cups eggnog. Add 1 tsp vanilla and ½ tsp rum extract (if using) for flavor enhancement.

5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until combined—no more than 15 to 20 strokes. Overmixing leads to tough bread.

6. Transfer to pan: Scrape the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For a golden crust, brush lightly with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water, optional).

7. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

8. Cool completely before slicing. Let the Eggnog Loaf Cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool fully. Slice with a serrated knife for neat pieces.

Chef tip: For mini loaves or muffins, reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes and fill pans ⅔ full. Great for gifting!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread takes just 10 minutes to prep, bakes for 55 to 65 minutes, and comes together with a total time of about 70 minutes. It yields 1 large loaf, serving around 10–12 generous slices. Each slice contains approximately 240 calories, with a perfect balance of moisture, spice, and subtle sweetness. The recipe falls into the quick bread category, is vegetarian-friendly, and is a delightful addition to holiday brunch menus or sweet bread platters. It’s the best Christmas Quick Bread you’ll bake without breaking a sweat.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Spiced Eggnog Recipe succeeds because it honors the essence of eggnog—creamy, spiced, and comforting—without becoming heavy. The secret lies in the balance: applesauce keeps the bread moist but lighter, while the eggnog adds richness and a subtle custard-like flavor. Using golden raisins instead of dark gives a jewel-toned, fruity note that pairs beautifully with nutmeg and pecans. It’s the best sweet bread for holiday entertaining because it’s simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough for a dinner party.

For best results, use full-fat eggnog—it contributes to the tender crumb and richer mouthfeel. If short on time, store-bought eggnog works perfectly and still yields a divine Christmas Quick Bread. For extra flair, dust cooled slices with powdered sugar or serve with a rum-spiked whipped cream. This is easy comfort food for family dinners that doubles as a thoughtful gift—wrap with ribbon and a tag that says, “Baked with cheer.”

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Once cooled, store your Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. The Eggnog Loaf Cake freezes beautifully—ideal for making ahead of the holidays. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for 2–3 hours. For reheating, cover slices with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly (15 seconds) for a fresh-from-the-oven feel. This Spiced Eggnog Recipe maintains its flavor and moisture for weeks, making it a perfect Christmas Quick Bread for meal prep and gifting.

People Also Ask: Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread

How do you make eggnog bread?

To make Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread, you combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg) with wet ingredients (egg, applesauce, oil, eggnog, vanilla, and optional rum extract). Fold in raisins and pecans, then bake in a loaf pan for 55–65 minutes. This Christmas Quick Bread is a one-bowl recipe with no special tools needed. The eggnog binds the batter and adds a creamy, spiced flavor. For best results, let the loaf cool before slicing. It’s a moisture-rich Eggnog Loaf Cake perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for bread?

Yes! Store-bought eggnog works wonderfully in this Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread recipe. Just choose a full-fat version for the richest flavor and best texture. While homemade eggnog is delicious, the convenience of store-bought makes this a go-to Christmas Quick Bread. Ensure the eggnog isn’t overly sweet—too much sugar can throw off the balance. Whether regular or fat-free, both versions yield a tender crumb, but full-fat boosts moisture and taste. This Spiced Eggnog Recipe relies on the eggnog’s dairy and spice profile, not its source.

What spices are in Christmas eggnog bread?

The key spice in this Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread is nutmeg—¼ to ½ teaspoon, freshly grated if possible. It’s the star of authentic eggnog flavor. While the eggnog itself already contains cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, this recipe highlights nutmeg for its warm, floral depth. You won’t see cinnamon listed, but it’s naturally present in Eggnog Loaf Cake due to the pre-spiced eggnog. For extra warmth, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom. This Spiced Eggnog Recipe captures the essence of the holidays in every fragrant slice.

Is eggnog bread a sweet bread?

Absolutely. This Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread is a sweet quick bread—similar to banana bread or zucchini bread—but infused with the flavors of the season. It contains sugar (½ cup), golden raisins, and spiced eggnog, making it ideal for dessert, a sweet breakfast, or a tea-time treat. Unlike savory breads, this Christmas Quick Bread is on the sweeter side, but not overly so—perfect with coffee or tea. Classified as a Spiced Eggnog Recipe, it’s a beloved member of the sweet bread family and a holiday staple for families.

Conclusion: Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread

As the oven fills with the scent of nutmeg and warm milk, you’ll know you’ve made something truly special. This Easy Christmas Eggnog Bread isn’t just another dessert—it’s a return to the heart of holiday baking. Whether you’re sharing it around the tree, wrapping it in parchment for a neighbor, or slicing it with a cup of spiced tea, every bite carries the spirit of the season. Bake it once, and it’ll become your go-to Eggnog Loaf Cake—a tradition in the making.

We’d love to hear how yours turned out! Share a photo, tag us, or leave a comment below. Was it the perfect Christmas Quick Bread for your gathering? Did you tweak the spices or try mini loaves? Let’s celebrate the magic of homemade Spiced Eggnog Recipe love, one loaf at a time.