Soft, spiced holiday loaf
This eggnog bread is tender, moist, and filled with warm holiday spices that make your kitchen smell amazing. Made with rich eggnog and a hint of nutmeg, this quick bread is perfect for Christmas mornings, afternoon coffee, or gifting during the holidays. It comes together easily with no yeast and no mixer required, making it ideal for busy bakers who still want a festive homemade treat. Finished with a simple eggnog glaze, this loaf feels cozy, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
📝 Ingredients List
For the Eggnog Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Eggnog Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons eggnog
- Pinch of nutmeg
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, eggnog, and vanilla until smooth and glossy 😊
- Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean ✨
- Cool: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Glaze (optional): Whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg. Drizzle over cooled bread ❄️
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra moist: Replace half the oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Flavor boost: Add ½ teaspoon rum extract for classic eggnog flavor without alcohol.
- Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.