Name: Quick Eggnog Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3/4 cup eggnog; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1–2 tablespoons eggnog (for glaze)

I can’t think of a better way to welcome the holiday season than with a warm slice of this Quick Eggnog Bread. The aroma alone, as it bakes, fills the kitchen with sweet spices and cozy nostalgia. I love how this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly festive and satisfying. The richness of the eggnog blends perfectly into the batter, making every bite soft, moist, and just sweet enough.

This bread has become one of my favorite seasonal bakes—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s incredibly easy. Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving a cozy treat with your coffee, or looking for a quick edible gift, this recipe never lets me down. It’s the kind of bake that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Eggnog Bread

It’s quick to make with no mixer required.
The texture is super moist thanks to the eggnog.
Lightly spiced and perfectly sweet—ideal for the holidays.
A festive twist on classic quick bread.
Great as a gift or make-ahead breakfast idea.

What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought or homemade eggnog, but full-fat versions tend to produce the best results in terms of flavor and moisture. If you’re using a thinner, dairy-free version, you may want to reduce the amount slightly or add an extra tablespoon of flour to keep the structure of the bread just right. Spiced or flavored eggnogs can also add an extra dimension—think cinnamon or nutmeg-infused varieties.

Options for Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Swap regular eggnog with a plant-based version like almond or oat nog. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or reduce the sugar slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you could use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
Oil: You can use melted butter or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer taste.
Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a bit more depth, but white sugar works fine.
Glaze: Not a fan of icing? Dust the top with powdered sugar or skip it entirely for a less sweet option.

Ingredients for this Quick Eggnog Bread

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of the bread. It gives a soft crumb and holds everything together.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the spices in the eggnog.
Baking Powder: Essential for rise, this helps the bread become light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
Ground Nutmeg: Brings warmth and that classic holiday spice note.
Eggnog: The star of the show. It adds flavor, moisture, and richness to the batter.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist. You could also use melted butter.
Egg: Binds everything together and helps with structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile and pairs beautifully with eggnog.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a simple icing to finish off the loaf.
Additional Eggnog (for glaze): Used to thin the glaze and reinforce the eggnog flavor.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures even baking and an easy release from the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This distributes the leavening and spices evenly throughout the flour so the bread bakes consistently.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggnog, oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should be creamy and well-blended, ensuring even distribution in the batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make the bread tough.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting into the bread.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with just enough eggnog to form a thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bread and let set before slicing.

How Long to Prepare the Quick Eggnog Bread

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10–15 minutes to measure your ingredients and mix the batter. It’s a simple process that requires just two bowls—one for dry and one for wet ingredients—so there’s minimal cleanup involved.

Bake Time: The bread takes around 45 to 55 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Quick Eggnog Bread

Use room temperature ingredients to help everything mix more evenly.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
Add chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top of the glaze.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overbaking: This can dry out the bread. Start checking at the 45-minute mark.
Underbaking: If it’s too moist in the center, the texture will be gummy.
Wrong type of eggnog: Thin or low-fat eggnog may alter the texture. Use full-fat for best results.
Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough or chewy loaf.
Glazing too soon: If the bread is warm, the glaze will soak in rather than sit nicely on top.

What to Serve With Quick Eggnog Bread?

1. Hot Coffee or Latte

Perfectly balances the sweet, spiced flavor of the bread.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

A refreshing, light contrast to the richness of the loaf.

3. Scrambled Eggs or Omelets

For a fuller breakfast spread or holiday brunch.

4. Yogurt Parfait

Adds a creamy, tangy contrast that works well with sweet bread.

5. Spiced Apple Cider

A cozy drink pairing that complements the nutmeg and eggnog flavors.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping to avoid condensation.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing: Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Glaze Note: If freezing, wait to glaze until thawed for best presentation.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice – Based on 10 Slices)

Calories: 210
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 160mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this eggnog bread gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Avoid almond or coconut flour alone as they require different moisture adjustments.

Does the bread taste strongly of eggnog?

It has a light eggnog flavor with warm spices. It’s not overpowering, which makes it great for everyone—even those who aren’t huge eggnog fans.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.

Is the glaze necessary?

Not at all! It adds sweetness and holiday flair, but the bread is flavorful enough to enjoy plain.

Conclusion

Quick Eggnog Bread is the perfect seasonal treat that blends simplicity with festive charm. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quiet morning at home or gifting it to friends and neighbors, it never fails to impress. Moist, tender, and gently spiced—this is one loaf you’ll want to make again and again during the holiday season. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new tradition in your kitchen!