If you’re looking for a cozy, festive treat that captures the warm essence of holiday cheer, look no further than this Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe. It’s moist, gently spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, and boasts a rich, tender crumb thanks to the eggnog and buttery goodness baked right in. The sweet, boozy cream cheese glaze on top makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just craving a special seasonal snack, this bread is guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll turn to year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, adding moisture, spice, sweetness, or richness that makes the bread utterly irresistible.
- Flour: Provides the structure needed for the bread to rise and hold its shape perfectly.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its light and fluffy texture by helping it rise during baking.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings that unmistakable warm, festive spice that pairs perfectly with eggnog.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, sweet-spicy flavor to deepen the holiday vibes.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the bread stays tender.
- Southern Comfort Eggnog: Infuses the bread with creamy, boozy charm that sets this recipe apart.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering the spices.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s tender crumb.
- Cream cheese (softened): Forms the base of the luscious glaze that crowns the loaf.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
- Bourbon: Adds complexity and warmth in the glaze, elevating the whole experience.
How to Make Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spraying your 9×5-inch glass loaf pan with baking spray ensures your bread won’t stick and slips right out when it’s done. This simple prep step makes the whole baking process smoother and your presentation flawless.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Combining these now ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout your bread, which means every slice will have that perfect holiday flavor balance.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Eggnog, and Sugar
Next, grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter, Southern Comfort Eggnog, and sugar until they come together into a smooth, creamy mixture. This step aerates the batter lightly and melds the flavors so that the bread ends up wonderfully moist and delicious.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps build a tender, cohesive batter that will bake into a loaf with the perfect crumb.
Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to a tough texture, so keep it gentle and stop once you see all the flour disappear.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour or scoop the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently so it bakes evenly. This bread batter is thick but pourable, making it easy to work with.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Done
Bake the quick bread for 45 to 55 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center. When it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked with a golden crust and tender interior.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow your loaf to cool in the pan briefly before removing it onto a wire rack. Cooling fully before glazing is key to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
Step 9: Make and Spread Glaze
Whip the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, Southern Comfort Eggnog, and bourbon until smooth and spreadable. Drizzle or spread this divine glaze over the cooled bread, letting it ooze gently down the sides for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe truly shine, consider sprinkling a light dusting of extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the glaze. You can also add toasted pecans or slivered almonds for an added crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rich quick bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or mulled wine. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the indulgence with some brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve it as an afternoon treat with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. For a festive touch, arrange slices on a holiday platter with fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs — perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate to keep the bread fresh for up to a week. This also helps preserve the flavors, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, ready-to-enjoy treat.
Reheating
To warm slices, pop them in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warm. This revives the bread’s softness and enhances the flavors, making it feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use regular eggnog instead of Southern Comfort Eggnog?
Absolutely! Regular eggnog will work just fine and still create that creamy, spiced flavor. The Southern Comfort adds a hint of booziness for extra depth, but you can omit it for a milder version.
Is this bread very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness that complements the spices and eggnog’s creamy flavor. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, but you can easily adjust the sugar amounts to suit your taste.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
With some modifications, yes. Use a dairy-free butter substitute and cream cheese alternative, plus a plant-based eggnog. The texture may differ slightly, but the festive flavor will still come through beautifully.
What does “quick bread” mean?
Quick bread is a type of bread that doesn’t require yeast or rising time. Instead, it uses baking powder or baking soda as leavening agents so it bakes quickly and easily, perfect for any occasion.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries make delightful additions. Just fold them in during Step 5 before transferring the batter to the pan for little bursts of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe truly embodies all the comforts of the holiday season in one delicious loaf. It’s simple to make but impressively flavorful, perfect whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment by yourself. Give it a try and watch it become one of your most treasured festive treats!
Print
Eggnog Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Eggnog Quick Bread recipe is a festive, moist, and flavorful quick bread perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks. Infused with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and enriched with Southern Comfort Eggnog, it offers a delightful seasonal twist. Finished with a creamy bourbon-spiked cream cheese glaze, this bread is sure to impress both family and guests with its rich taste and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients for Bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Southern Comfort Eggnog
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup Southern Comfort Eggnog (plus more if needed)
- 2 ½ – 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5-inch glass loaf pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter, Eggnog, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, Southern Comfort Eggnog, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined and no flour pockets remain.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool thoroughly before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and Southern Comfort Eggnog, mixing until you reach a pourable glaze consistency. Stir in the bourbon. If the glaze is too thick, add additional eggnog a teaspoon at a time.
- Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- If you prefer a less boozy flavor, reduce or omit the bourbon in the glaze.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less eggnog to achieve desired thickness.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing.
