Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe

Sweet Sunrise: Crafting the Best Eggnog Bread Recipe

Festive baking takes on a magical twist with this eggnog bread recipe that captures the essence of holiday cheer.

Rich, creamy eggnog infuses every soft crumb with warmth and nostalgia.

Cold winter nights call for something special, and this delectable bread delivers comfort in each delightful slice.

Warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon dance through the tender loaf, creating an irresistible aroma.

The subtle sweetness and velvety texture make this bread a perfect companion to morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this delightful treat that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable holiday indulgence.

You’ll want to share every delectable bite with loved ones during the festive season.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Eggnog Bread Ingredients That Work

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provides rich, creamy structure and binding for the French toast mixture.
  • Eggnog: Delivers classic holiday flavor and luxurious texture to the bread coating.
  • Rum or Brandy Extract: Adds warm, festive depth without overwhelming alcohol intensity.
  • Orange Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that complement the spiced eggnog profile.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Helps create caramelization and sweet golden-brown crust on toast.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that enhances the holiday essence of the dish.
For Cooking Ingredients:
  • Bread: Select thick, sturdy slices like brioche or challah that can absorb mixture without falling apart.
  • Butter: Creates crispy, golden edges and prevents bread from sticking to cooking surface.
  • Oil: Helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning during cooking.

Baking Essentials for Eggnog Loaf Goodness

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining eggnog mixture and thoroughly beating eggs.
  • Whisk or Fork: Perfect for mixing eggs, spices, and creating a smooth eggnog blend.
  • Griddle or Skillet: Key tool for cooking French toast evenly and achieving golden brown color.
  • Spatula: Helps flip bread slices and transfer cooked French toast to serving plate.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and extracts.
  • Zester or Grater: Used for creating delicate orange zest to enhance flavor.
  • Cooking Brush or Spoon: Helpful for spreading butter or oil on cooking surface.

Instructions to Bake the Softest Eggnog Bread

  • Eggnog Mixture Preparation

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk eggs until smooth. Blend in warming spices, sweet crystals, and flavor enhancers like rum extract or orange zest. Pour in creamy eggnog and stir until everything combines into a silky liquid.

  • Cooking Surface Warmup

Heat a skillet over medium flames. Melt a touch of butter across the surface to create a golden, non-stick landscape for your toast.

  • Bread Transformation

Dive each bread slice into the eggnog bath, ensuring complete coverage. Let excess liquid drip away, creating a perfectly coated canvas.

  • Golden Toasting

Place soaked bread onto the sizzling skillet. Watch magic happen as each side turns a rich, caramel brown. Flip carefully to achieve even, gorgeous coloring.

  • Delicious Finale

Transfer your crispy, fragrant toast onto waiting plates. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy while warm and inviting.

Eggnog Swirl Tips and Optional Mix-ins

  • Festive Flavor Booster: Sprinkle ground nutmeg or cinnamon over the finished French toast for an extra holiday-inspired taste that enhances the eggnog's warm, rich flavors.
  • Bread Selection Magic: Use day-old challah, brioche, or thick-cut Texas toast for the most luxurious texture – these breads absorb the eggnog mixture beautifully and create a custardy interior.
  • Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the eggnog mixture the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld and intensify, giving your French toast deeper, more complex taste notes.
  • Topping Adventure: Experiment with creative toppings like cranberry compote, candied pecans, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to transform this simple breakfast into a gourmet experience.
  • Leftover Love: Transform any remaining eggnog French toast into a delightful bread pudding by cutting the slices into cubes, mixing with a quick custard, and baking until golden and puffy.

Serve Eggnog Bread for Breakfast or Dessert

  • Holiday Morning Breakfast Showcase: Pair this eggnog French toast with crispy bacon strips for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
  • Festive Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg and a light dusting of powdered sugar over the golden-brown toast to enhance its holiday charm.
  • Fruity Companion Delight: Add a side of cranberry compote or orange marmalade to complement the rich eggnog flavors and provide a tangy contrast to the sweet toast.
  • Whipped Cream Indulgence: Top each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra luxurious breakfast experience.

Storing Eggnog Bread to Keep It Moist

  • Breakfast Prep Magic: Assemble multiple batches of this eggnog French toast in advance, stacking layers between parchment paper inside an airtight container for quick morning meals.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual toast slices in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 weeks. Reheat directly in the toaster or microwave for a speedy breakfast option.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Cooked French toast stays fresh in sealed containers for 2-3 days. Warm gently in a skillet or toaster oven to restore the crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Ingredient Prep Trick: Mix the eggnog batter the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to intensify and saving precious morning cooking time. Simply whisk briefly before dipping bread slices.
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Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe

Festive Eggnog Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade eggnog bread delight brings festive winter warmth to holiday tables with rich, creamy flavors. Spiced crumb and smooth texture promise sweet seasonal comfort you’ll savor until the last delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups eggnog
  • 2 to 3 eggs
  • Various bread types (French, Italian, or English Muffin bread)
  • 1 tsp rum or brandy extract
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp sugar (Splenda can be used as a substitute)
  • Butter and/or oil, for cooking (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth and integrated with warm spices including ground cinnamon, sugar, rum extract, and orange zest.
  2. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour eggnog into the egg mixture, stirring consistently to create a harmonious, silky blend that will serve as the bread’s coating.
  3. Surface Preparation: Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat, lightly greasing the surface with butter or neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Bread Coating: Thoroughly immerse each bread slice into the eggnog mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip back into the original bowl before transferring to the heated cooking surface.
  5. Cooking Process: Sear each bread slice until a deep golden-brown crust forms, carefully flipping to ensure uniform caramelization and crispy texture on both sides.
  6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the golden French toast to serving plates, garnishing with optional accompaniments such as softened butter, maple syrup, or a delicate powdered sugar dusting to enhance the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Egg Whisking Technique: Vigorously whisk eggs to create a smooth, uniform base that ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout the eggnog bread.
  • Spice Balancing: Carefully measure ground cinnamon, sugar, rum extract, and orange zest to create a harmonious blend of warm, aromatic flavors without overwhelming the delicate eggnog profile.
  • Moisture Management: Gently stream eggnog into the mixture, stirring consistently to prevent separation and achieve a silky, well-incorporated batter that guarantees a moist, tender bread.
  • Cooking Surface Preparation: Lightly grease the skillet with butter or neutral oil, maintaining medium-high heat to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the bread’s delicate exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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