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Cranberry Eggnog Bread

Cranberry Eggnog Bread is moist, fragrant, and bursting with tangy cranberries. Each slice is a perfect combination of the creamy richness of eggnog and the tartness of cranberries, perfectly mixed together with a warm blend of spices. 

 

Main image for Cranberry Eggnog Bread recipe.

 

Today’s recipe is one of my favorites for the Christmas season.

We don’t have eggnog available in stores year round, so when it comes back, this is one of the first recipes I make.

It tastes like Christmas Day. It has all my favorite holiday flavors: cranberries, cinnamon, vanilla, and eggnog.

And can you think of a better way to use leftover eggnog? Especially if you are not an eggnog lover.

This is the only thing with eggnog half of my family will eat, and they are a huge fan of this bread.

So whether you need a fun dish for a Christmas party, gifts for the neighbors, or a stress free holiday breakfast, this cranberry eggnog bread is the best thing you can make when eggnog season is back.

 

eggs, sugar, eggnog, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and rum extract added to a mixer.

 

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a rich and creamy beverage traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, and whipped eggs.

It’s often flavored with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, and spiked with rum or bourbon for added warmth and depth of flavor.

 

flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg added to a bowl.

 

What ingredients are in Cranberry Eggnog Bread?

  • Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the eggnog quick bread.
  • White Sugar: Sweetens the bread and adds tenderness.
  • Eggnog: gives the bread and glaze creamy richness and holiday flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: makes sure the bread has a moist and tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: improves the flavor of the bread by adding sweet vanilla notes.
  • Rum Extract: adds warm, aromatic notes to the flavor profile.
  • All Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the eggnog cranberry bread.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the best eggnog bread recipe rise and get a light texture.
  • Cinnamon: adds a classic holiday spice to the loaf
  • Ground Nutmeg: Add warmth and spice to the cranberry eggnog loaf.
  • Frozen Cranberries: Provide tartness and bursts of fruity flavor.

Pro Tip: I prefer to use frozen tart cranberries when baking this recipe. While you can use fresh cranberries in this Christmas eggnog bread, you run the risk of getting a dry eggnog loaf. If you do not have frozen or if you have leftover cranberries from the holiday season, wash them, dry them, then freeze them before using them to bake.

 

diced cranberries added to batter.

 

How to Make Cranberry Eggnog Bread:

  1. Beat wet ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to wet ingredients and stir.
  3. Fold in frozen cranberries.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared pan (I use cooking spray and parchment paper).
  5. Bake until golden brown, then cool bread in the pan on a wire rack.
  6. Prepare eggnog glaze in a medium bowl.
  7. Drizzle eggnog mixture over cooled bread.

Pro Tips: 

  • Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing so it doesn’t disappear into the crust of the bread.
  • This recipe is for making one large loaf. If you have mini loaf pans and want to make mini loaves as gifts or party favors, spoon batter into loaves and reduce the cooking time and watch the browning of the top as it cooks. 
  • If the top of the loaf is getting too dark too fast, tent with a sheet of foil while it finishes cooking.

 

batter mixed and ready to be poured into bread pan.

 

Can You Make Cranberry Eggnog Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this cranberry eggnog bread recipe in advance and store it at room temperature for up to two days.

Glaze it right before serving for the best freshness and flavor.

How to Store Cranberry Eggnog Bread:

Store cranberry eggnog bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week.

 

bread poured into bread pan, unbaked.

 

Can You Freeze Cranberry Eggnog Bread?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry eggnog bread for up to three months.

Wrap it in plastic wrap then place it in a freezer safe container to maintain freshness.

How Long Does Cranberry Eggnog Bread Last?

When stored properly, cranberry eggnog bread can last for up to a week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

At my house it is gone the same day I bake it, so it depends on how many bread eaters you have.

 

Cranberry Bread fresh from the oven, still in pan.

 

Is Cranberry Eggnog Bread Healthy?

Cranberry eggnog bread is not healthy. It is a cake disguised as a loaf of bread.

It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What to Serve with Cranberry Eggnog Bread:

Serve cranberry eggnog bread with hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.

It also goes well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

We love eggnog so I suggest serving Eggnog Banana Bread and Eggnog Cake with this recipe.

If cranberries are your favorite, try these Cranberry Oat Scones, White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy, Cranberry Jalapeno Sauce and Cranberry Vodka

 

glazed bread still in bread pan.

 

Can I Use Other Fruits with Eggnog Bread?

Yes you can use other fruits with eggnog bread! Blueberries are a great addition to this recipe.

Experiment with different fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or chopped apples for unique flavor variations. 

Keep in mind different fruits will have different amounts of liquid.

Some will be drier and some wetter, so keep an eye on how it is cooking.

 

Bread baked, glazed and topped with fresh cranberries

 

Additional Holiday Recipes You’ll Love…

Whether you need a special make ahead breakfast for Christmas morning or are just trying to find a way to use your last quart of eggnog, this Cranberry eggnog bread is a great way to serve eggnog everyone wants to eat.

 

Bread baked, glazed and topped with fresh cranberries

Cranberry Vanilla Eggnog Bread

Yield: 10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

 Cranberry Eggnog Bread has all your favorite holiday flavors! Moist, tender, and bursting with tangy cranberries, it's a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings at home.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350*F.
  2. Using a stand mixer, beat the eggs.
  3. Add the sugar, eggnog, vegetable oil, vanilla, and rum extract. Continue to beat on medium to combine. 
  4. Mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
  5. Add to egg mixture and stir with a spoon until moist. 
  6. Fold frozen chopped cranberries into the mixture. 
  7. Spray the bread pan with cooking spray, then dust it with flour.
  8. Pour the bread mixture into pan.
  9. Bake the Cranberry Eggnog Bread for 45-50 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick can be inserted cleanly.
  10. Cool before removing from pan. 
  11. For the glaze, mix together powdered sugar, eggnog, vanilla, rum extract, and ground nutmeg using a stand mixer. If you would like to thin the glaze, add extra eggnog a little at a time. Spoon glaze over the top of the bread, allowing glaze to drip down the sides. 
  12. Once cool, slice and enjoy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 375Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 131mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 1gSugar: 34gProtein: 6g
Originally Posted: December 12, 2017

Photos & Text Updated: November 11, 2024

This scrumptious Cranberry Vanilla Eggnog Bread is perfect for a holiday breakfast, brunch, dessert...or even as an anytime snack! Best of all, it’s easy to make as well! #eggnog | #bread | #holidaydesserts | #holidaybrunch

This scrumptious Cranberry Vanilla Eggnog Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert...or even as an anytime snack over the holidays! Best of all, it’s easy to make as well! #eggnog | #bread | #holidaydessert | #holidaybrunch 

This scrumptious CRANBERRY VANILLA EGGNOG BREAD is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert…or even as an anytime snack over the holidays! Best of all, it’s easy to make as well!

Cranberry Vanilla Egg

Cranberry Vanilla Eggnogg Bread

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Emily

Sunday 4th of December 2022

Hello, I've made this bread recipe now three years in a row and I include it on the cookie trays that I give out to first responders. It comes together extremely easily, it bakes up well as both a large loaf and as mini-loaves, and is excellent with or without the glaze. I used spice rum today instead of rum extract and it came out excellent. I always toss my frozen cranberries in a couple tablespoons of the flour to keep them up in the loaf (which may not be necessary but I do it anyway). Delicious, easy, and inexpensive when cranberries are on sale - thank you!

Lauren Arnold

Tuesday 22nd of December 2020

does it need to be refrigerated

Michelle Nahom

Monday 28th of December 2020

I always refrigerate dessert breads.

Kristie Romaszewski

Friday 16th of November 2018

This looks great! What could I substitute for the rum extract? And would fresh cranberries work?

Jessi

Monday 12th of April 2021

I was wondering the same thing about the rum extract. Have you made this and substituted anything for it?

Michelle Nahom

Thursday 29th of November 2018

I have never used fresh cranberries, but one thing to remember when using fresh vs frozen fruit in baking is that you may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen fruit can lower the temperature of the batter being baked, resulting in a slightly longer baking time. For the rum extract, you can use any extract you think would compliment the flavors in the bread. Perhaps an almond extract would work?

Tara Noland

Saturday 16th of December 2017

Oh my heavens, that looks like the perfect loaf for the holidays!! Your pictures are stunning too!!

Paula - bell'alimento

Thursday 14th of December 2017

This would be so good with my morning coffee!

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