Ever wished holiday mornings came with their own soundtrack—and smell? That’s exactly how it feels when this spiced eggnog & pear bread is baking away in the bread machine.
I stumbled across this festive combo while trying to use up some leftover eggnog, and it instantly became our family’s go-to Christmas breakfast tradition.
Warm, subtly spiced, and just sweet enough, this loaf is proof that holiday magic can be homemade (and machine-assisted!).
Why This Bread Machine Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Holiday Table
This spiced eggnog & pear bread has a few irresistible traits that make it stand out—especially when you’re looking for something both seasonal and easy.
- Hands-off and holiday-ready: The bread machine does the heavy lifting, making this ideal for busy December mornings.
- Seasonal flavors built in: Eggnog and nutmeg bring that classic festive vibe, while ripe pear adds a gentle natural sweetness.
- Perfectly moist texture: Thanks to the fruit, butter, and eggnog, this loaf stays tender and flavorful even a day or two after baking.
- No complicated prep: Just layer in your ingredients, press start, and wait for the cozy aroma to fill your kitchen.
It’s as simple as it is special, and honestly, it tastes like Christmas morning.
Best Occasions to Serve This Cozy Holiday Loaf
While this recipe is a Christmas favorite, it deserves love beyond December 25th. I’ve served it for everything from casual brunches to New Year’s breakfast and even Valentine’s Day with a cinnamon glaze.
Here are some great ways to work it into your meal plans:
- Christmas morning breakfast or brunch
- Winter potluck or holiday gift swap
- Post-snow-day treat with cocoa
- Cozy weekend bake for the family
- Festive alternative to banana bread for gatherings
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it well into January—it’s just that comforting.
Flavor Notes and Substitution Tips for Every Baker
This loaf is all about balance: the eggnog brings creaminess, the pear offers juicy sweetness, and the nutmeg ties everything together with just enough spice.
If you want to tweak it, here are a few ways to adapt while keeping the core of the recipe intact:
- No eggnog? Sub in whole milk with a splash of vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Want a boozier twist? Go for the optional Amaretto—it deepens the flavor beautifully.
- Pear alternatives: Apples work in a pinch, though pears melt into the dough more seamlessly.
- Vegan version: Use almond nog, plant-based butter, and a flax egg substitute for a cozy dairy-free option.
No matter how you riff on it, the essence of this bread stays delightfully nostalgic.
Serving Ideas to Elevate Every Slice
Sure, it’s great straight from the machine, but if you want to elevate this recipe, here are a few favorite ways I like to serve it:
- Simple & sweet: Warmed and topped with whipped butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Holiday brunch board: Pair slices with fresh fruit, hard cheese, and cranberry preserves.
- Toasted perfection: Broil thick slices for homemade cinnamon toast—crispy edges, melty center.
- Dessert-style: Cube and bake into a bread pudding with dried cranberries and an eggnog glaze drizzle.
- Giftable loaf: Wrap in parchment with a ribbon for the ultimate edible gift.
This loaf doesn’t just serve well—it serves memories.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage Notes for Busy Bakers
The beauty of a bread machine recipe like this is how well it fits into your schedule. You can prep it the night before and wake up to the smell of baking bread, or bake it early and store for later.
Here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Make-ahead: Bake the night before and store at room temp wrapped in foil or an airtight container.
- Freeze: Slice the loaf and freeze in zip-top bags. Toast straight from the freezer.
- Refresh leftovers: A quick trip in the toaster or a light warm-up in the oven makes day-old slices taste bakery-fresh again.
Perfect for meal prep or just surviving the holiday hustle, this recipe is a warm slice of sanity in bread form.
Spiced Eggnog & Pear Bread Machine Recipe
Equipment
- Bread machine with Basic/White program
- 1½- to 2-pound loaf capacity pan
Ingredients
1½-Pound Loaf (Medium Bread Machine)
- ½ cup prepared eggnog
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup ripe pear (about ½ a large pear) peeled and finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp butter softened and cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp Amaretto optional – use 1 tbsp more eggnog if omitted
- 3 cups + 3 tbsp bread flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1¼ tsp active dry yeast
2-Pound Loaf (Large Bread Machine)
- ¾ cup prepared eggnog
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup ripe pear (about ¾ of a large pear) peeled and minced
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp butter softened and cut into pieces
- 1 tbsp Amaretto optional – substitute with more eggnog if preferred
- 4¼ cups bread flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1½ tsp active dry yeast
Instructions
- Place ingredients into the bread machine pan in the exact order listed, beginning with eggnog and ending with yeast.
- Select the Basic/White setting and choose the appropriate loaf size (1½ lb or 2 lb).
- Press Start and allow the bread machine to knead, rise, and bake the bread.
- Once baked, carefully remove the loaf and place it on a wire rack. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Add pears with the liquid ingredients to help incorporate their moisture smoothly into the dough.
- For a stronger festive flavor, include the Amaretto or increase nutmeg slightly (up to ¾ tsp for the 2 lb loaf).
- Avoid opening the lid during kneading and rising stages for best texture.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles. Also an aspiring cook we he researches and tries all kinds of different food recipes and shares what works best.