Name: Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon rum extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup full fat eggnog; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons full fat eggnog

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting holiday treat that’s bursting with warm spices and creamy eggnog flavors, you’re absolutely going to adore this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those festive bakes that feels like a hug in bread form — moist, tender, and dotted with just the right hint of rum and nutmeg. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your seasonal baking lineup, perfect for breakfast, teatime, or even dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Festive Flavor: The perfect marriage of classic holiday spices and creamy eggnog that fills your kitchen with holiday cheer.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the eggnog and butter, this bread stays delightfully soft without drying out.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll have this festive bread ready with minimal fuss.

The image shows a single slice of moist, golden-brown cake with a thick layer of smooth white frosting on the bottom side, sitting on a white plate with a subtle textured rim. The cake slice has a slightly rough texture on top, indicating it is soft inside. Around the plate, there are cinnamon sticks and whole nutmegs scattered on a white marbled surface, with a colorful plaid cloth partially visible underneath. In the background, there is a clear glass filled with a light yellow creamy drink, and a second plate holding another slice of the same cake. Small warm fairy lights add a cozy touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze, festive eggnog bread, holiday bread recipes, easy eggnog bread, spiced holiday baked goods

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe comes from the cozy blend of spices paired with the rich eggnog. Here’s what you’ll gather before getting started — none of which are hard to find, but I have a few tips to make everything shine.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a few whole brown cinnamon sticks alongside small heaps of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg on the white surface, a small white ceramic bowl of baking soda, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a half cup of softened unsalted butter shaped in a smooth slab, one large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of dark rum extract, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy full fat eggnog, and a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze, festive eggnog bread, holiday bread recipes, easy eggnog bread, spiced holiday baked goods

All-purpose flour: The base for this bread, giving it a light crumb that’s neither too dense nor too airy.
Baking soda and baking powder: Key for giving the bread that lovely rise without becoming heavy.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices are what make this bread smell and taste like the holidays in every bite.
Salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness and round out the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temp to blend easily and create moisture and richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to that perfect crumb.
Egg: Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter for even texture.
Rum extract and vanilla extract: These extracts deepen the flavor, giving that subtle boozy warmth without any actual alcohol if you prefer.
Full-fat eggnog: The star ingredient, adding richness, a bit of tang, and that unmistakable festive flair.
Powdered sugar: For the smooth, irresistible spiced glaze that ties the whole bread together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe is. Some days I like it just as is, and other times I tweak it depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. Adjusting this recipe to suit your tastes is part of the fun, so don’t be shy!

Nutty Addition: I often fold in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch; my family goes crazy for that texture contrast.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter and eggnog for vegan alternatives like margarine and almond milk eggnog to make it dairy-free — I’ve tried this with great success!
Spice Boost: Feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for a more intense holiday spice vibe.
Citrus Zest: Adding orange or lemon zest to the batter can brighten the flavors beautifully, especially if you want a fresh twist on this classic.

How to Make Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (or 160°C if you’ve got a fan oven). I always line my 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper because it makes popping the bread out a breeze later. Then, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Setting your dry ingredients aside keeps things organized and helps you avoid overmixing later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add the Egg and Extracts

In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar for about two minutes until the mixture becomes lighter and fluffy — this gives the bread a lovely tender crumb. Next, add your room temperature egg and mix well so everything blends smoothly. Then it’s time to stir in the rum and vanilla extracts for that holiday punch of flavor. I discovered with this recipe that using extracts instead of liquor keeps the taste vibrant without worrying about baking off all the alcohol.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Eggnog

Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture — mix just until you don’t see any dry flour patches to avoid a tough bread. Then add the full-fat eggnog and stir until smooth. The batter will be fairly thick but pourable, which means you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Plan for about 50-55 minutes baking time — check with a toothpick near the end; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent the bread loosely with foil halfway through. I’ve lost a few loaves to burnt tops before learning this trick, so trust me it’s worth it!

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While that’s happening, whip up the spiced glaze by mixing powdered sugar with eggnog until you get a smooth drizzle. Pour it over your cooled bread and let it sit for about 15 minutes; the glaze sets up into a delicate, sweet coating that makes each slice extra special.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I always make sure my butter and egg aren’t cold — it really helps the batter come together smoothly and keeps the crumb tender.
Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Overworking the dough can make the bread tough, so mix just until combined for the best texture.
Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your bread at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying it out.
Tent With Foil If Needed: Cover the bread halfway through baking if the top is browning too fast — it saved my favorite loaf more than once!

How to Serve Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe

The image shows a slice of thick, light brown cake with a moist texture, topped with a thick white frosting layer covering the top and sides. The slice is placed on a white plate with a subtle embossed design along the edge. A golden fork is cutting into the cake slice. The background has a white marbled texture with blurred elements including cinnamon sticks and a glass cup. Warm lighting highlights the soft texture of the frosting and the crumb of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze, festive eggnog bread, holiday bread recipes, easy eggnog bread, spiced holiday baked goods

Garnishes

When I serve this bread, I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze — it gives a little extra aroma and makes the presentation pop. Sometimes I add a few toasted pecans right on the glaze for a bit more texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This eggnog bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to cut through its richness. I also enjoy serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cozy mug of mulled cider — it’s perfect for slowing down and savoring the season.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday season, I sliced this eggnog bread thick, showed it off on a rustic wooden board, and added a sprig of fresh rosemary and some cranberries around it — it made for a stunning centerpiece that guests couldn’t stop admiring (or eating!). You could also serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a simple but elegant dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover eggnog bread tastes great the next day, especially if you store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature. I find it stays nice and moist for 2-3 days that way. Just be sure to keep the glaze covered, so it doesn’t harden or crack.

Freezing

I love freezing any extra eggnog bread for later because it thaws amazingly well. I slice it before freezing, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them all in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just pop a slice in the fridge overnight or heat it gently straight from frozen.

Reheating

To keep the bread’s delightful texture, I reheat slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes or gently warm in a microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to avoid drying out. This way, you get that freshly baked feeling every single time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s full-fat and chilled before mixing in — the richness really helps keep the bread moist and flavorful.
Do I have to use rum extract? Can I leave it out?

Rum extract adds a lovely warmth, but if you prefer, you can omit it or replace it with more vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract. Your bread will still taste delicious and festive!
How long does this bread keep fresh?

This bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature when stored properly. After that, refrigeration or freezing is best to keep it tasting great.
Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

You sure can! Just reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes and keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake. This is a fun twist if you want portable, single-serving holiday treats.
What’s the best way to prevent the bread from drying out?

Don’t overbake and make sure to cool the bread wrapped loosely instead of in open air. Also, storing it airtight after cooling helps maintain that perfect moist texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe comes together in my kitchen every holiday season — it fills the room with the most comforting scents and brings smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you’re baking it for a festive brunch, a gift, or just a cozy treat for yourself, I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be sharing this deeply satisfying and delicious bread with friends and family all winter long!