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 looking for a cozy, festive treat that feels like a warm hug in bread form, then this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. I absolutely love how the rich eggnog and aromatic spices come together to make something that’s as perfect for breakfast as it is for dessert. Trust me, once you bake this loaf, your whole family will be asking for seconds — it seriously turns out that good!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and flavorful crumb: The eggnog adds such wonderful richness and moisture that the bread never feels dry or heavy.
Festive spices: A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it just the right amount of seasonal warmth without overpowering the bread.
Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps, perfect even if you’re not a baking pro.
Delicious glaze: The spiced eggnog glaze on top is sweet and smooth, making every slice feel extra special.

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, spiced holiday bread, moist eggnog loaf

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this eggnog bread sing, you’ll want some pantry staples that work harmoniously – from butter for richness to spices that bring nostalgia. Here are the key ingredients and some tips on choosing them:

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, spiced holiday bread, moist eggnog loaf

All-purpose flour: The base of your bread; using fresh flour will ensure a tender crumb.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents keep the bread light and fluffy – make sure they’re fresh for the best rise.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that evoke holiday spirit; freshly ground nutmeg makes a difference here.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out sweetness and enhance flavors.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly as it bakes for depth of flavor.
Large egg: Helps with structure and richness; room temperature eggs blend better.
Rum extract: Adds that subtle, boozy warmth without alcohol content.
Vanilla extract: A must-have flavor booster that complements the spices beautifully.
Full fat eggnog: The star of the show—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor for that holiday vibe.
Powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that ties everything together.

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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 like to make this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe my own by playing around with add-ins or tweaks — it’s fun to switch things up depending on the occasion. You can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Add-Ins: Sometimes I fold in chopped pecans or dried cranberries to add texture and surprise pockets of flavor that my family loves.
Alcohol option: If you prefer, swap the rum extract for a tablespoon of actual dark rum for a bit more authenticity and warmth.
Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based butter and eggnog alternative, like almond or coconut milk nog, to keep it friendly for dairy-free diets.
Spice tweak: Play with adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if you want something even more aromatic and cozy.

How to Make Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 160°C if you have a fan oven). I like lining my 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper because it makes lifting the bread out a breeze later on — plus, cleanup is easier. The parchment prevents sticking and helps the bread come out with perfect edges every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. I always double-check my spices here; a fresh grind really elevates the bread’s flavor and aroma. Set this bowl aside so you can easily fold it into the wet mixture later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large bowl and beat your softened butter with the granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial — I learned that properly creamed butter helps create that tender crumb and gives the bread a lovely, soft texture. Don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, crack in the egg (make sure it’s at room temp so it mixes more evenly) and beat it in well. Then add the rum and vanilla extracts. This duo brings a gently boozy depth and warmth, which I think really makes this bread feel extra festive and special.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher bread, so I usually stop once there are no dry patches of flour. Then, pour in the eggnog and fold it in until the batter feels smooth and luscious – this part always makes me smile knowing how moist the bread will be!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 50-55 minutes, checking with a toothpick near the end — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top starts browning too quickly, I cover it loosely with foil halfway through to prevent burning. This trick has saved many loaves from looking sad and overdone!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, mix up the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth. When the bread is fully cool, place it back on the wire rack with parchment underneath, and drizzle the spiced glaze generously over the top. Let it sit for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the glaze to set perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe

Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is just softened and not melted — this helps with proper creaming and texture.
Check Your Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a world of difference in flavor and aroma.
Don’t Overmix: Stir your batter just enough to combine ingredients for a tender, moist loaf.
Foil Shield: Cover the bread with foil if the top browns too fast — I learned this saved a batch from becoming too dark and dry.

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, spiced holiday bread, moist eggnog loaf

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg right over the glaze just before serving — it adds a fresh zing and looks pretty too. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra festive, I top slices with a spread of softened cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream which my guests go crazy for.

Side Dishes

Eggnog bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For brunch, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit like orange slices or pomegranate seeds to cut through the sweetness and keep the meal light.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I sliced the bread thinly and toasted it, then layered it with mascarpone and a drizzle of honey for a fancy holiday breakfast board. You can also cube it and use it as a festive addition to bread pudding or French toast — double yum!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After glazing, store any leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve had no problem keeping it fresh for up to 3 days this way. Just bring it to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes really well! I slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, I just take a couple slices out to thaw at room temperature or pop them straight into the toaster.

Reheating

To warm up leftover eggnog bread, I like to microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or toast it lightly. It refreshes the bread’s softness and intensifies the flavors. If glazed, just be gentle so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog or should I make homemade for this recipe?

You absolutely can use store-bought eggnog! I usually do because it’s convenient and still really flavorful. However, if you make homemade eggnog, it’ll add a fresh, rich touch that’s delightful, but it’s not necessary for a great loaf.
Can I substitute the rum extract with something else?

Yes! If you don’t have rum extract on hand, vanilla extract alone works fine, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. For a boozier twist, substitute with a tablespoon of actual rum if you prefer.
How do I know when the eggnog bread is fully baked?

The best way is the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keeping an eye toward the end helps a lot.
Can I make this Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free eggnog variety (like almond or coconut milk-based). Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Bread with Spiced Glaze Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites every holiday season—and I’m so excited to share it with you. The way that eggnog flavor shines through the moist crumb, paired with the spiced sweetness of the glaze, makes it feel like a homemade celebration in every bite. I honestly think you’ll find it becomes a go-to crumbly, cozy treat for your family and friends too. So grab your mixing bowl, put on some holiday tunes, and enjoy making something deliciously memorable!