The holiday season is all about cozy moments, festive gatherings, and of course, delicious treats. And if there’s one thing that perfectly captures the essence of Christmas, it’s the indulgent flavors of eggnog. This Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread is the ultimate holiday bake, blending the rich, creamy taste of eggnog with a warm, spiced loaf that’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.

I’ll be the first to admit—I’m all about that “snackable” holiday treat, and this bread hits the mark every single time. It’s fluffy, aromatic, and the glaze? Oh, the glaze! It’s what truly takes this bread to the next level. Every bite feels like a celebration, and it’s sure to fill your home with the delightful scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch or as a sweet gift, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan

Before you dive into mixing, you’ll want to get your oven preheated. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that golden, slightly crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and moist. While the oven heats up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or spray it with some non-stick baking spray). I recommend using a loaf pan of this size so you get that perfect loaf shape—tall, soft, and perfectly sliced for serving. Set the pan aside as we move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, it’s time to bring together all the dry ingredients. You’ll need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk them all together to ensure everything is evenly distributed. The nutmeg and cinnamon will give the bread its signature holiday flavor, while the baking powder and soda will help the bread rise and stay light and fluffy. It’s a simple mix, but it’s what will make your bread come out perfectly.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Now that the dry ingredients are ready, let’s move on to the wet ingredients. In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of whole eggnog, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of rum extract, and 2 large eggs. Mix them until the batter is smooth and fully combined. This is where the magic happens! The eggnog, sugar, and oils work together to give the bread its incredible texture, while the vanilla and rum extracts infuse it with that unmistakable holiday vibe. You’ll want to be sure that this mixture is fully blended—no lumps or uneven spots here!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now comes the fun part: bringing everything together. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. The key here is to mix until just combined—don’t overwork the batter! Overmixing can make the bread dense, and we’re going for light and fluffy. The batter should be thick but smooth, with a few lumps here and there. That’s totally normal, so don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth!

Continuation of the Recipe and Tips

Now that we’ve got our batter all mixed up and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next steps. You’re getting closer to having a warm, aromatic loaf of Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread cooling on your countertop. Trust me, it’s worth the wait—and a little bit of patience! Let’s get this bread in the oven and then finish it off with a sweet, festive glaze.

Step 5: Bake the Bread to Perfection

Once your batter is ready, carefully pour it into your prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make sure it’s even. This helps the bread bake evenly and gives it a nice, flat top.

Now, pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. Every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! The bread should be golden brown, and the top should spring back when you lightly press on it. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, just give it a few more minutes and check again.

While it bakes, the entire house will start smelling like the holidays—spiced nutmeg, vanilla, and eggnog. It’s a scent you won’t soon forget!

Step 6: Cool the Bread

After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This step is important because it allows the loaf to set a little and makes it easier to transfer to a cooling rack without falling apart. Once that 20 minutes is up, gently turn the loaf out of the pan and onto the cooling rack. Let it cool completely before you start glazing—this will prevent the glaze from melting into the bread too much, ensuring it stays beautifully drizzled on top.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

Now for the part that really makes this bread shine—the glaze! The combination of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, rum extract, and a touch of nutmeg creates a sweet and fragrant topping that takes this bread from delicious to decadent.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of rum extract, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Then, slowly add 2–4 tablespoons of eggnog to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Keep whisking until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. The eggnog adds that extra touch of creaminess and flavor, so don’t skip it! If your glaze is too thick, add a little more eggnog to get the perfect texture for drizzling.

Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze

Once your bread has cooled down (just slightly warm, but not hot!), it’s time to glaze! Grab a spoon or small whisk and drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread. Let it fall naturally, letting the glaze soak into the top and sides of the loaf. You can use all of the glaze or reserve a little for a second drizzle, depending on how much you love that sweet, eggnog flavor. I usually go all in and cover the whole loaf!

As you drizzle, you’ll notice the glaze pooling around the edges, creating a shiny, festive finish. It’s like a holiday dream come true.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread

Don’t Overmix the Batter: The secret to light, fluffy bread is gentle mixing. Once the wet ingredients are added to the dry, mix only until everything is combined. Overmixing leads to dense bread—no one wants that!
Use Room Temperature Eggs: It helps the batter come together better and creates a smoother texture. You’ll avoid lumps, which makes for a much easier time when mixing.
Adjust the Eggnog for the Glaze: The eggnog in the glaze isn’t just for flavor—it also helps you control the consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less eggnog. If you want a thinner, drippier glaze, add more!
Add a Little Extra Spice: If you’re a fan of a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to the glaze for an extra holiday kick.
Don’t Skip the Rum Extract: The rum extract in both the bread and glaze is key to bringing out that deep, warm flavor that complements the eggnog so perfectly. If you don’t have rum extract, you can substitute with a little vanilla extract and a dash of real rum, but the rum extract really does make it extra special.

FAQ Section and Conclusion

We’re almost there! Your Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread is baked, glazed, and ready to impress everyone at your holiday gathering. But before we wrap up, let’s take a look at some common questions you might have about this recipe. I’m here to clear up any doubts and give you some extra tips to make sure everything goes smoothly!

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld together. You can bake it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just wait to glaze it until right before serving to keep it fresh and pretty!

2. Can I use a different type of milk instead of eggnog?
While eggnog gives this bread its signature flavor and richness, if you’re looking for a non-dairy option or don’t have eggnog on hand, you can substitute with whole milk or a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk). Just know that the flavor won’t be quite the same without the nutmeg, vanilla, and richness that eggnog brings. You could always add a little extra nutmeg and cinnamon to compensate.

3. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes! You can swap the vegetable oil for applesauce to reduce the fat content, and use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. For a lower-calorie glaze, try using a powdered sugar substitute or making a simple drizzle using a bit of maple syrup or honey mixed with a splash of eggnog.

4. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! If you want to make this bread well in advance for the holidays, freeze it without the glaze. Once it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter, then glaze it just before serving.

5. Can I add extra ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! You can stir in about ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to gently fold them in so you don’t overmix the batter. Nuts add a lovely crunch that pairs well with the soft, moist bread.

6. Why did my bread sink in the middle?
A sunken loaf can be caused by overmixing the batter or by opening the oven door too early during baking. Be sure to mix the batter gently and wait until the bread is about halfway through its baking time before checking. Also, make sure the toothpick test comes out clean before removing the bread from the oven.

7. Can I use a mini loaf pan instead of a 9×5-inch pan?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that mini loaf pans will bake much faster. You’ll need to reduce the baking time to about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. Keep an eye on the bread and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Holiday Bread Awaits!

And there you have it—your Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread is ready to dazzle! Whether you’re baking it for a holiday brunch, gifting it to friends, or simply indulging in a slice while watching Christmas movies, this bread is sure to become a new tradition in your home. The combination of the warm spices, rich eggnog, and that irresistible glaze makes every bite feel like a cozy Christmas hug.

If you’ve never made this before, don’t be intimidated by the steps—this recipe is easy to follow and produces amazing results. And once you taste it, I’m sure it will become a staple in your holiday repertoire.

Remember, you can get creative with this bread. Add your favorite mix-ins, adjust the spices to your liking, or even experiment with different types of glaze. Most importantly, have fun with it! Christmas baking is all about making memories in the kitchen, and this recipe is the perfect way to start a new tradition.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the holiday magic begin with this Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread. And when you try it, be sure to let me know how it turned out! Share your thoughts, tips, or any variations you’ve tried—I’d love to hear all about it.