When the holiday season rolls around, I look forward to baking something that feels cozy and a bit special. This Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread hits all the right notes: warming spices, moist crumb, and a sweet glaze that makes it perfect for sharing over morning coffee or as an evening treat.
The secret here is using real eggnog in both the batter and the glaze. It infuses the bread with holiday cheer and a subtle richness that’s hard to beat. I’ve been making this recipe for a few years now, and every time it comes out moist and fragrant, thanks to the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla. You’ll want to have it sliced and ready before guests arrive or for those chill mornings when a cup of coffee and a sweet slice make everything feel right.
Ingredients for Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive treat. I’ve listed every measurement carefully, so no surprises in the middle of baking.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade, chilled)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread 5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Now
Try Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread to enjoy rich festive flavor that brings warmth and joy to your holiday baking moments
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A cozy holiday bread infused with real eggnog, warming spices, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for sharing over coffee or as a festive treat.
How to Prepare Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread
This recipe is straightforward, but timing matters to get the best texture and flavor. Here’s my step-by-step that makes sure you won’t miss a thing.
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside. It’s key to combine these well so your spice and leavening distribute evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until smooth and slightly fluffy. Then stir in the eggnog, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
- Bring it all together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to gently fold everything until just combined. A few lumps are fine—don’t overmix or your bread might get tough.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Tap it lightly on the counter to release large air bubbles. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
- Cool: Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is important before glazing—otherwise, the glaze will just slide off.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a drop more eggnog if it’s too thick. You want it pourable but not runny.
- Glaze the bread: When the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Spread gently with the back of a spoon if you like a more even coating.
- Serve or store: Once the glaze sets, slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze slices for longer storage.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread
If you’re thinking about tweaks or just want to understand why each ingredient works, here are some quick notes.
- Eggnog: Using real eggnog adds richness along with festive spices. If you can’t find eggnog, whole milk plus a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon can substitute, but the flavor will be milder.
- Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg sets the holiday tone. You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if you want a deeper spice profile, but keep it subtle.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter keeps the bread tender. You could use oil for a slightly different crumb texture, but butter’s flavor is worth it.
- Flour: Plain all-purpose flour works best. Some people try whole wheat for a healthier version, but it changes the texture and flavor quite a bit.
- Sweetener: Granulated sugar balances the spices and eggnog notes. Brown sugar can be used for a richer taste but expect a softer crumb.
Tips for Success With Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread
Here are some little things I learned the hard way that can make a big difference when making this bread:
- Room temperature eggs and chilled eggnog give you a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t rush folding the batter. Overmixing makes the bread dense.
- Keep an eye on your oven’s temperature; ovens vary. Start checking a bit early to avoid a dry loaf.
- Let the bread cool before glazing. I know the smell makes you want to dive in right away, but patience pays off.
- Use a toothpick test rather than just timing — each oven and pan heats differently.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per slice if you cut the loaf into 12 pieces:
- Calories: ~250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these numbers can vary depending on your exact ingredients, portion sizes, and brands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread
Can I make Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread without nuts?
This recipe doesn’t call for nuts, so no need to worry. If you want to add some, chopped pecans or walnuts work well but are totally optional.
How long will Christmas Glazed Eggnog Bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for 2-3 days. You can freeze individual slices wrapped well for up to 3 months.
Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s chilled before mixing with the wet ingredients to keep the batter smooth.
Is this bread suitable for a holiday breakfast?
Yes! It’s fantastic for breakfast or brunch, especially paired with a cup of coffee or warm tea. The spices and eggnog give it a festive holiday vibe.
Can I make this bread in a muffin tin?
You can! Adjust baking time down to about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick. Muffins make a great individual portion for parties.
