Glazed Eggnog Bread

I love making this Glazed Eggnog Bread because it captures the cozy flavors of the holiday season in every bite. The rich eggnog flavor combined with the soft, moist bread makes it a perfect treat for Christmas or any winter gathering. Topped with a sweet, creamy glaze, it’s a festive and delicious way to enjoy eggnog in a whole new way.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how the eggnog gives the bread a unique, subtly spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy texture. The glaze adds a sweet, creamy finish that makes this bread extra indulgent. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, whether for a holiday breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup eggnog

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons eggnog (or more to reach desired consistency)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, I grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Flavorings: I add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, I mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: I alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients (eggnog, sour cream, and oil) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. I mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

6. Bake the Bread: I pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. I bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, I loosely cover it with foil.

7. Cool the Bread: I let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Glaze: While the bread cools, I whisk together the powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl, adding more eggnog if needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

9. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, I drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. If I want to make it extra festive, I sprinkle a little ground nutmeg on top for a seasonal touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 1 loaf, which typically serves 8-10 people. Prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking time is 55-60 minutes, making it a simple yet impressive treat to make.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

• Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch.

• Stirring in some mini chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic flavor.

• Using a cream cheese glaze instead of the eggnog glaze for a richer, tangier finish.

• Adding a tablespoon of rum extract or real rum to the batter for a more festive touch.

Storage / Reheating

I store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it. To reheat, I place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of milk instead of eggnog?
While eggnog gives this bread its signature flavor, you could substitute with regular milk or a non-dairy alternative if you prefer. However, the texture and taste won’t be quite the same.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread stays moist for several days and even improves in flavor as it sits. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, or even freeze it for up to a month.

3. Can I add fruit to this bread?
Absolutely! You could add dried cranberries or raisins for a holiday touch. Just be sure to fold them in gently so they don’t sink to the bottom.

4. Can I use a different kind of oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted coconut oil, or another mild oil.

5. Is this bread too sweet?
This bread has a moderate sweetness that is balanced by the eggnog. The glaze adds an extra sweetness, but if you prefer a less sugary finish, you can reduce the glaze or skip it entirely.

Conclusion

This Glazed Eggnog Bread is a festive and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of eggnog in bread form. The moist, tender loaf with its sweet glaze is the perfect addition to any holiday spread. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas gathering or just enjoying a cozy treat at home, this bread will be a hit!