The holiday season is synonymous with cozy gatherings, rich aromas, and delicious treats that warm both the heart and home. It was during one particularly chilly evening, as I was sipping on a cup of creamy eggnog, that I thought, “Why not blend this festive flavor into a delightful bread?” And just like that, my Eggnog Bread With Glaze was born—a moist, spiced loaf that comes alive with the flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.
This easy recipe welcomes you into the kitchen, encouraging improvisation, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice looking to impress. Picture the golden-brown crust glistening with a sweet glaze, enticing family and friends with every slice. Perfect for holiday brunches, as dessert, or simply to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa, this bread is destined to become a cherished tradition in your home. Let’s bake some magic!
Why is Eggnog Bread With Glaze a must-try?
Festive Flavor: Eggnog Bread is the perfect blend of warm spices and creamy eggnog, capturing the essence of the holiday season in every slice.
Super Easy: This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring just basic baking skills, making it accessible for anyone.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize it by adding chocolate chips or citrus zest, ensuring everyone enjoys their favorite twist!
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday gatherings, this moist loaf will impress your guests and make you the star of any brunch or potluck.
Quick to Create: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this delightful treat ready to enjoy in less than an hour!
Eggnog Bread With Glaze Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the bread; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the bread rise.
- Ground nutmeg – Adds a warm, holiday flavor; can be replaced with cinnamon if needed.
- Ground cinnamon – Enhances the bread’s spiced flavor profile.
- Ground cloves – Contributes to the festive aroma; can be omitted or substituted with allspice.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and contributes to its texture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; consider flax eggs for a vegan option.
- Vanilla extract – Imparts aromatic flavor; use pure extract for the best results.
- Eggnog – The key flavoring that defines this loaf; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Provides sweetness and smoothness to the glaze.
- Eggnog (2-4 tablespoons) – Thins the powdered sugar into a pourable glaze; adjust for your desired consistency.
How to Make Eggnog Bread With Glaze
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure a perfect release.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined, making sure there are no lumps.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes; this adds air for a fluffy loaf.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed well before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic boost.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture and eggnog to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to keep the bread tender.
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Bake Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread should have a golden-brown top.
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Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely.
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Prepare the Glaze: For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with enough eggnog until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg for added festive flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Eggnog Bread With Glaze
- Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your Eggnog Bread light and tender. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a wooden skewer in the center; it should come out clean. Avoid opening the oven too soon to maintain the temperature.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess underneath.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with spices or add-ins—like chopped nuts or dried cranberries—for a personalized touch to your Eggnog Bread.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Bread With Glaze
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Eggnog Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer storage option, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. This helps preserve moisture but may slightly change the texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
What to Serve with Eggnog Bread With Glaze?
Delight your senses with these perfect pairings that elevate your Eggnog Bread experience into a cozy holiday feast.
- Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich cocoa and whipped cream create a comforting contrast to the spiced flavors of the bread.
- Cinnamon Butter: Spread this warm, spiced butter on slices for an extra touch of holiday cheer with every bite.
- Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth and tartness of apple cider complement the sweet glaze, making it a delightful drink choice.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds creaminess that balances the bread’s texture while enhancing its flavor.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits introduce freshness, cutting through the richness of the bread with every mouthful.
- Maple Glazed Pecans: Their crunch and sweetness are an exciting contrast, bringing added texture and depth to each slice.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai mingle beautifully with the bread’s eggnog flavors, creating a soothing combination.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This all-time favorite holiday drink pairs wonderfully, amplifying the seasonal spices found in the bread.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Just a dollop on a warm slice brings a delightful creaminess, making your indulgence feel even more festive!
Make Ahead Options
These Eggnog Bread With Glaze loaves are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Furthermore, the bread can be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. For longer storage, freeze the baked bread for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping to maintain its moisture. When ready to serve, simply thaw (if frozen) and drizzle with glaze for a deliciously festive treat that’s just as delightful as if it were freshly baked!
Eggnog Bread With Glaze Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own, embracing delicious possibilities with each tweak!
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Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs while keeping the same great flavor.
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Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs and use almond or soy milk eggnog to create a plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, ensuring the bread remains moist and full of flavor.
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Flavorful Spices: Experiment with ground ginger or cardamom instead of nutmeg for a delightful twist that warms your senses.
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Citrus Burst: Zest a lemon or orange into the batter, adding a vibrant freshness that brightens every bite.
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Sweet Chocolate: Fold in chocolate chips for a rich, decadent surprise that pairs wonderfully with the eggnog essence.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance texture and provide a delightful crunch, harmonizing beautifully with the soft bread.
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Holiday Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or fresh ginger for a touch of warmth that will awaken your taste buds this winter!
Eggnog Bread With Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of eggs should I use for Eggnog Bread?
Using large eggs is essential for proper binding and moisture in your Eggnog Bread. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute with flax eggs—mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to your mixture.
How should I store leftover Eggnog Bread?
Store any leftover Eggnog Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week to keep it fresh and moist.
Can I freeze Eggnog Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze your Eggnog Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat if desired.
What should I do if my Eggnog Bread doesn’t rise?
If your bread doesn’t rise, it could be due to expired baking soda or improper mixing. Ensure you add the baking soda to your dry ingredients and mix batter just until combined. Always check the expiration date on your baking soda, as it loses potency over time.
Can I substitute the eggnog with something else?
Yes! If you want to substitute eggnog for another option, consider using a mixture of milk or cream with a splash of vanilla extract and a dash of nutmeg for a similar flavor profile. This will still yield a delicious bread, though it won’t have the same festive flair.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Very! To adapt your Eggnog Bread With Glaze for gluten-free diets, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your blend has xanthan gum included, as this helps provide the structure that gluten typically would.
Delicious Eggnog Bread With Glaze for Cozy Holiday Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan to ensure a perfect release.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined, making sure there are no lumps.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed well before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry mixture and eggnog to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with enough eggnog until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled bread.