Eggnog Bread with Sweet Vanilla Glaze

This Eggnog Bread with Sweet Vanilla Glaze is a soft, moist, and festive holiday loaf filled with creamy eggnog flavor, nutmeg spice, and a silky vanilla glaze. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for Christmas breakfast or dessert tables.

Prep time

15 minutes

Cook time

60 minutes

Total time

1 hour 15 minutes

Yield

1 loaf (10 servings)

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

3.4 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 ¼ cups eggnog

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon rum extract

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

¼ teaspoon rum extract

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons eggnog

1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, pudding mix, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl.
3. Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients: Beat butter, sugar, eggs, eggnog, vanilla, and rum extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry: Mix dry ingredients into wet just until combined.
5. Step 5: Bake: Pour into pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Step 6: Cool: Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then on wire rack until fully cooled.
7. Step 7: Make Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, rum extract, nutmeg, and eggnog until smooth; add milk as needed.
8. Step 8: Glaze and Serve: Spoon glaze evenly over loaf and allow to set before slicing.

Notes

Use full-fat eggnog for best flavor and texture. Homemade eggnog works great if alcohol-free.

Let the bread cool completely before glazing to ensure a glossy, set finish.

For a festive twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes or extra nutmeg on top.