As the scent of nutmeg and cinnamon wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel the holiday spirit come alive. This Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze is my secret weapon for bringing friends and family together during the festive season. Not only does it make your home smell like a cozy winter wonderland, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for those busy days when time seems to slip away. The rich rum glaze is the cherry on top, elevating this luscious loaf into a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or hosting a festive brunch, this bread promises to be a favorite for everyone at the table. Curious about how to create this slice of holiday magic? Keep reading for all the details!

Why is Christmas Eggnog Bread a Must-Bake?

Festive flavors: This bread combines the delightful essence of eggnog and spiced rum, creating a warm hug in each slice.

Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their loved ones.

Perfect for gatherings: It shines as a holiday centerpiece, perfect for brunches or cozy family nights.

Customize your way: Feel free to add nuts or dried cranberries for a personal touch, making it uniquely yours.

Heavenly aroma: Baking this treat fills your home with the sweet scent of festivities, bringing everyone together in holiday cheer.

For more delicious recipes to complement your festive table, try the Christmas Kitchen Sink cookies or serve alongside a warm cup of Noodle Soup Egg.

Christmas Eggnog Bread Ingredients

• To make your holiday baking delightful, here are the essential ingredients for Christmas eggnog bread.

For the Bread

Eggs – Provides structure and moisture.
Regular Eggnog – Adds holiday flavor and moisture; homemade eggnog can be a great substitute.
Spiced Rum – Enhances the flavor profile of both the bread and glaze; use vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic option.
White Sugar – Sweetens the bread for optimal taste; no substitutions recommended for best results.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; avoid imitation extracts for better quality.
Butter (room temperature) – Contributes richness and moisture; vegetable oil can substitute for a dairy-free version.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free option.
Instant French Vanilla Pudding Mix – Adds moisture and a tender crumb; omit if unavailable, but this may alter texture.
Baking Powder – A leavening agent to help the bread rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients; essential for balance.
Ground Nutmeg – Imparts a warm, spiced flavor; ground cinnamon can be used for a different spice profile.

For the Rum Glaze

Confectioners’ Sugar – Used for sweetness in the glaze; no substitutions needed.
Eggnog (sifted) – Used in the glaze for flavor, the same as for the bread; homemade eggnog can also work well.

Let’s bake some holiday magic together with these ingredients!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your loaf or muffin pans by coating them with non-stick spray. This ensures your Christmas eggnog bread will slide out smoothly once baked, allowing you to showcase that beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, regular eggnog, spiced rum, sugar, vanilla extract, and room temperature butter. Using a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed, mix until everything is well combined, but be careful to leave some small clumps of butter for extra moisture. This will help give your bread a lovely richness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, instant French vanilla pudding mix, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg. This step is crucial as it aerates the mixture, ensuring your Christmas eggnog bread has a light and fluffy texture. The unique combination of ingredients will enhance the festive flavors of your bread.

Step 4: Fold Together Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Gently combine until just incorporated; the batter will be thick but should not be overmixed to preserve its tender crumb. At this stage, it’s okay if small pockets of flour are still visible—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.

Step 5: Pour Batter into Pans
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared pans, smoothing the top with a spatula. For mini loaves, bake for approximately 30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If you’re using a regular loaf pan, extend the baking time to around 45-55 minutes; the bread should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 6: Prepare the Rum Glaze
While the Christmas eggnog bread is baking, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, sifted eggnog, spiced rum, and an additional pinch of nutmeg in a small bowl. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and glossy. This delicious topping not only adds sweetness but also enhances the festive spirit of your bread.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool
Once the bread is baked to perfection and has cooled in the pan for about 10 minutes, transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before pouring the rum glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze set for a bit before slicing your Christmas eggnog bread, ensuring each piece is beautifully adorned for serving.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Eggnog Bread

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while allowing its delightful flavors to develop.

Fridge: If you wish to extend its lifespan, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Just know that it may become slightly drier.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze slices of Christmas eggnog bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, or microwave gently to warm up.

Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until just heated through, preserving that cozy holiday essence.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze creations are perfect for busy home cooks planning ahead for festive gatherings! You can bake the bread up to 24 hours in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor. The rum glaze can also be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply bring it to room temperature and whisk it before using. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the glaze over the bread after it’s cooled completely. This way, you’ll have a delicious holiday treat ready with minimal effort on the day of your celebration!

Christmas Eggnog Bread Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists that will add a personal touch and elevate your holiday baking!

Rum-Free: Omit spiced rum altogether or replace it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an appealing crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Cranberry Burst: Fold in dried cranberries to introduce a tart contrast to the sweetness of the bread, giving every bite an exciting zing.
Seasonal Spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice instead of nutmeg for a cozy autumn-infused twist that ties in beautifully with holiday flavors.
Sweet Potato Variation: Substitute some flour with pureed sweet potato for an unexpected, sweet flavor that gives an extra nutrient punch.
Boozy Twist: For a deeper flavor, replace half of the eggnog with a combination of coffee liqueur and a splash of coffee for a festive kick.
Iced Variation: Drizzle a simple vanilla icing made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk over the cooled bread instead of rum glaze for a sweeter finish.
Fruity Flavor: Mix in fresh grated orange zest or lemon zest to add a refreshing citrus hint that pairs beautifully with the holiday spices.

Dive into these variations to spice up your Christmas Eggnog Bread! And if you’re looking for other festive treats, don’t miss our Pineapple Zucchini Bread or add some savory delight with our Honey Garlic Glazed salmon to your holiday table. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

What to Serve with Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze

Savor the delightful essence of the holiday season by pairing your freshly baked Christmas eggnog bread with thoughtful accompaniments that elevate every bite into a magical experience.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery, velvety texture complements the bread’s rich flavor, making each bite a comforting delight.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the sweetness of the bread, adding a festive splash of color and flavor to your table.
Baked Apples with Cinnamon: The warm aroma and sweet-tart taste amplify the festive essence while providing a fruity contrast to the eggnog bread.
Warm Mulled Wine: This fragrant, spiced drink not only warms the soul but pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the eggnog bread.
Roasted Veggies: Their caramelized edges and earthy flavors harmonize brilliantly, creating an enticing balance with the rich sweetness of the bread.
Gingerbread Cookies: As a classic holiday treat, their spicy personality complements the seasonal flavors of the eggnog bread, making for delightful bites.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth ice cream drizzled with the rum glaze makes for a perfect dessert pairing, enhancing the bread’s festive allure.
Hot Chocolate: Cozy, rich hot chocolate will envelop your senses, encouraging warm holiday conversations while enjoying the bread’s flavors.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a lovely contrast, making each slice feel like a treat from a bakery.

Expert Tips for Christmas Eggnog Bread

Mix with Care: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your Christmas eggnog bread tender; small clumps of butter are okay for moisture.
Baking Time Matters: Start checking for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking; timing varies depending on your oven.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and airy texture in your bread.
Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a delightful twist; just balance them with the eggnog flavor.
Glaze with Precision: Wait until the bread cools completely before adding the rum glaze; this helps it set beautifully atop your loaf.

Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients for Christmas Eggnog Bread?
Absolutely! Choose eggs that are fresh and show no signs of cracks. For regular eggnog, look for rich, creamy varieties or consider making your own for a homemade touch. When selecting spiced rum, aim for a brand that is known for its flavor profile, as it will significantly influence the taste of your bread.

How should I store Christmas Eggnog Bread after baking?
You can store your Christmas eggnog bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it, but be mindful that it may dry out more quickly. I often find that wrapping the bread in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container helps retain moisture.

Can I freeze Christmas Eggnog Bread, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Christmas eggnog bread, first slice it into individual pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to grab a slice whenever you want that cozy holiday flavor! The bread will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave the slices in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What should I do if my bread is too dense or heavy?
Very! If your Christmas eggnog bread turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter, which can develop the gluten in the flour too much. Next time, mix until just combined, allowing for some clumps of butter for moisture. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh; old leavening agents won’t rise properly and can lead to a heavy loaf.

Can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegetable oil and use a dairy-free eggnog. If gluten is a concern, try a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. It’s always great to customize recipes to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying the festive flavors of this delicious Christmas eggnog bread!