Intro

There is something magical about baking during the holidays. Maybe it is the warm spices floating through the house, or the way butter and sugar seem extra comforting when the weather is cold, or maybe it is just the excuse to make something cozy and sweet without feeling guilty. 

Whatever it is, this Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze has become one of those recipes that feels like a December tradition—one I never want to skip.

Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze is the kind of treat you bake once and instantly add to your yearly lineup. Warm, festive, soft, and dripping with a glossy rum glaze, it tastes exactly like the holidays smell. I swear, every time I make it, my kitchen feels like a Christmas movie scene—minus the dramatic snowfall.

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What Exactly Is Christmas Eggnog Bread?

If you’ve never had eggnog bread before, let me paint the picture. Imagine a soft, moist quick bread with the flavor of classic eggnog baked right into it—nutmeg, vanilla, creaminess, a whisper of holiday spice, and that unmistakable festive sweetness. Now imagine glazing it with a shiny rum icing that melts into the loaf like a warm hug.

It’s not heavy like fruit cake. It’s not overly sweet like some holiday desserts. Instead, it’s right in the middle: cozy, buttery, lightly spiced, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, gifting, snacking, or eating straight from the pan while hiding from your relatives. No judgment here.

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How I Discovered This Festive Treat (A Tiny Story)

Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze entered my life by accident. One December, I had half a carton of eggnog left in the fridge, about to expire. I refused to throw it out (as any stubborn home cook would), so I decided to bake something—anything—with it. 

I mixed a little of this, a bit of that, added rum glaze “for good measure,” and suddenly the holiday angels started singing.

No long, dramatic story—just a happy accident that turned into a holiday staple.

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You Don’t Need Fancy Tools (Holiday Baking Should Be Easy)

One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any complicated equipment. No stand mixer needed. No special pans. Just your usual baking basics:

Equipment List

• 1 loaf pan (9×5 preferred)
  
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
  
• Whisk
  
• Rubber spatula
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Cooling rack
  
• Small bowl for the glaze
  

That’s it. If you can whisk, you can bake this bread.

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Ingredients (Your Kitchen Will Smell Like Christmas)

For the Eggnog Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
  
• 1/2 cup melted butter
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (for extra festive flavor)
  

For the Rum Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  
• 2–3 tablespoons eggnog
  
• 1 tablespoon spiced rum
  
• A pinch of nutmeg
  

The ingredients are simple, but when they come together—oh my goodness—it’s pure Christmas joy.

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How to Make the Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze (Step-by-Step)

This bread is straightforward. It’s a classic quick bread, which means no yeast, no rising, no fuss.

1. Prep Your Pan

Grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. I prefer parchment because it makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• flour
  
• sugar
  
• baking powder
  
• salt
  
• nutmeg
  
• cinnamon
  

You’ll instantly smell the warm holiday spices.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

• eggs
  
• eggnog
  
• melted butter
  
• vanilla
  

If you’re using rum extract, whisk it in now.

4. Combine

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Use a spatula to gently fold the batter. Don’t overmix. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

5. Bake

Pour the batter into your loaf pan and bake at 350 F (175 C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the center springs back and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool

Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a rack. The cooling step matters—it helps the bread set so it doesn’t crumble.

7. Glaze Time

Whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, rum, and nutmeg.
The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add more eggnog if it’s too stiff.

Drizzle generously over warm (not hot) bread and watch it melt into the loaf.

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A Few Helpful Tips So Your Eggnog Bread Always Turns Out Perfect

Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze can be absolutely foolproof with these little tips:

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing = dense bread. Gentle folding keeps it soft.

Use Full-Fat Eggnog

More fat = richer flavor and better texture.

Add Extra Glaze

No one in the history of holiday baking said, “Wow, too much glaze.”

Let the Glaze Set

Give it about 15 minutes. It firms up into a shiny, sweet shell on the top.

Want More Rum Flavor?

Add a splash of rum to the bread batter—just one tablespoon for extra warmth.

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Why This Eggnog Bread Is a Holiday Hit Every Single Year

Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze is adored because it checks all the boxes:

✔ Easy

Everything mixes in minutes.

✔ Affordable

Nothing fancy or pricey required.

✔ Feels Luxurious

Eggnog + spices + rum glaze = fancy-feeling treat.

✔ Keeps Well

Stays moist for days thanks to the eggnog.

✔ Crowd-Pleaser

Kids love it, adults love it, neighbors love it—if you give slices away, you might accidentally start a holiday tradition.

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My Favorite Ways to Serve It (Because I Always Find Excuses)

Warm with coffee

Especially on cold mornings.

With whipped cream

Because why not?

Toasted with butter

Ohhhh yes… it’s dangerously good.

As a Christmas morning breakfast

Simple, festive, and feels special.

Wrapped beautifully as a gift

Add a ribbon and a little handwritten tag—instant holiday charm.

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Flavor Profile: What Does Eggnog Bread Actually Taste Like?

If you’re wondering whether it tastes like drinking eggnog from a loaf pan—no, not exactly. The flavor is softer and more bakery-like, with:

• warm nutmeg
  
• creamy vanilla
  
• sweet holiday spice
  
• buttery undertones
  
• a caramel-like glaze finish
  

And the rum glaze brings that extra pop of holiday cheer without being overpowering. Think comfort meets Christmas.

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Fun Variations (Make It Your Own!)

1. Cranberry Eggnog Bread

Fold in 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries.

2. Eggnog Chocolate Chip Bread

Add 3/4 cup chocolate chips—kids love this version.

3. Nutty Spice Eggnog Bread

Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.

4. Orange-Infused Eggnog Bread

Stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest for a brighter holiday twist.

5. Boozy Version

Add 1 tablespoon of rum directly to the batter.

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Storage Tips (So It Stays Fresh!)

On the counter:

3–4 days in an airtight container.

In the fridge:

Up to 7 days, though it becomes slightly denser.

In the freezer:

Up to 3 months—wrap tightly in plastic then foil.
Glaze after thawing for best texture.

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FAQ (Holiday Baking Questions I Get All the Time)

Can I skip the rum?

Yes! Just use more eggnog in the glaze.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—this makes great gifts.

Can I make mini loaves?

Yes, bake 25–30 minutes and keep an eye on them.

What if I only have light eggnog?

It works, but the bread will be slightly less rich.

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Final Thoughts (From One Holiday Baker to Another)

Christmas Eggnog Bread with Rum Glaze is one of those recipes that feels nostalgic the moment you taste it—even if it’s your first time. It’s easy enough for a weekday and special enough for a holiday gathering. Soft, warm, festive, and glazed to perfection, it’s the type of Christmas recipe people ask you for again and again.

Bake it once… and suddenly you’re the “eggnog bread person” of the family.

And honestly? That’s not a bad title to have.

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