Name: Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 eggs beaten; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup eggnog; 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar sifted; 2 tablespoons eggnog; dash of nutmeg; nutmeg for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 37 reviews

There’s something utterly charming about baking with seasonal flavors, and this Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe nails that cozy holiday vibe in the best way. Imagine a tender, moist loaf infused with the warmth of nutmeg and the rich creaminess of eggnog—then topped with a simple, dreamy icing that pulls it all together. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s one of those treats you’ll want to make over and over, whether for a festive breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a sweet gift to someone you care about.

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Why This Recipe Works

Seasonal Flavors in Every Bite: The eggnog and nutmeg work perfectly together to give you that quintessential holiday taste.
Moist & Tender Texture: Melted butter and the eggnog liquid keep the bread soft without being dense or heavy.
Easy Icing Complements the Bread: The simple powdered sugar and eggnog icing adds just the right amount of sweetness and festivity.
Minimal Fuss & Maximum Reward: You’ll have a stunning homemade bread with minimal hands-on time—perfect for busy holiday prep.

Eggnog Bread with Icing, holiday eggnog bread, festive bread recipes, Christmas flavored bread, easy eggnog dessert bread - A rectangular loaf cake sits on a white rectangular tray over a red cloth with white and blue flower patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a golden-brown color and is covered on top with thick, creamy white icing that drips over the edges and pools around the base. The icing is lightly sprinkled with a fine brown powder, likely cinnamon or nutmeg. The scene includes dried flowers blurred in the background and a woman's hand holding a silver knife positioned above the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe comes down to some simple ingredients that blend into something special. Each component plays a role, from the nutmeg’s warm spice to the rich creaminess of the eggnog, making the bread comforting and festive. Here are a few shopping tips to keep in mind so your bread turns out beautifully.

Eggnog Bread with Icing, holiday eggnog bread, festive bread recipes, Christmas flavored bread, easy eggnog dessert bread - Flat lay of two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy pale yellow eggnog, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a simple mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white ceramic bowl with additional eggnog for icing, accompanied by a sprinkle of whole nutmeg seeds arranged neatly beside the bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Eggs: Fresh is best here—they help bind everything together and add richness.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness without overpowering the eggnog’s delicate flavor.
Eggnog: The star ingredient, so look for a good-quality, flavorful variety or try making your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
Butter (unsalted): Melted and cooled butter adds richness and moisture without extra salt.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving the bread a sweet, aromatic note.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise nicely and stay light.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds that classic holiday spice; freshly grated nutmeg works beautifully if you have it.
Salt: Essential even in sweet breads to balance flavors.
Powdered Sugar: Crucial for the icing’s smooth sweetness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

While I adore the classic version of this Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe, I’ve experimented a little to make it my own, and I encourage you to do the same! Playing with spices or mix-ins can make this bread feel fresh and exciting every time you bake it.

Variation: I’ve added chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the smooth bread perfectly.
Dietary Swap: If you want, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—just keep in mind the texture changes slightly.
Spice It Up: Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to spice up the nutmeg base for more warmth.
Alcohol Booster: For an adult party, a splash of rum or bourbon in the batter or icing can add subtle depth that’s irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first, I’m always sure to grease my 9″ x 5″ loaf pan really well—whether with butter or a good cooking spray—to prevent any sticky moments later. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. It’s such a simple step but helps everything flow smoothly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until they’re evenly combined. This helps distribute your leavening and spice so every slice tastes consistent. Nutmeg is a strong flavor, so measuring carefully pays off here.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, I beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the sugar, melted butter (cooled so it won’t cook the eggs), eggnog, and vanilla extract. The smooth blend of these makes the batter luscious and rich before you add the dry stuff. Make sure your butter isn’t hot or it’ll scramble the eggs—trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix, or your bread will be tough. The batter should look slightly thick but pourable. Then, pour it evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Bake for 35-45 minutes, checking at the 35-minute mark with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a couple moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently invert it onto a wire rack. Cooling properly is key so the icing doesn’t melt off!

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Icing

While the bread cools, whisk your powdered sugar with the eggnog one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency—it should be smooth but thick enough to slowly drizzle. Add a dash of nutmeg for that extra festive aroma. Pour the icing generously over the top and let it set before slicing.

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Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Letting eggs and butter come to room temp helps everything blend more evenly for a tender crumb.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined—overdoing it can make the bread chewy instead of soft.
Use Fresh Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a vibrant flavor that you just can’t beat with pre-ground spices.
Cool Bread Before Icing: Waiting ensures the icing won’t melt into a puddle but forms a pretty glaze instead.

How to Serve Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe

Eggnog Bread with Icing, holiday eggnog bread, festive bread recipes, Christmas flavored bread, easy eggnog dessert bread - A loaf cake with a light brown crust sits on a white rectangular plate against a white marbled surface. The cake is sliced twice, with two visible slices lying flat next to the main loaf. A thick white glaze covers the top of the cake, dripping over the sides and partly onto the plate, with a light dusting of cinnamon on top. The inside of the cake is a soft beige color with a slightly crumbly texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling just a little extra freshly grated nutmeg right over the icing because it adds that classic holiday scent and a sprinkle of color. Sometimes, a dusting of cinnamon or a few crushed candy canes on top can be fun for a festive party. If you want to go all out, a few chopped nuts also add a nice visual and textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This eggnog bread is so rich and flavorful that it pairs beautifully with simple sides like fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also a dreamy companion to a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even mulled wine if you’re feeling indulgent. For holiday brunch, add some scrambled eggs and bacon, and you’ve got a spread that feels like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday gathering, I like to slice this bread and arrange the pieces on a festive platter lined with pine sprigs or holly leaves. Another fun idea is to serve it alongside mini jars of additional icing or flavored butter—customizable and oh-so-charming. Wrapping a loaf in parchment paper and tying it with a ribbon also makes a lovely edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover eggnog bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bread holds moisture well because of the eggnog, so it stays soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, I’d recommend popping it in the fridge to extend freshness by a day or two.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. I slice it before freezing so you can grab a piece or two without thawing the whole loaf. Just wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months, and thawing is easy—just leave pieces out for a bit or warm gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping a slice in the toaster oven for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and just slightly crisp on the edges. You can also microwave slices for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, or it can get soggy. If you’re reheating a whole loaf, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this Eggnog Bread without eggnog?

Yes! If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk or cream and a little extra sugar and nutmeg to mimic the flavor. However, the unique richness of actual eggnog is hard to match perfectly.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The best test is the toothpick method: insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make the icing thicker or thinner?

Absolutely! Add eggnog slowly to powdered sugar to control the consistency—less liquid for thick, spreadable icing, more for a drizzly glaze.
Will this recipe work with dairy-free milk or eggnog?

You can try using dairy-free alternatives, like almond or coconut milk-based eggnog, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly. It’s best to use full-fat versions for richness.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Bread with Icing Recipe has become one of my go-to holiday classics because it’s as simple as it is delicious. I love the way it fills my kitchen with that cozy, festive aroma. It’s approachable for beginner bakers but special enough to impress guests. I truly hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this bread as much as I do—there’s nothing better than sharing a warm slice with family and friends on a chilly winter morning.