Name: Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 eggs; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup eggnog; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch ground nutmeg; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 (3.4-oz) package vanilla pudding mix; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp eggnog; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 62 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the warm, creamy flavors of holiday eggnog with the bright burst of tart cranberries, this Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a soft, moist loaf that’s perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with fresh cranberries, and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that makes every bite feel indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this bread brings holiday magic right to your kitchen in the easiest and most delicious way.

Ingredients You'll Need

Several clear glass bowls with different ingredients are placed on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a bowl of dark red cranberries with a shiny texture, a large bowl filled with off-white flour showing a powdery texture, a small bowl with dark liquid vanilla extract, and a bowl with white granulated sugar that looks fine and smooth. Above these, there is a bowl of light powdered sugar, a bowl of a creamy beige mixture, and a bowl with two raw eggs showing bright orange yolks and clear whites. To the right, a bowl with clear oil is placed. Small bowls at the front hold white baking powder, ground cinnamon with a warm brown color, and ground spices with a mix of brown and bits of green. All bowls are arranged neatly and show the ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in building flavor, texture, and that unmistakable holiday spirit. From the richness of eggs and eggnog to the brightness of fresh cranberries and warmth of spices, every item is essential for this delightful bread.

2 eggs: Provide structure and richness, making the bread tender and moist.

1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient that infuses the bread with creamy holiday flavor.
⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft without heaviness.

1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the bread’s aroma and depth of flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread, giving it structure and crumb.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy texture.

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds gentle warmth and holiday spice notes.
Pinch ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a cozy, nutty undertone.
1 cup fresh cranberries: Provide bursts of tartness and festive color throughout the loaf.

1 3.4-oz package vanilla pudding mix: Adds extra creaminess and tenderness to the bread.
½ cup powdered sugar: Used in the vanilla glaze for a sweet, smooth finish.
2 tablespoon eggnog: Mixed into the glaze for a consistent eggnog flavor throughout.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings the glaze to life with aromatic sweetness.

How to Make Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the bottom of a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This simple prep step ensures your bread will release easily after baking, leaving you with a perfect loaf every time.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar Until Frothy

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This step helps incorporate air, giving your bread a nice rise and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Oil and Eggnog

Next, stir in the vegetable oil and eggnog until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients add richness and the signature creamy eggnog flavor that makes this bread so special.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla pudding mix. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a light hand keeps your bread tender and prevents it from becoming dense.

Step 6: Gently Fold in Fresh Cranberries

Now for the festive touch — gently fold the fresh cranberries into your batter. Their bright tartness will give every bite a juicy pop and make the loaf visually stunning with bursts of red.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye out starting around 35 minutes.

Step 8: Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial for the glaze to set properly and for your slices to hold shape.

Step 9: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the bread cools, mix the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish that perfectly balances the cinnamon and tartness from the cranberries.

Step 10: Glaze and Enjoy

Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the cooled Christmas eggnog bread just before serving. The combination of moist bread and silky glaze is irresistible and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

A loaf cake with a light golden brown crust sits on a white rectangular plate on a white marbled surface. The cake is sliced to show a soft, moist inside filled with bright red cranberries scattered throughout. A thin layer of white icing drips down the sides of the cake. On top, fresh red cranberries and a sprig of green rosemary add color and texture. Some cranberries and icing pool around the base of the cake. In the blurred background, a frosted small tree decoration and a grey cloth are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh cranberries on top of the vanilla glaze for a beautiful, festive presentation. A sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of cinnamon can also elevate the look and scent.

Side Dishes

This eggnog bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even mulled wine for a decadent holiday pairing. Serve alongside a creamy cheese plate or a bowl of spiced fruit compote for a complete spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread and serving it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. For a special brunch, offer it as French toast or bread pudding incorporating the cranberry and eggnog flavors. Wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with twine makes a lovely homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover eggnog bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It retains moisture beautifully thanks to the eggnog and oil, but keeping it sealed prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, this bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until cozy and soft. A quick toast also brings back a slight crispness on the edges, which contrasts nicely with the tender inside and vanilla glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture, which could alter the bread’s texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the eggnog?

Absolutely! You can substitute with a dairy-free eggnog or a spiced almond or coconut milk blend to keep the festive flavors while accommodating dietary needs.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?

For gluten-free versions, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free to maintain the texture and rise.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize, replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, use a plant-based eggnog, and substitute vegetable oil with a neutral plant oil. Also, choose vegan-friendly vanilla pudding mix or omit it.

Can I add nuts to this bread?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the spices nicely. Fold about ½ cup of nuts into the batter along with the cranberries.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe is more than just a loaf — it’s a celebration of holiday flavors wrapped in tender, sweet bread that’s sure to become a tradition. I promise you’ll love the balance of creamy eggnog, tart cranberries, and warm spices with that irresistible vanilla glaze. Give it a try, and enjoy the cozy smiles that come with every slice.

Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Eggnog Bread with Cranberries and Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven