Eggnog Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Loaf

This Eggnog Cinnamon Swirl Holiday Loaf is soft, festive, and delicately spiced — a buttery vanilla loaf swirled with cinnamon sugar and enriched with creamy eggnog. Finished with a light eggnog glaze, it’s the perfect holiday treat to enjoy with morning coffee, Christmas brunch, or cozy winter evenings by the tree.

Yield
Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients

For the Loaf

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup eggnog

For the Cinnamon Swirl

⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp melted butter

For the Eggnog Glaze

½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp eggnog
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients alternately with the eggnog, mixing just until combined.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to form a crumbly paste.

Step 3: Layer & Swirl

Pour half the loaf batter into the prepared pan.
Spoon half the cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter.
Add the remaining batter, then top with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers — don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Eggnog Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar with eggnog until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Dust lightly with nutmeg if desired.

Kitchen Tips

• Freshly grated nutmeg gives richer holiday flavor.
• Add ¼ cup white chocolate chips for a creamy twist.
• Store covered at room temperature up to 3 days.
• Warm slices 8–10 seconds for a soft, bakery-style texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 1 of 10)