The first time I made this, it wasn’t planned. It was one of those icy afternoons when the wind rattles the windows, and the only thing that sounded good was something warm, sweet, and totally indulgent.
I tossed everything into the bread machine without high expectations—and what came out was absolute gold.
Hot buttered rum bread has this way of making your whole kitchen smell like the holidays, with a taste that’s somewhere between a cinnamon roll and your favorite winter cocktail.
Why This Bread Machine Recipe Deserves a Spot on Repeat
Hot buttered rum bread isn’t just another sweet loaf—it’s a full-on holiday vibe in every slice. The blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves instantly signals festive cheer.
Add the richness of brown sugar and butter, and you’ve got a golden, fluffy bread with just enough decadence to make it feel like a treat—but not so much that you can’t enjoy it for breakfast.
And if you’re wondering about the rum? Don’t skip it. Even in tiny amounts, it adds a caramel-y, slightly smoky depth that elevates everything.
The Coziest Flavors in Every Bite
This bread wraps up all the cozy, comforting flavors you crave in one perfect slice. Here’s what makes it stand out from the average sweet loaf:
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Classic winter spices that warm from the inside out.
- Brown sugar and butter: A rich base that adds moisture and that almost-butterscotch finish.
- Rum or rum extract: A mellow hit of holiday nostalgia that turns this bread into something special.
- Optional glaze: Melted butter, powdered sugar, and rum? It’s like a grown-up donut glaze—and it drips beautifully over the loaf for that Pinterest-worthy finish.
Whether you use the 1½-pound or 2-pound loaf option, you’ll get a rich, fragrant result that toasts beautifully and holds up under a pat of salted butter or swipe of spiced apple jelly.
How to Serve It: From Gifting to Gathering
This bread machine recipe isn’t just for snacking solo (though that’s totally allowed). It fits into so many cozy, shareable moments:
- Wrap it up with mulling spices and cider for a neighbor gift they’ll actually be excited about.
- Slice it up for holiday brunches—serve it with whipped butter and a pot of dark roast coffee.
- Toast leftovers for breakfast and spread with cream cheese or jam.
- Use it as the centerpiece for a coffee date with friends. Bring the bread, they bring the lattes. You win.
Adaptable for Every Diet or Flavor Mood
Got preferences or dietary needs? This bread plays nice with a few simple tweaks:
- Gluten-free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free bread flour blend designed for machines.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and a vegan butter substitute—still rich, still delish.
- No rum? No problem: Sub in vanilla extract or even almond for a cozy twist.
- Want less sugar? Cut the brown sugar slightly or go half-and-half with coconut sugar for a more natural vibe.
Tips for Bread Machine Magic
Here’s how to make sure your hot buttered rum bread comes out bakery-level every single time:
- Add ingredients in the listed order—wet to dry—with yeast last.
- Choose the Basic/White program for the perfect bake.
- Let it cool before glazing—unless you want a thin, melty coating (which is totally a vibe, too).
- Use a thicker glaze if you want to pipe or drizzle with style. Go thinner for full coverage.
Bonus tip: If you want the smell to linger for hours, keep the loaf on the counter. That spicy-sweet scent is basically aromatherapy.
Hot Buttered Rum Bread Machine Recipe
Equipment
- Bread machine with Basic/White program
- 1½- to 2-pound loaf capacity pan
Ingredients
1½-Pound Loaf – Basic Version
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp rum
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar packed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp cloves
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp yeast
2-Pound Loaf – Larger Version
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup water
- 5 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp rum
- 4 cups bread flour
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1¼ tsp yeast
Buttered Rum Glaze
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp rum or rum extract (optional)
Instructions
- Load Ingredients: Add all ingredients to your bread machine's baking pan in the order listed, beginning with milk and ending with yeast.
- Select Settings: Choose the “Basic/White” program. Match the loaf size to your selected version (1½ or 2 lb) and press Start.
- Make the Glaze: Near the end of the baking cycle, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, half of the melted butter, and rum. Stir until smooth, gradually adding more melted butter to adjust consistency.
- Finish the Loaf: Once the bread is baked, move it to a wire rack lined with parchment paper.
- Glaze and Cool: Let the loaf cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the top, adjusting thickness for piping or spreading.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, use rum extract instead of rum.
- A thicker glaze can be piped for decorative effect, while a thinner glaze will coat the loaf more evenly.
- Ideal for holiday gifts or cozy gatherings—pair with mulled cider or lattes for a memorable treat.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.