Eggnog Bread

This Eggnog Bread is the perfect holiday treat, moist and packed with flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and rum—ideal for a Christmas brunch, especially if you’re not typically an eggnog fan. Eggnog is the quintessential holiday beverage, much like Mulled Wine, with its rich spice and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with a splash of bourbon or rum. Despite its indulgence, I find myself enjoying just a small glass each holiday season.

The holiday season brings an array of delightful treats, and eggnog is a standout for me. I eagerly anticipate buying my first jug as soon as it appears in stores. Its creamy richness, enhanced by a generous sprinkle of nutmeg, is sheer perfection. Inspired by this, I decided to bake an eggnog-themed loaf that quickly became a favorite. This loaf truly embodies eggnog, enriched with a full cup and a half of the beverage and made incredibly moist with vanilla pudding mix. Topped with streusel, it adds a sweet crunch to every slice. You can make one large loaf or opt for two smaller ones—just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.

Not only is this bread a great gift idea during the holidays, but it’s also tempting to keep it all to yourself—and why not make a double batch? The aroma of nutmeg will fill your home, enhancing the festive spirit. Be sure to include this recipe in your holiday baking—it’s a delightful addition that won’t disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Bread

The allure of this Eggnog Bread lies in its perfect balance. This loaf features a rich, moist cake infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, evoking the spirit of the holiday season. The addition of vanilla pudding mix ensures it stays exceptionally soft, while a sprinkle of brown sugar crumble adds a delightful crunch to each slice. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy coffee companion, this loaf promises to be a holiday favorite. It’s simple to make yet delivers maximum flavor—a truly irresistible combination!

Ingredients for Eggnog Bread

Flour: The base of your bread, providing structure. I opted for all-purpose flour to achieve a balance between a light, airy texture and sufficient strength to support the rich spices and eggnog.

Eggnog: The highlight of this recipe! It imparts a decadent, creamy flavor that encapsulates the holiday spirit. Choose a high-quality, thick eggnog from the store for the best flavor impact.

Butter: Essential for its richness and moisture, room temperature butter ensures a moist crumb that makes each slice irresistible. It’s crucial not to cut corners here!

Sugar: Regular white sugar not only sweetens the loaf but also aids in achieving a light, tender crumb alongside the butter.

Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: Our secret ingredient! It ensures the loaf stays supremely soft and infuses it with a deep vanilla essence, complementing the eggnog and spices wonderfully.

Eggs: These are crucial for binding the ingredients and contributing to the loaf’s rise. Use room-temperature eggs for seamless integration with the butter and sugar.

Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Essential holiday spices—nutmeg brings the classic eggnog flavor, while cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and spice, particularly in the crumble topping.

Brown Sugar: Adds a sweet, caramel-like quality to the crumble, offering a delightful contrast to the soft loaf beneath.

Butter: More butter in the crumble ensures it melds properly, adding richness and a golden, crunchy texture upon baking.

How To Make This Eggnog Bread

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking. Grease your loaf pan using either butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Next, mix your dry ingredients. In a small bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg together. Set this aside for later use.

Step 2: In a larger bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Blend in the vanilla pudding mix, then pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and emitting a delightful aroma.

Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, incorporating a little at a time and mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix to keep the loaf light and airy.

Step 4: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 5: For the crumble topping, in a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the loaf pan to ensure a uniform crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with a festive scent.

Step 7: After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan for a short period before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing to enjoy the full texture and flavor.

Storage Options

Storing eggnog bread properly is essential to maintain its flavor and texture. Here are a few options for storing eggnog bread effectively:

1. Room Temperature Storage:
   • Eggnog bread can be kept at room temperature for up to two to three days. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and to keep it fresh.
2. Refrigeration:
   • For longer storage, eggnog bread can be refrigerated. When refrigerated, it can last up to a week. Again, ensure the bread is well-wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods and from drying out.
3. Freezing:
   • Eggnog bread freezes well. Wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Properly stored, eggnog bread can last in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, thaw the bread at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven to revive its fresh-baked taste and texture.
4. Slicing Before Storing:
   • If you anticipate using only a portion of the bread at a time, consider slicing it before you store it. This way, you can take out only what you need, either from the refrigerator or freezer, without having to thaw the entire loaf.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Fruit and Nut Eggnog Bread: Add dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries, or raisins, and nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
2. Chocolate Chip Eggnog Bread: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a sweet, chocolaty twist.
3. Spiced Eggnog Bread: Enhance the bread with additional spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice to amplify its holiday vibe.
4. Orange Glazed Eggnog Bread: Add orange zest to the batter and top the finished bread with a glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar.

SAVE THIS EGGNOG BREAD RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Eggnog Bread

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups eggnog
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Topping:
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons nutmeg
• ⅓ cup butter, softened to room temperature

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the pudding mix. Stir in eggnog and vanilla until well blended.
3. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
4. To make the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a bowl until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your delicious eggnog loaf!