As the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of freshly baked bread filling your home with the comforting scents of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s that enchanting time of year when a slice of Sweet Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping not only satisfies the palate but also evokes cherished memories of festive gatherings and cozy evenings. I first uncovered this delightful recipe while leisurely browsing my collection of beloved holiday traditions, and it quickly became a favorite that never fails to impress.
Imagine taking a bite of this moist, spiced bread, adorned with a crumbly topping that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a versatile treat perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a thoughtful gift wrapped in pretty parchment. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, this Sweet Eggnog Bread is sure to elevate any occasion—whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly morning or sharing it with friends at a holiday feast. Join me in whipping up this deliciously festive loaf that will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire!
Why is Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping so special?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich blend of eggnog, vanilla, and spices creates a delectable taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
Easily Prepared: This recipe requires minimal preparation—perfect for home cooks looking to impress with low effort!
Versatile Delight: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or gifting, this bread adapts perfectly to any occasion.
Textural Joy: The contrast between the fluffy bread and the crunchy crumb topping adds delightful bites of texture that keep everyone coming back for more.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Share this loaf at gatherings and watch as it disappears fast—it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends!
Excited to dive into more delightful recipes? Check out my takes on other beloved holiday treats that are sure to impress!
Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping Ingredients
For the Bread
• 1/2 cup salted butter – provides a rich, creamy base for the bread.
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding – adds moisture and a delightful vanilla flavor.
• 1/4 tsp salt – enhances the overall taste by balancing the sweetness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – infuses a warm, delicious aroma in every bite.
• 1 3/4 cups prepared eggnog – the star ingredient that makes this bread uniquely festive.
• 1/2 tsp rum extract – gives a touch of holiday flair without the alcohol.
• 1 cup sugar – ensures that every slice is sweet and satisfying.
• 2 eggs – act as a binding agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg – adds a hint of spiciness reminiscent of holiday treats.
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour – forms the structure of the bread.
• 2 tsp baking powder – ensures your bread rises to perfection.
For the Crumb Topping
• 1/4 cup salted butter (cold, cubed) – creates a rich and buttery crumb topping.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – offers an extra layer of warmth to the crumb mixture.
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour – binds the topping ingredients into a crunchy texture.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg – reinforces the holiday flavors throughout the loaf.
• 1/2 cup sugar – sweetens the topping, making it a delightful contrast to the bread.
Now you’re all set to make this mouthwatering Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping! Happy baking!
How to Make Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping
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Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, cream the 1/2 cup of salted butter, 1 cup of sugar, and the box of instant vanilla pudding mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, beat in 1 3/4 cups prepared eggnog, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp rum extract until everything is fully combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined for the perfect texture.
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Prepare the Pans: Grease and flour four mini loaf pans to ensure easy release later. Next, divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for a neat finish.
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Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 cup sugar for the crumb topping. Use a fork to mix until it reaches a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this delightful topping evenly over the batter in each loaf pan.
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Bake to Perfection: Place your pans in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow cooling in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and eggnog for extra sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping
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Choose Quality Eggnog: Use a rich, flavorful eggnog for the best taste experience. Homemade or premium store-bought options can enhance the overall flavor of your Sweet Eggnog Bread.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread instead of the tender loaf you desire.
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Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack after baking. This helps retain moisture and ensures you get that melt-in-your-mouth texture with each slice.
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Crumb Topping Consistency: Aim for a crumbly texture in your topping by not overworking the butter with the other ingredients. This produces delightful crunchiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
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Bake in Mini Loaf Pans: Baking in mini loaf pans yields perfectly portioned pieces and ensures the bread bakes evenly, allowing for a beautifully golden crust.
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Fresh Spices: Use freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon if possible. They can elevate the holiday flavors and make your Sweet Eggnog Bread even more aromatic and delicious!
What to Serve with Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping?
As the aroma of baking fills your home, create the perfect spread to complement this delightful holiday loaf.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness perfectly balances the sweetness of the bread, enhancing your festive table.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider resonate beautifully with the flavors of eggnog, making it a heavenly drink pairing.
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Cranberry Sauce: Tart berries offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced bread, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your setting.
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Roasted Veggies: A medley of roasted root vegetables adds a savory element, grounding your meal and beautifully contrasting the sweetness of the bread.
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Buttery Popcorn: Lightly salted popcorn makes for a fun, crunchy snack to enjoy alongside your slices, perfect for cozy gatherings.
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Hot Chocolate: Luxuriously rich hot chocolate creates a comforting pairing, allowing the sweetness of the chocolate to envelop the bread’s festive flavors.
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Pumpkin Pie: Serve slices of classic pumpkin pie for dessert, enhancing the overall holiday spirit with flavors that sing harmoniously together.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A cool scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm bread makes for an indulgent treat that’s simply irresistible.
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Fruit Salad: A light and fresh accompaniment will cleanse the palate beautifully, letting the eggnog bread’s spices shine even more.
Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping Variations
Customize your Sweet Eggnog Bread with these fun twists to make it uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure the baking powder is gluten-free for the same delightful taste.
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Spiced Dimensionality: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for an extra layer of warm, festive flavor.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the bread’s softness perfectly.
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Dried Fruit: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins into the batter for a sweet surprise in every slice.
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Coconut Twist: Replace half the sugar with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical, chewy texture that surprises and delights.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a rich, sweet contrast against the warm spices—an instant favorite for chocolate lovers!
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Zesty Kick: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the richness of eggnog.
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Maple Drizzle: Instead of a glaze, drizzle maple syrup over the warm bread just before serving for a sweet, caramelized topping experience.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Eggnog Bread
Room Temperature: Store Sweet Eggnog Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist.
Fridge: For longer shelf life, refrigerate the bread in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 week; this will help maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezer: Wrap individual loaves or slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a delightful treat anytime.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw slices in the fridge overnight, then warm them briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
Make Ahead Options
Sweet Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping is an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. To do this, simply follow the recipe up to the point of dividing the batter into the loaf pans, cover them tightly, and place them in the fridge. The crumb topping can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just take the pans out of the fridge and add the crumb topping before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. This way, you’ll have a warm, festive treat with minimal effort!
Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best Sweet Eggnog Bread, opt for either a premium store-bought eggnog or homemade. Look for one that has rich flavors and creamy consistency, as this will significantly enhance the taste of your bread.
How should I store leftover eggnog bread?
You can keep Sweet Eggnog Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its life, refrigerate it in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 week. This helps to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze Sweet Eggnog Bread?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual loaves or slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, just thaw the slices in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
What if my eggnog bread doesn’t rise as expected?
If your Sweet Eggnog Bread doesn’t rise well, it might be due to expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and remember to mix the dry ingredients just until combined with the wet ingredients for a lighter bread.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Certainly! You can make this Sweet Eggnog Bread dairy-free by substituting the butter with a non-dairy alternative and using a dairy-free eggnog. It’s also wise to check for gluten-free all-purpose flour if you’re baking for someone with gluten allergies, ensuring they too can enjoy this festive treat.
Can pets eat eggnog bread?
It’s best to keep eggnog bread away from pets. Ingredients like butter and sugar can be harmful to them in large quantities. If you’d like to share a treat with your furry friend, consider making a special pet-friendly recipe just for them!
Indulge in Sweet Eggnog Bread With Crumb Topping Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and creamy. Then, beat in eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, and rum extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Grease and flour four mini loaf pans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, combine cold, cubed butter, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, nutmeg, and sugar for the crumb topping. Mix until it reaches a crumbly texture, then sprinkle evenly over the batter in the pans.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Allow cooling in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.