Vanilla Eggnog Bread | Easy, Cozy & Delicious Holiday Treat

It’s that cozy time of year when the kitchen smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and everything cheerful. This Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping is my go-to bake for cold mornings when you want something sweet but simple. Each slice tastes like holiday warmth soft, buttery, and lightly spiced, with a golden crumble that melts in your mouth.

Why This Vanilla Eggnog Bread Stands Out

Festive flavors in every bite

The mix of vanilla pudding, rum extract, and creamy eggnog brings pure holiday joy. Every slice has that nostalgic flavor that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and pour another cup of coffee.

Perfect texture from the pudding mix and eggnog

Instant vanilla pudding helps lock in moisture while eggnog adds creaminess. Together, they create a soft crumb that stays fresh even after a few days—perfect for make-ahead baking.

Ideal for gifting, brunch, or holiday desserts

These mini loaves look charming wrapped in parchment and twine. Whether you serve them at a family brunch or gift them to neighbors, this bread spreads cheer with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Bread and Crumb Topping

Key ingredients that create the signature flavor

You’ll need butter, sugar, eggs, eggnog, and vanilla pudding mix for a rich, fragrant base. Don’t skip the nutmeg—it gives the loaf its warm, spiced note that pairs beautifully with the sweet crumb topping.

How each ingredient affects texture, moisture, and structure

The butter and pudding create tenderness, the baking powder lifts the loaf, and the eggnog adds smooth richness. The crumb topping, made with cold butter and sugar, bakes into a crispy, golden layer that adds texture and flavor contrast.

Helpful Tips Before You Start Baking

Using room-temperature ingredients for best results

Soft butter and eggs blend more easily, creating a consistent batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to separate, so bring everything to room temperature first.

Preventing a dense loaf by avoiding overmixing

Once you add the dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can toughen the bread and cause it to lose that delicate, cake-like crumb.

Getting the crumb topping to the right consistency

Keep your butter cold and cube it before mixing. The mixture should look like coarse sand—if it starts melting, chill it for five minutes before sprinkling it on the batter.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping

Step 1: Cream the butter, sugar, and pudding mix until smooth

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat butter, sugar, and pudding mix until light and fluffy. This step adds air, giving the loaf its tender rise.

Step 2: Mix in eggnog, eggs, vanilla, and rum extract

Add the wet ingredients one at a time, mixing until the batter looks silky and uniform.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients and fold gently into wet mixture

Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Then, fold them into the wet ingredients just until combined—no streaks, no overmixing.

Step 4: Prepare pans, divide batter, and add crumb topping

Grease and flour four mini loaf pans. Divide the batter evenly, then top each with the chilled crumb mixture.

Step 5: Bake, cool, and slice for serving

Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Substitutions and Variations

Using non-dairy eggnog

Non-dairy versions like almond or oat milk eggnog work just as well, adding a slightly different but delicious flavor.

Options if you don’t have pudding mix

Add an extra ¼ cup of flour instead. The bread will still be moist and tender.

Flavor swaps such as vanilla in place of rum extract

If you prefer a pure vanilla flavor, skip the rum extract and double the vanilla instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter

Too much mixing makes the loaf tough. Always fold until the dry ingredients disappear.

Letting crumb topping soften

Soft butter makes the topping melt instead of crisping. Keep it cold until ready to use.

Overbaking or underbaking the loaves

Check for doneness around 35 minutes. Overbaking dries the loaf; underbaking makes it gummy.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Best beverages to serve with eggnog bread

A hot cup of coffee or chai complements the bread’s spice beautifully. You can also serve it with a light vanilla latte for an extra cozy morning treat.

How to incorporate into holiday brunch or dessert tables

Slice and arrange with fruits, muffins, and Pumpkin Eggnog Bread | Easy Holiday Breakfast Loaf. For dessert, add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze and pair it with Mini Coffee Cheesecakes – Easy Father’s Day Dessert Recipe.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Room-temperature, refrigerated, and freezer storage times

Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight bag.

How to wrap and reheat without losing the crumb texture

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds or the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition Overview

Approximate calories for the full recipe

The entire recipe yields about 3550 calories total.

How serving size may vary based on loaf portions

Each mini loaf serves about 4 people, averaging around 220 calories per slice.

FAQ

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Conclusion

This Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping brings the taste of the holidays to every kitchen. It’s easy, tender, and full of cozy flavor perfect for breakfast or dessert. Share it with loved ones, serve it warm, and savor each bite that tastes like pure comfort.

You can find more festive baking inspiration on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.

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