There’s something just so magical about the holidays, isn’t there? When I think of the season, I can’t help but remember the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping would fill the air. She’d whip up this delightful bread every Christmas, and it became a cherished tradition in our family. Each slice was a little piece of joy, with the crumbly topping adding just the right amount of sweetness. It was the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

This Vanilla Eggnog Bread is not only a delicious nod to those beloved memories, but it’s also the ultimate holiday recipe. With its rich flavors and comforting spices, it makes the perfect addition to festive gatherings or a lovely gift for friends and family. Plus, the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and create some new memories together!

Why You’ll Love "Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping"

This recipe is super quick to whip up, taking just about 15 minutes of prep time.
It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Perfect for the whole family, kids love the sweet, crumbly topping!
This bread is incredibly versatile — it’s great for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Leftovers keep well and can be frozen for up to three months, so you can enjoy it later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup salted butter (room temperature, for a creamy texture)
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding (adds richness and moisture)
¼ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
1 ¾ cups prepared eggnog (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer)
½ teaspoon rum extract (for that festive touch! You can skip it if you want)
1 cup sugar (for sweetness, can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
2 eggs (room temperature helps them blend better)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly ground is best for vibrant flavor)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for lightness)
2 teaspoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for proper rising)
¼ cup salted butter (cold, cubed, for the crumb topping)
½ teaspoon cinnamon (adds warmth and spice)
½ cup all-purpose flour (for the crumb topping)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (again, fresh ground is preferred)
½ cup sugar (for the crumb topping, gives that sweet crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and beautifully.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, take your room temperature salted butter and add the sugar.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes, and trust me, it’s worth the effort for that perfect texture!

Add Eggs and Extracts

Crack the eggs into your butter and sugar mixture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier blending.
Add the vanilla extract and rum extract (if using). Mix everything well until combined; it should be nice and creamy.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and instant vanilla pudding mix. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to combine your mixtures! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the prepared eggnog. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
Mix just until everything is combined; don’t worry if it looks a little runny – that’s how it should be!

Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grab a loaf pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This will help your bread slide right out after baking.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Make the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the cold cubed butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Using a fork or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want those lovely little clumps that will bake up into a crunchy topping!

Bake the Bread

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter in your loaf pan.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Add in a handful of chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every bite!
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.
Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of eggnog for a lighter version.
Incorporate crushed cranberries or chopped pecans for a festive twist.
Try adding a splash of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Slice the Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping while it’s still slightly warm for a cozy treat. Serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea for a delightful afternoon snack. You can also dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra festive touch!

Storage

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before enjoying, or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick warm-up!

Helpful Notes

If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding, you can skip it, but the bread might be slightly less moist.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or coconut milk in place of eggnog.
Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor!
For a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze this delicious bread! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick warm-up!

What can I substitute for eggnog in this recipe?

If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of milk (or a dairy-free alternative) mixed with a bit of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg. You can also use a mixture of half milk and half cream for a richer flavor!

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make this Vanilla Eggnog Bread dairy-free, simply replace the salted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. For the eggnog, use a dairy-free eggnog option, or make a homemade version using almond or coconut milk, sweetener, and spices. It’ll still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping a try! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring warmth and comfort into your home during the festive season. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or gifting it to a friend, this bread is sure to create smiles. So gather your ingredients, embrace the delightful aromas filling your kitchen, and let’s make some sweet memories together. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for years to come!

Vanilla Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and flavorful vanilla eggnog bread topped with a crumbly mixture.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and rum extract. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and instant vanilla pudding mix.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the prepared eggnog.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
For the crumb topping, mix cold cubed butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in the loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool before slicing.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
For added flavor, consider adding chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Vanilla Eggnog Bread, Eggnog Recipe, Holiday Bread