Print

Spiced Eggnog Loaf Recipe

5 from 66 reviews

This Spiced Eggnog Loaf is a delightful holiday bread that brings the rich flavors of eggnog and warm spices into a moist and tender cake. Perfect for festive breakfasts or afternoon treats, it combines classic winter spices like nutmeg and cinnamon with a rich vanilla pudding mix for extra moistness. Topped with a crumbly spiced brown sugar mixture, this loaf offers a cozy and flavorful experience in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups eggnog
  • 2 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, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoroughly grease a large bread loaf pan to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together 2 ¼ cups flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices for a uniform flavor and texture.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step helps to aerate the batter for a light and fluffy loaf.
  4. Add Eggs and Pudding Mix: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then stir in the instant vanilla pudding mix until well combined, which helps keep the loaf moist.
  5. Incorporate Eggnog and Vanilla: Add the eggnog and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, mixing gently to combine. This adds rich liquid flavor and moisture.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
  7. Prepare the Batter in Pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and room temperature butter until the topping becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan.
  9. Bake the Loaf: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean when baked through.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense loaf.
  • If you prefer, use homemade eggnog for a richer flavor.
  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • The topping adds a nice sweet and spiced crunch but can be omitted if desired.

Keywords: eggnog loaf, holiday bread, spiced loaf, nutmeg, cinnamon, dessert bread, winter baking, vanilla pudding mix