Spiced Eggnog Loaf – Get keen to plunge into the holiday vibes with this Spiced Eggnog Loaf! It’s everything you want in a festive dessert—warm, cozy, and packed with the creamy goodness of eggnog. Add a splash of vanilla, a drizzle of nutmeg, and a life of cinnamon, and you’ve got the ideal combination of holiday savors. Oh, and did I mention the brown sugar crumble on top? It’s that extra bit of sweetness you didn’t know you needed but won’t be able to resist. Perfect for Christmas mornings, winter get-togethers, or just because you’re in the mood for something that screams “holiday comfort.”
I whipped up this Spiced Eggnog Loaf for the first time on one of those chilly December nights. You know, the kind where you just want something sweet but don’t feel like baking an entire cake. I had some leftover eggnog in the fridge—so why not? I tossed it into the batter, and magic happened! My husband, who basically lives for eggnog during the holidays, was hooked from the first bite. Even the kids asked for seconds, which is saying a lot! Now, it’s a tradition around here—making this loaf as we decorate the tree or binge-watch Christmas movies. Seriously, it’s like a portion of holiday gaiety.
What makes this Spiced Eggnog Loaf truly special?
The beauty of this Spiced Eggnog Loaf? It’s all about that ratio. Moist, buttery cake with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg that remind you of everything you love about the holidays. The vanilla pudding mix keeps it crazy soft, and that brown sugar crumble? Oh, it adds the perfect crunch on top, just when you thought it couldn’t get any better. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or just as a little treat with your coffee, this loaf is bound to become a holiday staple. Trust me, minimal effort, maximum flavor—what more could you want?
What You Need To Make This Spiced Eggnog Loaf Recipe?
These ingredients all work together to create the ultimate holiday loaf, cozy, spiced, and perfectly sweet.
Flour: This is your foundation, the structure of the loaf. I used all-purpose flour for a light, fluffy texture that still has enough strength to hold all those delicious spices and eggnog.
Eggnog: This is the star of the show! It adds a rich, creamy flavor that gives the loaf its festive vibe. If you’re using store-bought eggnog, make sure it’s the good stuff—nice and thick for maximum flavor.
Butter: Room temperature butter is key here. It adds richness and helps create that perfectly moist crumb that makes you want to go back for another slice. Don’t skimp on this!
Sugar: Classic white sugar adds sweetness, but also works with the butter to create that light and tender texture we love in cakes and loaves.
Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: Okay, this is a secret weapon! It keeps the loaf extra soft and gives it a rich vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with the eggnog and spices.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add structure, giving the loaf that nice rise. Make sure they’re room temp so they blend smoothly with the butter and sugar.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These spices are the real holiday magic here. Nutmeg is that signature eggnog spice, while cinnamon in the crumble adds warmth and coziness.
Brown Sugar: This gives the crumble its sweet, slightly caramelized crunch. Perfect for contrasting with the soft loaf underneath.
Butter: This helps the crumble come together and gives it that irresistible richness and crunch. When it bakes, it becomes golden and crispy, and just so good.
Steps To Make Spiced Eggnog Loaf:
Alright, here’s how to make this delicious Spiced Eggnog Loaf, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Let’s get to it:
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Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F. You want it nice and hot when the loaf goes in. Grab your loaf pan and give it a good grease—either butter or non-stick spray works. You don’t want any sticking when it’s time to pull out your masterpiece.
Now, let’s start with the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, salt, and that lovely nutmeg. Set it aside for now; we’ll come back to it soon.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream your butter and sugar together until they’re smooth and fluffy. This is key for that perfect texture. One by one, beat in the eggs—don’t rush this step! Then, stir in the vanilla pudding mix. This is where things get deliciously creamy. Add your eggnog and vanilla extract, and mix until it’s all combined. It’s going to smell amazing already!
Step 3: Slowly start adding your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Go a little at a time, and mix just until it’s all combined—don’t overdo it. We want the loaf to be light and fluffy, not dense.
Step 4: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Now for that crumble topping. In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter until it’s crumbly and ready to go. Sprinkle this glorious mixture all over the top of your loaf batter. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s evenly distributed for that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Pop your loaf in the oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick or knife comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like holiday heaven while this bakes.
Step 7: Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Give it a few minutes to set before slicing in—if you can wait that long!
Tip:
Here’s a little insider secret to make your Spiced Eggnog Loaf even better: room temperature ingredients are key. Seriously, let that butter and eggnog come to room temperature before you start mixing. Why? Because when everything is at the same temp, it combines more smoothly and gives you a softer, more tender loaf. Cold ingredients can lead to clumping, and we definitely don’t want that! Also, when you’re mixing in the dry ingredients, be gentle. Over-mixing will make the loaf dense, and we want it light and fluffy, right? Oh, and that brown sugar crumble on top? Try adding a pinch of sea salt to the crumble mixture. Trust me, it’ll create the perfect sweet-salty balance that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this Spiced Eggnog Loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This loaf stays moist and delicious for a few days, so you can totally bake it a fourth of the time. Just hold it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can even freeze it for more extended storage. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it up to avoid any freezer burn.
What if I don’t have vanilla pudding mix?
No worries! You can ditch it out if you don’t have any on hand. The pudding mix just adds additional moisture and taste, but the loaf will still turn out appetizing without it. You could also substitute it with an extra tablespoon of flour and a slight splash of extra vanilla extract if you desire to preserve that added flavor.
Can I swap the eggnog for something else?
Sure thing! If you’re not an eggnog fan or just don’t have any on hand, you can use whole milk or even half-and-half instead. It won’t have that distinct eggnog flavor, but the loaf will still be super moist and tasty. Just up the spices a little bit to give it that holiday flair!
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Spiced Eggnog Loaf
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ c flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ c butter softened to room temp
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 3.4 ounces box of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ c eggnog
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- ½ c brown sugar
- ¼ c flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- ⅓ c butter softened to room temp
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a loaf pan a good coating of grease—nobody likes sticking!
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg, then set it aside. In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar until they’re nice and smooth. Add the eggs one by one, mixing as you go. Next, toss in the pudding mix, give it a stir, then pour in the eggnog and vanilla, blending until everything is combined.
- Now, gradually fold in your dry ingredients with the wet mixture—don’t overmix, just blend until it all comes together. Stream the batter into your prepped pan.
- For the topping, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a separate bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle this delicious crumble over the batter.
- Pop your loaf into the oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the middle comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing into that cozy goodness!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
