When the holiday season arrives, there are certain flavors that instantly signal comfort, celebration, and nostalgia. Peppermint, cinnamon, gingerbread—and of course, eggnog. Rich, creamy, and delicately spiced, eggnog has long been a seasonal favorite, enjoyed by the glass or splashed into lattes and desserts. This Sweet Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping transforms that beloved holiday drink into a tender, bakery-style quick bread that feels festive yet incredibly approachable.

This recipe is designed for home bakers who want maximum flavor without complicated techniques. The bread itself is moist, softly spiced, and infused with real eggnog flavor, while the buttery crumb topping adds a contrasting crunch that makes every slice irresistible. Whether you’re baking for Christmas morning, a winter brunch, or edible gifts, this eggnog loaf delivers on flavor, aroma, and visual appeal.

Unlike yeast breads that require time and patience, this eggnog quick bread comes together easily with pantry staples and a simple mixing method. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a quiet winter afternoon while holiday music plays in the background and the kitchen fills with the scent of nutmeg and vanilla.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Eggnog Bread

There are plenty of holiday baked goods competing for your attention, but this recipe stands out for several reasons:

Seasonal flavor without being overpowering – The eggnog adds richness while nutmeg and vanilla keep it balanced.
Perfect texture – Moist and tender inside, crisp and crumbly on top.
No mixer required – A couple of bowls and a spoon are all you need.
Versatile – Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a holiday snack.
Giftable – This loaf travels well and looks beautiful wrapped in parchment and twine.

If you’re looking to expand your Christmas eggnog baking repertoire beyond cookies and drinks, this bread is the perfect place to start.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggnog Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup eggnog

For the Crumb Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour in the eggnog and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Bread

Use full-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and moistest crumb.
Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding ensures tender bread.
Check early – ovens vary, so start testing around 50 minutes.
Tent with foil if the crumb topping browns too quickly.
Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Delicious Variations to Try

Spiked Eggnog Bread: Add 1 tablespoon dark rum or bourbon to the batter.
Glazed Version: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze once cooled.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini pans for gifting.

How to Serve Sweet Eggnog Bread

This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with butter for breakfast, pair it with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack, or dress it up with whipped cream for dessert. It also makes a lovely addition to holiday brunch spreads alongside fruit, eggs, and savory dishes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

A Little Holiday Baking History

Eggnog dates back centuries, with roots in medieval Europe. Over time, it became a cherished holiday drink in America. Incorporating eggnog into baked goods is a modern twist that celebrates tradition while creating something new. This bread is a perfect example of how classic flavors evolve into new family favorites.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Eggnog Bread with Crumb Topping captures everything we love about holiday baking: warmth, nostalgia, and comfort wrapped into a simple, satisfying recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this loaf is approachable, reliable, and endlessly festive. Bake it once, and it’s likely to become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen.