Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1/2 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups prepared eggnog
- 1/2 tsp rum extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 2 tsp baking powder
For the Crumb Topping
- 1/4 cup salted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup room temperature salted butter, 1 cup sugar, and instant vanilla pudding mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the prepared eggnog, eggs, vanilla extract, and rum extract to the creamed mixture until fully combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Pans and Divide Batter: Grease and flour four mini loaf pans. Evenly divide the batter among the pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine cold cubed butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and sugar. Use a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
- Top Batter and Bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over each loaf. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly ground nutmeg in both the batter and crumb topping.
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light and tender crumb.
- The batter can be divided into mini loaf pans or one large loaf pan; adjust baking time accordingly if using a larger pan.
- Storing the bread in an airtight container at room temperature keeps it moist for up to 3 days.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American