Spiced Eggnog Banana Bread with Pecan Topping
Moist eggnog banana bread with nutmeg, vanilla pudding and a cinnamon pecan crunch. An easy one-loaf Christmas bake ready in about an hour.
Banana bread is comfort food for me, and adding eggnog turns it into something made for the holidays. It is soft and moist inside, with a crunchy pecan and cinnamon top that I could eat on its own. I love that it uses ripe bananas I might have thrown away.
Saúl’s Tip
If the pecan topping starts getting dark before the loaf is done, lay a piece of foil loosely over the top. Then let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out so it does not break.
Tips for Success
- Use a very ripe banana with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Stir the batter only until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes the loaf tough.
- Shake the eggnog carton well before measuring.
- Check the loaf at 40 minutes, since ovens vary.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Variations
- Skip the rum and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla.
- Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
- Bake as 12 muffins for 20 to 25 minutes.
Spiced Eggnog Banana Bread with Pecan Topping
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
- Mix in the granulated sugar, oil, mashed banana, eggnog, rum and vanilla.
- In a second bowl, whisk the flour, pudding mix, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
- Stir the dry mix into the wet mix until just combined. A few small lumps are fine.
- Pour the batter into the pan.
- Mix the pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the batter.
- Bake for 40 to 60 minutes. A toothpick pushed into the center should come out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift the loaf onto a wire rack to cool fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Yes. Homemade eggnog works well. Just make sure it is thick enough to pour like heavy cream.
Do I need the pudding mix?
The pudding mix keeps the loaf soft and moist. If you leave it out, add 2 more tbsp flour and expect a slightly drier crumb.
How do I know the bread is done?
A toothpick in the center should come out clean or with a few dry crumbs. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
