If you’re anything like me and adore the cozy flavors of the holidays, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread Recipe. Imagine tender, fluffy layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery goodness, all swirled with the rich, creamy warmth of eggnog-infused dough. This pull-apart bread is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a centerpiece-worthy delight that invites everyone at the table to share a slice of comfort and joy. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or alongside your holiday brunch, this recipe brings a festive twist that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of folded flatbread pieces arranged unevenly in about seven layers, each layer light beige with a soft yet slightly textured surface dusted with sugar and small bits of brown chopped nuts on top and scattered around. The stack sits on a dark flour-dusted white marbled surface, with some uncooked dough pieces and a blurred background showing a white cup and a red bag. The top piece is folded loosely, showing its soft inner texture. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s wonderful about this Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays its part, whether it’s bringing richness, spice, or that satisfying soft texture you crave in a holiday bread.

Eggnog (1½ cups): The star ingredient that lends creamy decadence and festive flavor.
Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Helps keep the dough soft and tender.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup + ¾ cup for filling): Adds just the right touch of sweetness throughout the bread.
Active dry yeast (1¾ teaspoons): Essential for creating the light, fluffy texture.
All-purpose flour (3¼ cups): The base that binds everything together perfectly.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives the bread a little extra lift and softness.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Balances the acidity and helps with browning.
Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors.
Salted butter, softened (¾ cup): The rich, creamy component in the filling that elevates every bite.
Cinnamon (1½ tablespoons): Brings that warm, spicy note that feels like the holidays.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle earthiness, pairing beautifully with eggnog.
Finely chopped pecans (¾ cup + ¼ cup for topping): Adds crunch and nutty flavor for texture contrast.
Powdered sugar (1½ cups for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth icing to finish the bread.
Rum extract (1½ teaspoons, optional): Introduces a hint of boozy warmth without alcohol.

How to Make Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Eggnog Mixture and Activate the Yeast

Start by gently heating eggnog, vegetable oil, and sugar together until just warm to the touch, between 100 and 110°F. This perfect temperature encourages the yeast to bloom, which you’ll see as a lovely foam forming after about two minutes. It’s that magical moment that promises soft, pillowy bread!

Step 2: Mix in the Flour and Let the Dough Rest

Stir in three cups of flour until everything just comes together, then cover your bowl with a clean towel. Set it somewhere warm to rest for about an hour. This rest period allows the yeast to work its charm, letting the dough rise and develop that airy texture.

Step 3: Add the Rising Agents and Seasonings

After the dough has risen, incorporate the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining flour. These ingredients give the bread a lovely lift and balance out the sweetness, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender and satisfying.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough into a rectangle about 30 by 10 inches. This is your canvas for the delicious filling that will be spread right on top.

Step 5: Prepare and Spread the Filling

Mix softened butter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until it becomes a luscious paste. Spread this mixture evenly over your dough, then sprinkle generously with chopped pecans, gently pressing them into the butter. The result is a flavorful, crunchy layer that makes this bread so irresistible.

Step 6: Slice, Stack, and Layer

Trim the edges of your dough to get neat sides, then slice it vertically into six strips. Stack these strips and slice them again into six square stacks. Place the stacks upright in a greased 9-inch bread pan, ready for baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Bread to Golden Perfection

Cover your bread pan with foil and bake it for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The bread should be cooked through, with a beautifully golden top that promises a crunchy crust and soft middle.

Step 8: Make the Glaze and Finish

Whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and rum extract until smooth and thick but pourable. Drizzle this glaze over the warm bread so it seeps into every nook and cranny. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top for an inviting finish that’s delightfully festive.

How to Serve Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread Recipe

A twisted rectangular bread loaf with multiple folded layers, each layer showing a mix of light golden brown dough and darker brown cinnamon swirls, topped with small nut pieces scattered over the surface. The bread sits on a black wire cooling rack. To the top left, there is a white bowl with a creamy sauce and a spoon inside. Around the rack are festive decorations, small round orange fruits with green leaves, and two mason jars filled with a creamy beverage topped with cinnamon. The bottom right shows more scattered nut pieces and a knife. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a little more cinnamon or nutmeg over the glaze before serving. You might also add a handful of toasted pecans on the side to enhance texture and flavor. These simple garnishes elevate the visual appeal and complement the warm spices in the bread.

Side Dishes

This Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread Recipe pairs gloriously with a cozy cup of spiced cider or coffee. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a light fruit salad to balance out the richness of the bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine serving this bread in a festive loaf pan right at the center of your brunch table, letting everyone pull apart a piece themselves. Or, for a charming holiday party treat, cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter with little toothpicks. It’s a show-stopper that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any bread left (though it’s hard to resist!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread soft and the glaze delightfully moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked pull-apart bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Freezing preserves its festive flavors perfectly!

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked feeling, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly. For an extra cozy touch, add a quick drizzle of warm eggnog glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without yeast?

Yeast is essential for achieving the soft, pull-apart texture that makes this bread so special. Without it, the bread would be dense rather than light and fluffy. For best results, stick to the recipe’s yeast instructions.

Is there a non-alcoholic option for the glaze?

Absolutely! The rum extract is optional and adds a lovely warmth, but you can simply omit it or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a mellow flavor that everyone will love.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives if pecans aren’t your favorite. Just make sure to chop them finely so they integrate well into the filling and topping.

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The initial rise takes about an hour in a warm place, but if you refrigerate the dough, it can slow down. Just punch it down if it rises too much in the fridge before using. Patience here means wonderful texture!

Can I prepare the dough a day ahead?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking. This allows the flavors to develop even more. Just be sure to bring the dough back to room temperature before rolling and filling.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Pull-Apart Bread Recipe is a true celebration of seasonal flavors wrapped up in soft, buttery layers that beg to be shared. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it instantly brings warmth and joy to your table. Whether it’s for a special holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!