As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, often evoked by the delightful scents wafting from our kitchens. This Eggnog Bread Pudding captures that magic perfectly, with warm hints of nutmeg and vanilla dancing alongside the comforting spice of cinnamon. Imagine gathering with loved ones on a chilly morning, the table adorned with this creamy, indulgent dessert that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.
With just 15 minutes of prep, this recipe not only gives leftover stale bread a new lease on life but also transforms it into a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether it graces your Thanksgiving table or serves as a sweet brunch centerpiece for Christmas morning, each bite of this bread pudding envelops you in warmth—both in flavor and spirit. So, let’s dive in and create a holiday classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Eggnog Bread Pudding a Must-Make?
Comforting Warmth: This dish is the epitome of winter cozy, filling your home with nostalgic aromas that bring everyone to the table.
Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a stress-free dessert that’s perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
Rich and Flavorful: The creamy eggnog custard, blended with spices, creates a rich taste that will make taste buds dance.
Versatile Delight: Customize it with chocolate chips or nuts to elevate flavors, making it unique to your family traditions.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether for brunch or dessert, this pudding is sure to impress, leaving guests clamoring for your recipe!
Eggnog Bread Pudding Ingredients
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For the Base
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Stale Challah or Brioche Bread – A loaf cut into 1-inch pieces gives the pudding great texture; stale bread absorbs the custard best for a delicious Eggnog Bread Pudding.
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Eggnog – Use 6 cups at room temperature as your custard base for unmatched flavor, whether homemade or store-bought.
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Large Eggs – Six eggs bind the ingredients together, resulting in a rich and creamy texture.
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For the Sweetness
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Granulated Sugar – A 1/2 cup sweetens the dish nicely; swap it with brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
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Vanilla Extract – Two tablespoons enhance the custard with deep, comforting notes.
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For the Warm Spices
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Ground Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon to infuse your pudding with warm spice tones.
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Ground Nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon adds that signature holiday flair; freshly grated is perfect for even more intensity.
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For Balance
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Salt – Just 1/2 teaspoon to elevate the other flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Eggnog Bread Pudding
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. This ensures a non-stick finish so you can easily serve your delicious treat.
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Mix Custard: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk in the six large eggs until fully blended, then gradually add in the room temperature eggnog, mixing until smooth.
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Assemble Pudding: Place the 1-inch bread cubes in the greased dish. Pour the creamy custard mixture evenly over the bread and gently stir to combine, ensuring every piece is soaked.
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Rest: Lightly press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Cover the dish and let it sit for 30 minutes. This resting time will create an even creamier texture.
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Bake: Uncover and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen!
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Serve: Allow the pudding to stand for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and consider topping with eggnog sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added holiday flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Eggnog Bread Pudding?
As you gather around the table, imagine the delightful spread that complements your luscious dessert, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, aromatic drink enhances the cozy flavors of the bread pudding, making it a perfect pairing. The hint of cinnamon in the cider echoes the spices in your dessert.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a light, airy contrast to the rich pudding. It adds a delightful creaminess that keeps each bite indulgent.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness of the pudding, bringing a refreshing balance. Additionally, the vibrant color adds a festive touch to your plate.
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Pecan Pie: Serve alongside a slice of pecan pie for a truly decadent dessert experience. The crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavors harmonize beautifully with the creamy pudding.
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Chai Tea: A cup of spiced chai tea pairs perfectly, offering warming spices that complement the bread pudding. The creamy texture of the tea enhances the overall experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful chill and creaminess to the warm bread pudding. The melting ice cream creates a heavenly combination that everyone will love.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the pudding for an elegant touch. It elevates the dish to a decadent dessert while adding an extra layer of flavor.
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Nutmeg-Infused Eggnog: Enhance the festive spirit with some extra eggnog, gently spiced with nutmeg. This traditional drink ties everything together and envelops you in holiday cheer.
How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Bread Pudding
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of eggnog for moisture if needed.
Freezer: This Eggnog Bread Pudding freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: For best results, thaw the frozen bread pudding overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Reheating: When reheating, cover with foil in the oven to prevent drying out, and warm until heated through. Enjoy the cozy comfort once more!
Eggnog Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your eggnog bread pudding with these fun swaps and twists!
- Non-Alcoholic: Swap out the eggnog for a mixture of milk and half a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a family-friendly version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a decadent twist that’s sure to delight.
- Dried Fruit: Add one cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the bread mixture before pouring the custard for a burst of sweetness and texture.
- Nutty Flavor: Fold in half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy pudding.
- Coconut Twist: Substitute half of the eggnog with coconut milk for a tropical flavor that brings a new dimension to your holiday dessert.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a touch of allspice or ginger for an extra kick that will spice up your traditional recipe beautifully.
- Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of one orange into the custard for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavors.
- Savory Touch: For a unique twist, use a savory bread, like herb focaccia, and reduce the sugar for a dessert that dances between sweet and savory.
Each variation opens a door to new flavor profiles and personal touches, making your eggnog bread pudding a cherished tradition in your home!
Expert Tips for Eggnog Bread Pudding
- Stale Bread Essential: Ensure your bread is stale; it absorbs the custard better. If using fresh, bake it at 350°F for 10-14 minutes to dry it out.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the bread pudding the night before and refrigerate overnight. Simply pop it in the oven the next day for effortless enjoyment.
- Testing for Doneness: Use a knife to check the center; it should come out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on it!
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your Eggnog Bread Pudding warm for a creamy and comforting texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for extra flavor. Variations can make your holiday dessert uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Eggnog Bread Puddings are an absolute gem for busy cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The stale bread will absorb all those luscious custard flavors as it rests, enhancing the overall taste. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and pop it in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. By preparing ahead, you not only ease your holiday stress but also serve a dessert that’s just as delicious and comforting the next day!
Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for Eggnog Bread Pudding?
Stale challah or brioche bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard better, resulting in a luscious texture. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it by baking at 350°F for about 10-14 minutes, which helps achieve that perfect absorption.
How should I store leftover Eggnog Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use either the oven or microwave. I often add a splash of eggnog to ensure it doesn’t dry out, keeping it creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze Eggnog Bread Pudding?
Yes, this delightful dish freezes very well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
What should I do if my Eggnog Bread Pudding is too dry?
If your pudding turns out dry, it may be because it was overbaked or the bread was too dry initially. To remedy this, you can always serve it warm with a sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream on top. Another idea is to drizzle some warm eggnog or milk over the individual portions just before serving to add extra moisture.
Are there any dietary considerations to note for Eggnog Bread Pudding?
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but pay attention to dietary restrictions when selecting your eggnog, especially if you have guests with allergies. If desired, you can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting eggnog with milk mixed with spices for similar flavors. Always let your guests know about any gluten or dairy in your ingredients, especially when adding variations like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
Can I make Eggnog Bread Pudding the night before?
Very! You can assemble it the night before, cover it well, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day right from the fridge for an easy and convenient holiday dessert option, making your morning stress-free!
Eggnog Bread Pudding: Cozy Holiday Comfort in Every Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk in the six large eggs until fully blended, then gradually add in the room temperature eggnog, mixing until smooth.
- Place the 1-inch bread cubes in the greased dish. Pour the creamy custard mixture evenly over the bread and gently stir to combine.
- Lightly press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Cover the dish and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pudding to stand for 20-30 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and consider topping with eggnog sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream.