Name: Creamy Eggnog Bread Pudding for Cozy Holiday Moments
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 10 cups stale challah or brioche bread (cut into cubes); 4 cups eggnog (at room temperature); 4 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup white granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor); 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for authentic taste); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated preferred); 1 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted bread or butter); 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting); 1 cup whipped cream (homemade preferred); 2 scoops ice cream (vanilla or caramel); 1 cup eggnog sauce (for drizzling optional)

As I stood in the kitchen, the familiar scent of nutmeg and vanilla warmed the air, instantly drawing me back to holiday memories filled with laughter and joy. This Eggnog Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting embrace in every bite, perfect for holiday celebrations. With its simple preparation, this festive treat combines the richness of velvety eggnog custard and the tender texture of stale bread, making it a delightful centerpiece for any Christmas brunch or cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can indulge! Curiosity starts to bubble up—what creative toppings or variations will you try to make this dish uniquely yours?

Why is Eggnog Bread Pudding a Holiday Must?

Comforting, Festive Flavor: The nostalgia-inducing combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that screams holiday cheer.
Effortless Preparation: You won’t need any fancy techniques here! This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for even novice bakers.
Versatile Toppings: Whether you prefer a dusting of powdered sugar, creamy whipped cream, or decadent ice cream, your topping choices are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this dish accommodates everyone, being vegetarian-friendly and large enough to feed a group. Can’t get enough of holiday flavors? Try pairing it with Gingerbread Pancakes for a festive breakfast combo!
Make-Ahead Opportunity: Assemble it the night before to save you time and keep your cooking stress-free on festive mornings.

Indulge in this delightful Eggnog Bread Pudding, and you’ll discover why it’s adored year after year!

Eggnog Bread Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding
• Stale Challah or Brioche Bread – Provides a wonderful texture; using day-old bread is best for optimal absorption.
• Eggnog – The star ingredient for the custard, adding a rich, festive flavor; opt for homemade or quality store-bought at room temperature.
• Large Eggs – Bind the pudding together and contribute to its richness; using eggs at room temperature helps with even mixing.
• White Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the pudding; brown sugar is a flavorful alternative if you desire a deeper taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the wonderful flavors in the pudding; pure vanilla extract is the way to go for an authentic taste.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm spiciness; consider using pumpkin spice for a festive variation if desired.
• Ground Nutmeg – Essential for that holiday flavor; freshly grated nutmeg will give an aromatic boost.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors; you can omit if using salted bread or butter.

For the Toppings (Optional)
• Powdered Sugar – A simple dusting adds a sweet finish; great for presentation.
• Whipped Cream – A dollop on top brings lightness; homemade is always a treat!
• Ice Cream – Serve warm pudding with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Eggnog Sauce – Drizzle a homemade eggnog sauce for an extra burst of holiday cheer; find the recipe in our variations section.

Dive into the holiday spirit with this Eggnog Bread Pudding, and don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Bread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a touch of butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later. This sets you up for success as you prepare your Eggnog Bread Pudding, creating a non-stick surface that highlights the dish’s creamy texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Then, crack the large eggs into the mixture and beat until smooth. Gradually add the eggnog while continuing to whisk, creating a luscious custard that brings the flavors of the holiday season to life.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread
Cut your stale challah or brioche bread into cubes and gently place them in the prepared baking dish. Ensure that the bread is evenly distributed, which will allow it to soak up the custard mixture fully. Pour the custard over the bread, using a spatula to gently toss and coat every piece, creating a satisfying hug of flavor in your Eggnog Bread Pudding.

Step 4: Let it Rest
With the bread coated, gently press down on the mixture to make sure the bread absorbs the custard properly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This waiting period allows the bread to soak up the delicious custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful pudding once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Once rested, remove the foil and place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set. A knife or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, promising a fluffy and decadent Eggnog Bread Pudding that will warm hearts.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the Eggnog Bread Pudding to cool for 20 to 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the custard to firm up slightly for easier slicing. For an extra touch, consider dusting it with powdered sugar, or serve it warm with a drizzle of eggnog sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful finishing touch.

Expert Tips for Eggnog Bread Pudding

• Use Stale Bread: Ensure the bread is stale for optimal absorption; using fresh bread can lead to a soggy texture.

• Room Temperature Eggs: Let your eggs sit out before mixing; room temperature helps create a smoother custard.

• Heavy Custard Pour: Don’t shy away from pouring custard generously; evenly coating every piece of bread is key to achieving a sumptuous Eggnog Bread Pudding.

• Rest is Essential: Allowing the mixture to rest ensures deep flavor integration; skipping this step may result in unevenly cooked pudding.

• Bake Evenly: Check your oven for hot spots; rotating the baking dish halfway through can help achieve that golden, crispy top throughout.

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the pudding the night before and refrigerate it; this enhances the flavors and makes your holiday prep stress-free!

How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Bread Pudding

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors rich and helps maintain the pudding’s moistness.

Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1 minute for a quick treat.

Serving Suggestion: For an enhanced experience, serve with warm eggnog sauce or a scoop of ice cream when you reheat your Eggnog Bread Pudding!

What to Serve with Decadent Eggnog Bread Pudding

Indulging in the creamy goodness of eggnog bread pudding opens the door to a variety of delightful side dishes and drinks that can elevate your holiday meal.

Cranberry Sauce: The tart sweetness of cranberry sauce complements the rich flavors of the pudding and adds a festive touch.
Maple Bacon: The savory crunch of crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup contrasts beautifully with the pudding’s tenderness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Cozy up with a warm pumpkin spice latte that echoes the spices in your pudding, making it an inviting pairing for a festive brunch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds temperature contrast and enhances the overall sweetness of the bread pudding. The combination is downright dreamy!
Spiced Nuts: Serve a bowl of warm spiced nuts for a crunchy prelude to dessert; they offer a savory note that beautifully balances the sweetness of the pudding.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with seasonal berries and citrus can cut through the richness of the pudding, adding brightness to your plate.
Hot Chocolate: Rich and comforting, a cup of hot chocolate, perhaps with a splash of peppermint, pairs wonderfully with the warm and spiced pudding for a satisfying finish.
Whipped Cream Topping: Don’t forget the classic! A dollop of homemade whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast to the eggnog bread pudding’s rich custard.

With these enticing pairings, your holiday table will be bursting with flavor, warmth, and joy!

Make Ahead Options

These delicious Eggnog Bread Pudding treats are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the pudding up to 24 hours in advance by following the full recipe instructions. Simply prepare the custard, coat the stale bread, and cover the dish tightly with foil before refrigerating overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge and bake as instructed. To maintain quality, ensure that the bread is adequately pressed into the custard and that the dish is well-covered to prevent drying. This way, you’ll enjoy the same warm, comforting taste of your Eggnog Bread Pudding with minimal effort!

Eggnog Bread Pudding Variations

Customize your Eggnog Bread Pudding and discover new flavors that will elevate this festive dish even more!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the eggnog with a dairy-free version made from almond or oat milk. This keeps the recipe vegan-friendly while allowing all the spice flavors to shine through.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips before baking for an indulgent twist. The chocolate melts into the custard, providing a rich contrast to the warming spices that create an irresistible flavor fusion.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread mixture for a delightful crunch. Nuts introduce a satisfying texture that complements the creamy pudding perfectly.
Fruit Infusion: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of sweetness and added chewiness. This fruity addition brightens the dish and makes it feel even more festive!
Spicy Kick: Spice things up by incorporating a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños into the custard for a surprising heat. This variation will excite your palate and can be a fun conversation starter at your holiday gatherings.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with different eggnog flavors, such as caramel or vanilla, to switch up the taste profile. It’s a fantastic way to refresh a classic recipe and have it match your unique preferences!
Decadent Toppings: Consider drizzling the pudding with homemade caramel sauce or serving it alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra-treat moment. The combination of warm pudding and cold toppings creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love.

Feeling inspired to enhance your Eggnog Bread Pudding? Don’t forget to pair it with a warm mug of hot cocoa or even a spicy gingerbread twist from our Gingerbread Pancakes for an unforgettable holiday brunch!

Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs

What kind of bread should I use for Eggnog Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! Use stale challah or brioche bread for the best texture and absorption. If your bread isn’t stale, you can cut it into cubes and toast it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-14 minutes to dry it out. This will help ensure your pudding is moist and delicious!

How long can I store leftover Eggnog Bread Pudding?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain its rich flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Can I freeze Eggnog Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! You can wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors intact while making sure you have a delightful dessert ready on hand!

How can I troubleshoot if my bread pudding turns out too dry or soggy?
If your pudding is dry, it likely needed more custard to soak in. Try adding more eggnog next time to achieve a richer texture. On the flip side, if it’s soggy, ensure you are using stale bread to absorb the custard effectively. Also, make sure to allow it to rest for the full 30 minutes as instructed; this makes a significant difference!

Are there any dietary concerns with Eggnog Bread Pudding?
While this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, be cautious if you’re serving anyone with egg or dairy allergies. You can explore egg-free custard mixes or plant-based substitutes such as almond or soy milk to make it suitable for a broader audience. Just tweak your ingredient list accordingly for a delicious outcome that everyone can enjoy!

Can I prepare Eggnog Bread Pudding the day before?
Yes! In fact, doing so can enhance the flavors. Just assemble the pudding the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you bake it the next day, it should have a delightful depth of flavor, a real holiday treat!