If you adore cozy holiday flavors and the comforting warmth of a classic dessert, you’re going to fall in love with this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe. Imagine soft cubes of day-old brioche or challah soaking up a rich custard infused with creamy eggnog, warm spices, and just a hint of vanilla. Baked until golden and tender, this treat brings together the best of Christmas nostalgia and homestyle decadence in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for gatherings or a special weekend breakfast, and it will quickly become your go-to comfort dessert during the festive season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding layers of flavor, creamy texture, and that holiday spirit we all crave without any fuss.
- 6 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread: Provides a soft, buttery foundation that soaks up the custard perfectly.
- 2 cups eggnog: Adds rich creaminess and festive flavor that defines this pudding.
- ½ cup whole milk: Balances the custard, making it silky and smooth.
- 4 large eggs: The essential binders giving the pudding its custardy structure.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish to just the right degree without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic hint enhancing all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Introduces a classic holiday spice that elevates the eggnog base.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice note and beautiful warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the overall flavor.
- Optional toppings (powdered sugar, whipped cream, eggnog glaze): These finishing touches make each serving extra special and festive.
How to Make Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when your pudding mixture is prepared. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make sure the pudding comes out perfectly intact after baking.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggnog, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This custard forms the luscious base that will soak into the bread and transform the pudding into a creamy delight.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add the cubed brioche or challah to the custard mixture and gently fold until every piece of bread is fully coated. Allow this to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so the bread has time to absorb all that flavorful custard. This step is crucial for getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you expect from an irresistible bread pudding.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns beautifully golden and the center is set. You can check doneness by inserting a knife into the middle — it should come out clean. This slow bake allows all the flavors to meld together and the bread to become luxuriously soft yet set.
Step 5: Cool and Add Finishing Touches
Once baked, remove your bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This makes slicing easier and helps the flavors settle. For an extra festive touch, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle an eggnog glaze, or top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. These garnishes add that wow factor and a hint of sweetness or creaminess to each bite.
How to Serve Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar brings a light, snowy finish that looks as delightful as it tastes. Whipped cream adds an airy richness that pairs brilliantly with the warm spices. For an elevated experience, an eggnog glaze can be drizzled over to infuse even more creamy holiday flavor with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced pears or cranberries, lending a refreshing contrast. A cup of hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or mulled wine can round out your serving, creating a harmonious balance between sweet, warm, and tart.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant look at dinner parties. Layer with a caramel or chocolate sauce for decadence, or sprinkle toasted pecans or raisins on top before baking for texture and visual interest. If you’re hosting brunch, slice it into squares and serve warm alongside eggs or bacon for a fantastic sweet-savory combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Eggnog bread pudding holds up beautifully for up to three days, making it a great option for enjoying the next day or two after your celebration.
Freezing
You can freeze baked portions by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and foil or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Frozen bread pudding stays fresh for up to two months, which means you can prepare this delightful dessert ahead of time and thaw when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through to retain that cozy texture. Alternatively, microwave individual slices in short bursts, covering them to keep moisture. Adding a bit of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar after reheating can revive that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their softness and buttery texture, you can substitute with other breads like French bread or even croissants for a different twist. Just make sure it’s day-old or slightly stale to properly absorb the custard.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the eggnog and milk for dairy-free alternatives such as almond or coconut milk and find or make a dairy-free eggnog. Keep in mind the flavors and textures may be slightly different but still delicious!
What variations can I try with this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe?
Mix in dried fruits like raisins or chopped nuts such as pecans for crunch and added flavor. A handful of chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking gives a decadent touch perfect for celebrations.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, without wet custard. The edges should be set and the middle slightly firm but perfectly tender.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the custard-soaked bread mixture and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to meld even more deeply but be sure to cover it tightly and bake the next day for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and festive cheer to any table. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or a cozy night in, it delivers every time with simple ingredients and classic flavors. Give it a try and watch how quickly this holiday dessert becomes a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
Print
Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and comforting Eggnog Bread Pudding made with cubed brioche or challah soaked in a rich eggnog custard, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make holiday dessert or breakfast treat features warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and can be topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or an eggnog glaze for an extra special touch.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 2 cups eggnog
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Bread
- 6 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Eggnog glaze
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread: Add the cubed day-old brioche or challah bread to the eggnog custard mixture. Gently stir to coat all the bread pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard fully, resulting in a moist pudding.
- Optional Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of raisins or chopped pecans into the soaked bread mixture before baking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set. To check doneness, insert a knife into the center— it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with eggnog glaze, or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add ½ cup raisins or chopped pecans before baking.
- Leftover bread pudding can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick breakfast or dessert.
- Use day-old brioche or challah for the best texture as fresh bread may become too mushy.
- Eggnog glaze can be made by combining powdered sugar with a small amount of eggnog to drizzle on top.
