Name: Decadent Eggnog Bread Pudding for Your Holiday Table
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 10 slices stale challah or brioche bread (day-old preferred); 4 cups eggnog (room temperature); 4 large eggs (room temperature); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (can substitute with brown sugar); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure for best flavor); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (can use pumpkin pie spice); 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (use fresh for better aroma); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional for added flavor)

As I sifted through my spice cabinet, the warm aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon pulled me into memories of holiday gatherings, filled with laughter and good food. This is where my festive Eggnog Bread Pudding takes center stage, a simple yet indulgent dish that beautifully straddles the line between breakfast and dessert. With its creamy eggnog base and a delightful mix of spices, it is the perfect way to bring joy and warmth to any holiday table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those of us who want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Curiosity piqued? Let’s dive into creating this irresistible holiday delight!

Why is Eggnog Bread Pudding a Must-Try?

Irresistible Charm: This eggnog bread pudding combines festive flavors, making it the ultimate holiday treat.
Easy to Prepare: You only need a few ingredients for a show-stopping dessert, perfect for busy holiday cooks.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Moist & Flavorful: The rich custard-like texture and aromatic spices create a dessert that delights every palate, reminiscent of classic holiday flavors.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it the night before—making mornings stress-free when you have guests over. This delectable dish will surely make a lasting impression at your table!

Eggnog Bread Pudding Ingredients

For the Base

Stale Challah or Brioche Bread – This sturdy bread helps absorb the custard and adds a delightful texture; day-old is perfect for best results.
Eggnog – The star of the show, providing a creamy, rich custard base; use it at room temperature for even mixing.
Large Eggs – Essential for binding and creating that lovely custard consistency; bringing them to room temperature will help them blend better.

For the Sweetness

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the pudding harmoniously; feel free to use brown sugar for a hint of caramel.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste experience.

For the Spices

Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice; you could swap it with pumpkin pie spice for a festive twist.
Ground Nutmeg – Brings traditional holiday flavor; always use fresh for a more vibrant aroma.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile; a small but mighty ingredient.

Optional Add-Ins

Chocolate Chips or Dried Cranberries – These additions can elevate flavor and texture, making every bite exciting.
Powdered Sugar – A light dusting just before serving adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.

This Eggnog Bread Pudding is more than a dessert; it’s an experience that captures the warmth of festive gatherings in every delicious bite.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Bread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to generously grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with butter. This ensures that your eggnog bread pudding won’t stick, allowing for easy serving later. The aroma of melting butter will start to fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Mix Custard
In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to combine evenly. Next, crack in your large eggs, whisking them in to blend smoothly, followed by gradually incorporating the room-temperature eggnog. The mixture should be creamy, fragrant, and inviting.

Step 3: Assemble
Take your stale challah or brioche bread and cut it into cubes; these will absorb all the delicious custard. Scatter the bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the rich eggnog custard over the bread and use a gentle tossing motion to ensure the bread is well-coated but not overly broken.

Step 4: Rest
Once the bread and custard are combined, press down slightly on the bread to encourage maximum absorption of the custard mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and let it rest for 30 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors, transforming your eggnog bread pudding into a moist delight.

Step 5: Bake
After resting, remove the foil and place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, keeping an eye on it as it turns golden brown and sets. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that your delectable eggnog bread pudding is ready to be removed.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the eggnog bread pudding to cool for 20-30 minutes. This cooling time lets the flavors meld while making it easier to slice. For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar and serve warm, perhaps accompanied by a drizzle of eggnog sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.

Expert Tips for Eggnog Bread Pudding

Use Stale Bread: Opt for one to two-day-old bread for the best absorption. Fresh bread may lead to a soggy pudding instead of the perfect custardy texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature eggnog and eggs; this helps create a smooth, well-mixed custard without lumps.
Soaking Time: Don’t rush the resting step! Letting the assembled pudding sit for at least 30 minutes allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, ensuring moistness.
Check for Doneness: Besides visual checks, using an instant-read thermometer can offer confidence; the center should reach 160°F (70°C) for perfect texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing the dish the night before and refrigerating it makes morning gatherings effortless, allowing you to bake fresh bread pudding with minimal fuss.

Variations & Substitutions for Eggnog Bread Pudding

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe and make it uniquely yours!

Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or coconut milk for eggnog for a lighter version that still delights. The flavor remains rich while catering to those with dairy sensitivities.
Flavor Explosion: Add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans can enhance both flavor and texture. They not only provide a flavorful twist but also add delightful surprises in every bite!
Spice It Up: Swap out the ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to add a warm, autumn twist. Each bite will evoke that cozy seasonal feeling, making your pudding perfect for any occasion.
Nutty Delight: Incorporating crushed walnuts or hazelnuts will introduce a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy custard. This texture variation can take your dish to the next level.
Indulgent Drizzle: Top your finished pudding with a homemade eggnog sauce made with egg yolks, sugar, cream, and a splash of rum extract. It adds an extra layer of decadence and is perfect for special gatherings.
Zesty Sweetness: Infuse some citrus zest, like orange or lemon, into your custard mixture to brighten the flavors. This subtle twist can elevate the dish and delight the palate beautifully.
Berry Bliss: Incorporate fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for an inviting summer feel. The tartness will contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the pudding, creating a balance that’s hard to resist.

For more twists on classic recipes, consider trying out this Banana Bread Moist or even an Apple Bread Moist version to enhance your holiday baking repertoire!

What to Serve with Eggnog Bread Pudding

Treat your guests to a complete holiday experience by pairing this warm and indulgent dish with delightful accompaniments that enhance its festive charm.

Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that complements the rich custard, adding a creamy finish to each bite.
Eggnog Sauce: Drizzling this creamy sauce over the pudding infuses even more eggnog flavor, making it irresistibly indulgent.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pudding, adding a refreshing brightness.
Warm Spiced Apple Cider: Serve this cozy drink alongside the bread pudding to enhance the holiday atmosphere.
Sugary Cinnamon Rolls: Offering a similar flavor profile, these cinnamon rolls create a delightful breakfast spread perfect for festive mornings.
Chocolate Truffles: For the chocolate lovers, these rich morsels add an elegant touch that pairs wonderfully with the spiced pudding.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spicy, molasses flavor complements the holiday spices in the pudding, creating a nostalgic accompaniment.
Pecan Pie: The nutty sweetness of this classic dessert rounds out your holiday meal, giving guests a choice that mirrors the pudding’s cozy appeal.

How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Bread Pudding

Fridge: Store any leftover eggnog bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to maintain moisture.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pudding for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Make-Ahead: This delicious eggnog bread pudding can also be assembled beforehand and refrigerated overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.

Make Ahead Options

These Eggnog Bread Pudding are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can assemble the pudding up to 24 hours in advance by preparing the custard and soaking the bread cubes before refrigerating them tightly covered. Just be sure to allow the dish to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, which helps maintain its luscious texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply uncover it and proceed with baking as directed in the recipe. This way, you’ll enjoy a warm, festive treat with minimal effort, allowing you more time to focus on what truly matters during the holidays—spending time with loved ones!

Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of bread is best for eggnog bread pudding?
I recommend using stale challah or brioche bread! Day-old bread provides the best structure and absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. Fresh bread tends to retain too much moisture, resulting in an unappetizing texture.

How should I store my leftover eggnog bread pudding?
You can store any leftover eggnog bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to maintain its moisture and freshness!

Can I freeze eggnog bread pudding?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled eggnog bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

What should I do if my bread pudding is soggy?
If your eggnog bread pudding turns out soggy, it could be due to using fresh bread or not letting it rest long enough for the bread to soak in the custard. For next time, ensure you’re using stale bread, and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Are there any dietary considerations for making this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but be cautious of allergies. If you’re entertaining guests, double-check for any nut allergies if you decide to add nuts. For dairy-free options, you can substitute eggnog with almond or coconut milk, giving it a lighter twist while maintaining flavor.

Can I prepare eggnog bread pudding the night before?
Sure thing! You can assemble the entire dish the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven for the best results!