Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings a little magic to your holiday gatherings, this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe is just the thing! This delightful dessert is perfect for festive mornings or as a sweet ending to a holiday dinner. Imagine the aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon filling your home while you bake this creamy treat. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, whether you’re whipping it up for Thanksgiving brunch or Christmas dessert.

I love how this bread pudding transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The rich custard made with eggnog gives it a luscious texture, while the spices add just the right amount of warmth and cheer. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with your loved ones, every bite is like a hug in dessert form!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: In just 20 minutes, you can have this delicious dish ready for the oven.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and soft texture!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy mornings; prepare it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
• Flexible Serving Options: Dress it up with sauces or toppings for an added touch!
• Holiday Cheer: Infused with classic seasonal spices, it’s sure to bring joy to any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need for our Eggnog Bread Pudding!

For the Bread Pudding

• 1 loaf stale challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-in / 2.5 cm pieces (1 lb, about 13-14 cups total)
• 6 cups / 1.4 l / 48 fl oz eggnog, at room temperature
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup / 100 g / 3.5 oz white granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Variations

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
• Incorporate Dried Fruits: Raisins or cranberries can add a lovely burst of flavor and texture.
• Try Different Breads: Use leftover panettone or even croissants for different tastes and textures.
• Change Up the Spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for an exciting flavor profile.

How to Make Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prep

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Greasing your baking dish ensures that our pudding won’t stick later on. Grab some butter or cooking spray and coat a 13 in x 9 in baking dish well.

Step 2: Mix Custard

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these together until well mixed. Add in the eggs one by one while whisking vigorously. Finally, gradually pour in the eggnog, blending everything until smooth. This custard is what makes our bread pudding so creamy!

Step 3: Assemble Bread Pudding

Now it’s time to layer! Place the bread cubes evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pour the delicious custard mixture over them and gently toss everything together so that each piece of bread is coated.

Step 4: Rest

This step is key! Using a spoon or spatula, gently press down on the bread cubes so they soak up all that custardy goodness. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Bake

Remove the foil and bake your creation in the preheated oven for about 45 to 55 minutes. You want it golden brown on top and puffed up nicely—make sure to check if a knife inserted in the center comes out clean!

Step 6: Serve

Let your bread pudding rest for about 20 to 30 minutes before diving in. If you like, dust some powdered sugar on top for presentation and serve with eggnog sauce or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe

Making this eggnog bread pudding is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can take it to the next level!

• Use stale bread: Stale challah or brioche absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, resulting in a more flavorful and moist pudding.
• Let it rest: Allowing the mixture to sit for 30 minutes lets the bread fully soak up the custard. This step ensures every bite is rich and creamy.
• Cover while baking: If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with foil to prevent burning while allowing it to cook through.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices like allspice or ginger for a unique twist that can make your bread pudding truly special.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to bake it when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe

When it’s time to enjoy your eggnog bread pudding, presentation can elevate your dish from delicious to extraordinary! Here are some serving suggestions:

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the dish visually appealing.
• Cinnamon stick: Placing a cinnamon stick on top not only looks lovely but also enhances the aromatic experience of your dessert.
• Fresh nutmeg: Grating a bit of fresh nutmeg over each serving brings out that warm, spicy flavor and makes everything feel extra special.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A bright fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bread pudding, helping balance flavors on your plate.
• Maple syrup: Drizzling some pure maple syrup over each serving adds an extra hint of sweetness and complements the warm spices beautifully.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and lightness, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Eggnog sauce: For an extra festive touch, serve with homemade eggnog sauce on the side. This rich sauce echoes the flavors of your pudding perfectly!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your eggnog bread pudding will not only taste amazing but also look beautiful for any holiday gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious holiday treat without the hassle on busy mornings. It’s versatile enough to be made ahead of time, so you can serve it fresh or store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep the texture intact, cover with plastic wrap before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bread pudding in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the pudding in a baking dish.
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes, until warmed through. For quicker reheating, use a microwave on medium power for about 2-3 minutes per serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe.

Can I use different types of bread for this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe?

Absolutely! While challah or brioche works best due to their richness, you can substitute with any type of stale bread. Just ensure it’s hearty enough to hold up against the custard mixture.

How long will the Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this bread pudding will remain fresh for up to 3 days. If frozen, individual portions can last up to 2 months and still taste delightful when reheated!

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed combined with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). This will help bind the ingredients while providing a similar texture.

What can I serve with this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe?

Consider serving it warm with powdered sugar dusted on top, alongside eggnog sauce or whipped cream. Ice cream also pairs beautifully if you’re looking for an indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe as much as I do. It brings warmth and comfort to any holiday gathering, making it a special addition to your festive meals. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast delight or a sweet dessert, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Happy baking!