Holiday Eggnog Pudding

Category: Decadent Desserts

This holiday bread pudding transforms classic eggnog flavors into a warm, comforting dish. Made with rich brioche or challah bread soaked in eggnog custard and warm spices, it's perfect for holiday brunches or dessert. Serve with homemade rum sauce for extra indulgence.

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:35:38 GMT
A creamy bread pudding topped with pomegranate seeds and powdered sugar in a baking dish. Save
A creamy bread pudding topped with pomegranate seeds and powdered sugar in a baking dish. | kitchenscroll.com

Let me share my absolute favorite holiday recipe that fills my home with the coziest memories. This Eggnog Bread Pudding started in my grandmother's kitchen and has become our family's most treasured Christmas morning tradition. The way the rich eggnog custard transforms simple bread into something magical just makes the holidays feel extra special.

Why It's Pure Holiday Magic

The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes of prep time you've got something truly special coming together. I love making this when friends stop by during the holidays their faces light up the moment that sweet spicy aroma fills the air.

What You'll Need

  • Bread: Day-old brioche is my secret weapon here it soaks up all that goodness perfectly.
  • Eggnog: Get the good stuff it really makes a difference.
  • Eggs: These make our custard rich and velvety.
  • Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring those warm holiday vibes.
  • Vanilla: Just a splash makes everything better.
  • Eggnog Sauce: This takes it from delicious to absolutely incredible.

Creating The Custard

First let's mix up our custard base. I blend sugar with those cozy spices then whisk in our eggs and eggnog until everything's smooth and silky. This mixture is what transforms ordinary bread into something extraordinary. The smell alone takes me right back to my grandmother's kitchen.

A braided loaf of bread is surrounded by eggs, milk, sugar, and a bowl of cinnamon on a light countertop. Save
A braided loaf of bread is surrounded by eggs, milk, sugar, and a bowl of cinnamon on a light countertop. | kitchenscroll.com

Getting It Together

Once your custard's ready spread your bread cubes in a buttered baking dish. Pour that gorgeous custard all over making sure every piece gets some love. I like to gently press everything down so the bread can soak up all that richness.

The Waiting Game

Now comes the hard part waiting. Cover everything up and let it rest for 30 minutes. This gives the bread time to drink in all that custard goodness. Then into a 350°F oven it goes. I uncover it for the last 10 minutes to get that perfect golden top.

Time To Serve

When it comes out all puffed and golden dust it with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm eggnog sauce. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. During the holidays I love using eggnog ice cream it's absolutely dreamy.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I toss in dried cranberries or pecans for extra texture. During Christmas I'll use peppermint eggnog for something special. My kids love when I add chocolate chips they melt into little pockets of happiness throughout.

A plate of bread pudding topped with a creamy sauce, pomegranate seeds, and powdered sugar, surrounded by decorative fairy lights and utensils. Save
A plate of bread pudding topped with a creamy sauce, pomegranate seeds, and powdered sugar, surrounded by decorative fairy lights and utensils. | kitchenscroll.com

My Best Tips

Always use slightly stale bread it soaks up the custard so much better. Let everything rest after baking too it helps the custard set perfectly. These little tricks make such a difference in the final result.

Make Life Easier

Want to get ahead? Put everything together the night before cover it well and pop it in the fridge. In the morning just let it come to room temperature while your oven heats up. Perfect for busy holiday mornings.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Just warm them up gently in the oven or microwave. You can even freeze portions for later they reheat wonderfully. Though in my house leftovers rarely last that long.

Why We Love This So Much

There's something about this bread pudding that just feels like the holidays. Maybe it's the warm spices or how it brings everyone to the table with happy smiles. Whatever it is it's become our favorite way to make holiday mornings extra special.

A slice of creamy bread pudding is topped with powdered sugar and garnished with pomegranate seeds, served on a white plate with festive lights and cinnamon sticks in the background. Save
A slice of creamy bread pudding is topped with powdered sugar and garnished with pomegranate seeds, served on a white plate with festive lights and cinnamon sticks in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ What's the best bread to use?

Stale challah or brioche bread works best. The bread should be at least a day old, or you can dry fresh bread in the oven for 10-14 minutes.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

→ How do I know when it's done?

The pudding should be golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. This usually takes 45-55 minutes.

→ Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly. Just make sure it's at room temperature before mixing with other ingredients.

→ How should I serve this?

Let it stand for 20-30 minutes after baking, then serve with rum sauce, vanilla sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

A festive bread pudding made with challah or brioche soaked in rich eggnog custard and warm spices. Perfect for holiday breakfast or dessert.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
50 minutes
Total Time Required
70 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 10 Number of Servings (1 13x9 pan)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items Challah or brioche bread, stale, cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 pound (13-14 cups).
Contains 02 items Eggnog, room temperature, 6 cups.
Contains 03 items Large eggs, room temperature, 6.
Contains 04 items White granulated sugar, 1/2 cup.
Contains 05 items Pure vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons.
Contains 06 items Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon.
Contains 07 items Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon.
Contains 08 items Salt, 1/2 teaspoon.
Contains 09 items For the sauce: Egg yolks, 4.
Contains 10 items For the sauce: Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup.
Contains 11 items For the sauce: Half and half, 1/2 cup.
Contains 12 items For the sauce: Heavy cream, 1/2 cup.
Contains 13 items For the sauce: Rum extract or rum, 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon.
Contains 14 items For the sauce: Ground nutmeg, pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Mix sugar, vanilla, and spices. Whisk in eggs, then gradually stir in eggnog.

Step 03

Put bread cubes in prepared dish. Pour custard over and toss gently to coat.

Step 04

Press bread down to saturate. Cover with foil and let rest 30 minutes.

Step 05

Remove foil and bake 45-55 minutes until golden and puffed. Knife should come out clean.

Step 06

Beat egg yolks with sugar. Add cream and half-and-half. Cook in double boiler until thick. Add rum and nutmeg.

Important Tips

  1. Use stale bread or dry fresh bread in oven.
  2. Can be assembled night before.
  3. Let rest 20-30 minutes before serving.

Essential Tools

  • 13x9 inch baking dish.
  • Double boiler.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 425
  • Fat Amount: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein Amount: 14 g