1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Eggnog Bread Pudding

Holiday Eggnog Bread Pudding with Warm Custard Sauce

Featured in Decadent Desserts.

This festive bread pudding transforms simple ingredients into a cozy winter dessert. The combination of eggnog, warm spices, and buttery bread creates a rich, comforting treat. The homemade custard sauce takes it to another level.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:15 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A slice of baked dessert topped with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar is served on a white plate, with a rustic wooden fork and holiday decorations in the background. Pin it
A slice of baked dessert topped with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar is served on a white plate, with a rustic wooden fork and holiday decorations in the background. | kitchenscroll.com

My Cozy Holiday Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe

I stumbled upon this recipe during one snowy December evening in my kitchen and it's become our family's most requested holiday dessert. The magic happens when soft bread soaks up all that creamy eggnog goodness and warm spices. Every time I make this pudding the whole house fills with the most incredible aroma. Trust me, once you drizzle that homemade eggnog sauce on top you'll understand why my kids start asking for this as soon as they spot eggnog in the stores.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

I love how this dessert transforms day-old bread into something absolutely magical. The secret is letting that rich eggnog mixture really soak into each piece of bread. When it comes out of the oven all golden and puffy you'll swear you're in a fancy restaurant. Plus it makes the house smell like Christmas morning. I always make extra sauce because everyone always wants more.

What You'll Need

  • Bread: Brioche, challah, French bread, or sliced white bread, preferably slightly stale for better absorption of the eggnog mixture.
  • Eggnog: Store-bought or homemade, used in both the bread pudding and the sauce.
  • Milk: Any variety works, including whole, skim, almond, or oat milk.
  • Sugar: White or brown sugar enhances the sweetness in both the pudding and the sauce.
  • Eggs: Large eggs for binding the pudding and thickening the sauce.
  • Flavorings: Vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and optional spiced rum for depth.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the eggnog sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect custardy consistency.

Kitchen Magic Time

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Mix in the Bread
Gently fold in bread pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden and the center is slightly wiggly. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Combine eggnog, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan, whisking constantly over medium heat until thickened. Temper one beaten egg with a third of the mixture before adding it back to the pan. Stir in butter and optional spiced rum.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm eggnog sauce, whipped cream, or even vanilla ice cream.
A slice of bread pudding topped with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar, served on a white plate with a fork. Pin it
A slice of bread pudding topped with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar, served on a white plate with a fork. | kitchenscroll.com

Serving Your Masterpiece

I love sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the top just before bringing it to the table. The warm eggnog sauce is an absolute must and a big dollop of fresh whipped cream makes everything even more special. Sometimes I serve it with vanilla ice cream for the kids or drizzle maple syrup over it when we have it for Christmas morning breakfast. Pure heaven.

Keeping It Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days. Just pop individual portions in the microwave until warm and add a fresh splash of sauce. The texture stays amazing and somehow the flavors get even better the next day.

Mix Up Your Sauce Game

While my homemade eggnog sauce is always a crowd pleaser I sometimes switch things up depending on what I have in my pantry. A warm vanilla sauce is lovely or try my rum raisin sauce for something extra special. You really can't go wrong with warm caramel sauce either. Sometimes I make two different sauces and let everyone pick their favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

You can prepare the bread pudding up to a day ahead and reheat it before serving. The custard sauce is best made fresh, but can be gently rewarmed if needed.

→ What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old bread works best as it soaks up more custard. French bread, brioche, or challah are excellent choices for their texture and ability to hold up in the pudding.

→ Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The rum in the sauce is optional. You can skip it entirely or use a splash of vanilla extract instead for extra flavor.

→ How do I know when the bread pudding is done?

The pudding should be set but still have a slight wiggle in the center. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean, though it might be moist.

→ Can I freeze leftover bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze the bread pudding for up to 3 months. Wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge. The sauce should be made fresh when serving.

Eggnog Bread Pudding

Warm, comforting bread pudding infused with eggnog and winter spices, topped with a rich custard sauce. A perfect dessert for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pudding)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1½ cups eggnog.
02 ½ cup milk.
03 ½ cup sugar.
04 4 eggs.
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
06 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
07 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
08 ¼ teaspoon salt.
09 10 cups cubed bread.
10 For the Eggnog Sauce:.
11 1½ cups eggnog.
12 ¼ cup sugar.
13 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
14 1 egg.
15 2 tablespoons butter.
16 2 tablespoons spiced rum (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.

Step 02

Mix eggnog, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 03

Add bread cubes and toss until well coated.

Step 04

Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set but slightly wiggly in center.

Step 05

Beat egg in a bowl and set aside.

Step 06

Mix eggnog, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until gently boiling.

Step 07

Slowly pour 1/3 of hot mixture into beaten egg, whisking quickly.

Step 08

Return egg mixture to saucepan with remaining sauce. Heat on low until gently boiling, whisking constantly.

Step 09

Remove from heat, stir in butter and rum if using. Pour warm sauce over bread pudding to serve.

Notes

  1. Perfect holiday dessert that combines classic bread pudding with festive eggnog flavors.
  2. Can be made in either 9x13-inch or 8x11-inch baking dish.
  3. Add 5 extra minutes baking time for smaller dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Saucepan.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (eggnog, milk, butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 407
  • Total Fat: 11.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 14.2 g