Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe
Introduction
Eggnog bread pudding is a warm, indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of traditional eggnog with the comforting, custardy texture of bread pudding. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat to serve during the holiday season or a cozy dessert for any occasion, this dish brings together sweet, creamy, and spiced elements that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover challah or brioche bread, turning it into something truly special. The combination of the milk, eggs, and eggnog soaked into soft bread, with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes this pudding an irresistible delight.
History of Bread Pudding & Eggnog
Bread pudding is an ancient dessert, believed to date back to the Middle Ages when it was created as a way to use up stale bread. Over time, it evolved into a more decadent dish, often made with milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. The eggnog we know today originated in Europe and was traditionally a rich, egg-based beverage made with milk, sugar, and alcohol. In America, eggnog became a popular drink during the holidays, and eventually, it found its way into various recipes, including this delicious eggnog bread pudding.
The combination of these two holiday favorites—bread pudding and eggnog—offers a festive twist that is sure to evoke warm memories of family gatherings and cozy winter nights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb challah or brioche bread (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 2 1/2 cups eggnog
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent the pudding from sticking. - Prepare the Bread
Cut the challah or brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for about 10 minutes to firm up a bit. Stale bread works even better for this recipe, as it soaks up the custard more evenly. - Soak the Bread
Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the golden raisins over the top. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Once fully combined, pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring that all of them are soaked with the custard. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid. - Let It Soak
Let the bread pudding sit for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard. If you have more time, you can let it soak in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight, which enhances the flavor even further. - Bake the Pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding should be set but still moist inside. - Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired. - Optional Add-Ons
Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Method Overview
The key to making this eggnog bread pudding is in the soaking process. The bread cubes need to absorb the eggnog custard mixture, which gives the pudding its soft, custardy texture. The spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—add a warm, festive flavor that is characteristic of eggnog. Raisins provide little bursts of sweetness throughout, and the sugar caramelizes as it bakes, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch to the top.
Formation of the Dish
When making eggnog bread pudding, think of it as building a layered dessert. You start with the bread, then pour over the eggnog mixture. This soaking process is essential to getting the right texture and flavor profile. As the pudding bakes, the custard sets around the bread, while the top layer becomes golden brown and slightly crispy, adding texture and contrast to the creamy interior.
The use of rich, buttery bread like challah or brioche enhances the overall flavor and makes the bread pudding even more luxurious. These types of bread soak up the eggnog custard well, giving you a delightful blend of soft and slightly crunchy textures.
Conclusion
Eggnog bread pudding is more than just a holiday dessert; it’s a celebration of rich flavors, comforting textures, and seasonal spices. Whether you’re making it for a festive meal or simply enjoying a warm dessert on a cold evening, this dish is sure to win over hearts and taste buds alike. The blend of eggnog, cinnamon, and raisins adds depth and warmth to the classic bread pudding, and the custardy interior paired with a golden crust is truly irresistible.
For the Lovers of Comfort Food
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a nostalgic feel, this eggnog bread pudding will quickly become one of your favorites. Perfect for lovers of comfort food, it evokes memories of winter nights spent by the fire, surrounded by friends and family. The blend of creamy eggnog and tender bread, with hints of spice, is a true love letter to all things cozy, sweet, and satisfying.
Lovers of Bread Pudding and Eggnog
If you adore traditional bread pudding or are an eggnog enthusiast, this dessert is a must-try. The marriage of the two is a perfect harmony, bringing out the best qualities of each. Bread pudding lovers will enjoy the luxurious texture, while eggnog fans will appreciate the rich, spiced flavor that makes this dish so special.