The holidays are all about comfort, warmth, and sweet indulgences — and this Eggnog Bread Pudding checks every box. Made with rich, creamy eggnog, warm spices, and buttery bread cubes, it’s a festive twist on a classic comfort dessert. Whether served for a special brunch or as a Christmas evening treat, this dish brings nostalgic holiday flavors to your table.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead, which is perfect when you’re hosting or just want a low-effort yet delicious dessert. Top it with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or caramel, and you’ve got a heartwarming dish that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite year after year.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed brioche or challah bread (day-old or slightly stale)
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2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
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4 large eggs
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped pecans
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Maple syrup or caramel sauce, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or similar baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, both sugars, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
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Add the cubed bread to the bowl and gently fold until all pieces are well soaked. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the liquid to absorb.
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Fold in raisins or pecans, if using.
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Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center.
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Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup or caramel sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Festive Twist on a Classic Dessert
Eggnog Bread Pudding is a heartwarming dessert that blends the traditional comfort of old-fashioned bread pudding with the creamy richness of classic holiday eggnog. This dish is a cozy, indulgent treat that celebrates the festive flavors of the winter season. It’s especially perfect during Christmas, New Year’s, or any cold-weather gathering where you want to offer something special and nostalgic. With the natural sweetness of eggnog, a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, and soft, pillowy bread that absorbs every drop of flavor, this dessert is a celebration in every bite.
Why Eggnog Bread Pudding is the Perfect Holiday Dessert
What makes this dish such a hit during the holidays is its simplicity and deep flavor profile. While many traditional desserts require multiple components or precise techniques, this bread pudding is more forgiving and incredibly easy to prepare. Yet, the end result is a luxurious dessert that feels like something you’d find at a cozy, high-end café or served at a family gathering steeped in tradition.
Eggnog itself is already a holiday staple, and using it as the base for your custard adds a naturally spiced, rich element to the pudding without the need for complicated flavoring. The dish can be served warm straight from the oven, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with caramel sauce, or paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s versatile, adaptable, and suits every occasion—from festive breakfasts and brunches to elegant holiday dinners.
A Brief History of Bread Pudding
To understand the charm of Eggnog Bread Pudding, it helps to appreciate the heritage of bread pudding itself. Dating back to the 11th or 12th century, bread pudding was originally a way to avoid wasting stale bread. Medieval European cooks would soak old bread in a mixture of milk and eggs, then bake it into a comforting meal or dessert.
Fast forward to today, and bread pudding has transformed into a gourmet staple in many restaurants and homes. It’s endlessly customizable, making it an excellent base for creative flavors like bourbon, chocolate, fruit, and, of course, eggnog.
Why Brioche or Challah is the Best Bread Choice
One of the secrets to a truly decadent bread pudding lies in the bread itself. Brioche and challah are top choices due to their soft, airy texture and rich, buttery flavor. These breads soak up the custard beautifully without turning soggy, creating a final product that’s both tender and luxurious. Their slightly sweet profile also complements the creamy, spiced notes of the eggnog custard.
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs more liquid than fresh bread, making for a more flavorful, cohesive pudding. If your bread is fresh, a quick toast in the oven can replicate that slightly dried texture for optimal results.
What Makes Eggnog So Special in This Recipe
Eggnog is essentially a custard base made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, usually flavored with nutmeg and sometimes cinnamon or vanilla. When used in a bread pudding recipe, it eliminates the need to create a custard from scratch—you’re using a ready-made mixture that’s rich and full of holiday flavor.
Depending on your preference, you can use store-bought eggnog or make your own for an even fresher, more personal touch. Homemade eggnog gives you control over the sugar level and spices, and some people like to spike it with rum or bourbon for added warmth.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Additions
This bread pudding is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can customize it:
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Add-ins: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries give a chewy, tangy contrast to the soft bread.
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Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar for a light, festive finish. Serve with warm caramel sauce, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
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Spirits: A splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy in the custard can elevate the dessert into a grown-up treat for holiday parties.
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Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free eggnog and plant-based butter to create a dessert suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests.
Serving Suggestions
Eggnog Bread Pudding can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. For a holiday brunch, it pairs beautifully with a mug of hot coffee, chai, or spiced cider. As a dinner dessert, it works well with a generous spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce. You can serve it warm for a fresh-from-the-oven experience or chilled for a denser, more custard-like texture.
Individual ramekins make it feel more upscale and are ideal for dinner parties, while a large baking dish is perfect for family-style holiday meals. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, and they often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Why It’s Great for Make-Ahead Prep
One of the best parts about this dish is that it’s a make-ahead dream. You can prepare the pudding the night before, let it soak in the fridge overnight, and bake it fresh the next day. This makes it incredibly convenient during busy holiday seasons when oven space and time are at a premium. The custard sets better with longer soaking, and the flavor deepens, making it even more satisfying.
Freezing is also an option. Simply cool the baked pudding, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Nutritional Notes and Indulgence Factor
While Eggnog Bread Pudding is certainly a rich dessert, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced holiday celebration. The eggs provide protein, and you can control the sugar level by adjusting the eggnog you use. Using whole-grain bread or incorporating fruits and nuts adds a bit of fiber and texture.
For those looking to lighten the dish, it’s possible to use reduced-fat eggnog or swap in plant-based versions without sacrificing too much of the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Eggnog Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm memory, a celebration of tradition, and a symbol of holiday indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for something to brighten a quiet winter evening, this dish delivers comfort and cheer in every spoonful. With its velvety custard, spiced aroma, and golden-baked top, it invites everyone to slow down, savor, and enjoy the moment. Its ease of preparation and adaptability make it a must-try for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
So this holiday season, give your bread pudding a festive makeover. Let the magic of eggnog transform simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. It’s the kind of recipe that warms the heart, fills the home with inviting aromas, and leaves your guests asking for seconds.
