Picture the comforting aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen as an indulgent eggnog bread pudding bakes to golden perfection.
This simple yet delightful dessert is a cozy embrace on a chilly evening, transforming day-old bread and a few pantry staples into a luscious treat.
It’s the perfect balance of creamy eggnog and soft, custardy bread. Let’s bring this heartwarming dessert to life and savor its rich flavors together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread, day-old
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Eggnog Bread Pudding, you can follow this timeline:
- Preparation Time (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:05: Gather all the ingredients and kitchen tools needed: large mixing bowl, whisk, 9×13 inch baking dish, measuring cup set, measuring spoon set, and oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 0:05 – 0:07: Grease the baking dish with unsalted butter.
- 0:07 – 0:10: Cube the day-old bread and place it into the baking dish.
- 0:10 – 0:15: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- 0:15 – 0:25: Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes. During this time, press down occasionally to guarantee all bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cook Time (45 minutes)
- 0:25 – 1:10: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- 1:10 – 1:20: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Additional Time for Reading (5 minutes)
– 1:20 – 1:25: Spend this time reviewing any additional notes or serving suggestions, such as adding whipped cream, powdered sugar, or any optional ingredients like cinnamon or raisins.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the baking dish with unsalted butter.
Place the cubed bread into the baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish.
Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes, pressing down occasionally to guarantee all bread absorbs the liquid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy and luxurious finish.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar to enhance the dessert’s sweetness and presentation.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a rich and indulgent flavor contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries for a revitalizing and tangy complement.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
Storage
Store leftover eggnog bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.
Reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze eggnog bread pudding, allow it to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and label it with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Eggnog Bread Pudding, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until warm.
Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of the holiday season.
With its creamy texture and warm spices, it’s perfect for a festive gathering or a cozy night in.
The combination of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a rich and aromatic treat that will impress your guests.
To enhance the dessert, consider using brioche or challah bread for a more indulgent taste.
You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or some raisins to the mixture before baking. This will add depth and texture to the pudding.
Once baked to a golden perfection, let the pudding rest for 10 minutes to set.
Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Eggnog Bread Pudding isn’t only easy to make, but it’s also a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed throughout the winter months.
Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Eggnog Bread Pudding Without Eggs?
Yes, you can. Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for moisture. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch for binding. Focus on enhancing flavor with additional spices or vanilla to maintain richness.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative to Eggnog for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free eggnog using almond or coconut milk-based versions. Make certain it’s unsweetened to control sweetness. Whisk it with your spices and eggs, maintaining the flavor profile for a delicious, creamy result.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Pudding?
You can use gluten-free bread for this pudding. Make sure it’s sturdy, like a gluten-free baguette or sourdough, to maintain texture. Let the bread soak thoroughly in the eggnog mixture to achieve ideal flavor and moisture distribution.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
Replace eggnog with almond milk, sugar, and nutmeg. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs. Substitute plant-based milk for regular milk. Choose vegan butter for greasing. Opt for a vegan bread like sourdough or a gluten-free variety.
What Type of Sugar Can Replace Granulated Sugar?
You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar. Both options provide a unique depth of flavor. Confirm you’re measuring accurately to maintain sweetness balance, and adjust other ingredients to complement the new sugar’s taste.
Eggnog Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread day-old
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the baking dish with unsalted butter.
- Place the cubed bread into the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish.
- Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes, pressing down occasionally to ensure all bread absorbs the liquid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
