Eggnog Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that effortlessly blends the rich flavors of eggnog with the comforting texture of bread pudding. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply using up leftover eggnog. The creamy custard soaked into day-old bread creates a warm, indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. With its festive spices and optional toppings, Eggnog Bread Pudding shines as a standout dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of eggnog, vanilla, and warm spices creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or chilled, topped with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use up day-old bread and leftover eggnog from your holiday celebrations.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for gatherings; it’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Eggnog Bread Pudding, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and provides a nice presentation for serving.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth custard mixture by thoroughly blending eggs and liquids.

Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as brioche or challah)
- 3 cups eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
How to Make Eggnog Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Add Bread Cubes
Gently fold in the cubed bread into the mixture until every piece is coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can absorb some of the liquid.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter on top for added richness.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Eggnog Bread Pudding!
How to Serve Eggnog Bread Pudding
Eggnog bread pudding is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it warm or cold, it’s sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
Warm with Toppings
- Powdered Sugar – A light dusting adds a sweet touch and enhances the presentation.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel over the top for a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream complements the spices in the pudding perfectly.
Festive Presentation
- Serving in Individual Dishes – Present portions in ramekins for an elegant touch at gatherings.
- Garnish with Fresh Nutmeg – Grate fresh nutmeg on top before serving for added aroma and visual appeal.
Accompanying Beverages
- Hot Chocolate – Pair with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
- Spiced Tea – A warm spiced tea can enhance the flavors of the eggnog bread pudding.
How to Perfect Eggnog Bread Pudding
To achieve the best eggnog bread pudding, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.
- Use Day-Old Bread – Stale bread absorbs the eggnog mixture better, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Mix Thoroughly – Ensure all ingredients are well combined so that every bite is flavorful and uniform.
- Let it Soak – Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes before baking, which helps all flavors meld together.
- Bake Until Golden – Check for a golden top as an indicator that your pudding is cooked perfectly and ready to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Eggnog Bread Pudding
Pairing side dishes with eggnog bread pudding can create a balanced meal experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pudding.
- Roasted Apples – Caramelized roasted apples add an aromatic fruitiness that complements the spices in the bread pudding.
- Maple Glazed Carrots – Sweet maple glazed carrots offer a savory-sweet balance that enhances your dessert.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with citrus dressing provides freshness alongside rich desserts.
- Spiced Nuts – Crunchy spiced nuts deliver texture and nutty flavors that pair well with creamy desserts.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm bread pudding over vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Eggnog Bread Pudding to the next level. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can lead to a soggy pudding. Use day-old bread for the best texture.
- Not Whisking Eggs Thoroughly: Inadequate whisking can result in uneven flavor. Make sure to beat the eggs well before adding them to the mixture.
- Ignoring Spice Measurements: Too much or too little spice can alter the taste significantly. Follow the measurements carefully for a balanced flavor.
- Overbaking the Pudding: This will dry out your dessert. Keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean but moist.
- Neglecting Toppings: Toppings enhance both flavor and presentation. Experiment with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or whipped cream for added flair.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Eggnog Bread Pudding
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Eggnog Bread Pudding
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Warm individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Eggnog Bread Pudding that you might find useful.
Can I make Eggnog Bread Pudding ahead of time?
You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What should I serve with Eggnog Bread Pudding?
This dish pairs well with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How do I customize my Eggnog Bread Pudding?
Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Is Eggnog Bread Pudding suitable for festive occasions?
Absolutely! Its rich flavors make it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings and special events.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Bread Pudding is a delightful treat that blends comfort and festive cheer. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious dessert that everyone will love!

Eggnog Bread Pudding
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Eggnog Bread Pudding, a delightful dessert that harmoniously combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the classic texture of bread pudding. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe transforms day-old bread into an indulgent treat soaked in creamy custard. Enhanced by festive spices and topped with sweet delights like powdered sugar or caramel sauce, this dessert will surely impress your guests and become a favorite at your table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as brioche or challah)
- 3 cups eggnog
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggnog, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Gently fold in cubed bread until coated; let sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool slightly before serving; add optional toppings as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Use stale bread for optimal absorption of the custard mixture. Letting the mixture soak for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor melding. Experiment with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate chips for added richness.
