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Holiday Eggnog Dessert

Featured in Sweet Treat Sensations.

This cozy dessert captures the essence of eggnog and turns it into a warm, satisfying classic. Brioche or challah bread soaks up flavorful eggnog custard and spices, making it ideal for festive brunches or sweet endings. Drizzle with rum sauce for a decadent touch.

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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:04:25 GMT
A rich dessert in a baking dish, topped with powdered sugar and pomegranate seeds. Pin it
A rich dessert in a baking dish, topped with powdered sugar and pomegranate seeds. | chefemmakitchen.com

I've gotta tell you about my top holiday treat that makes our house smell like pure comfort. This Nog-Infused Bread Pudding began in my grandma's tiny kitchen and now it's what my family can't wait for every Christmas morning. There's something truly wonderful about how that creamy nog mixture turns ordinary bread into something so incredible that it just makes the season feel complete.

What Makes This So Festive

I totally love how quick this is to throw together but tastes like you worked on it forever. You'll only need 15 minutes to prep something that'll knock everyone's socks off. When friends drop by during December, I watch their eyes light up the moment those sweet, warm scents start floating through the house.

Your Shopping List

  • Bread: Go for day-old brioche - it's honestly the best for soaking up all the tastiness.
  • Eggnog: Don't skimp here - grab the premium stuff for real flavor.
  • Eggs: They're what gives our mixture that incredible silkiness.
  • Spices: You'll need nutmeg and cinnamon for that can't-miss holiday feeling.
  • Vanilla: A tiny bit makes a huge difference.
  • Eggnog Sauce: This turns your dessert from great to mind-blowing.

Mixing Your Base

Let's start with the magical mixture. I combine the sugar with those festive spices then add in the eggs and eggnog, whisking until everything looks smooth as silk. This liquid gold will completely transform your bread pieces. Just the aroma takes me straight back to childhood holidays.

A braided loaf of bread is surrounded by eggs, milk, sugar, and a bowl of cinnamon on a light countertop. Pin it
A braided loaf of bread is surrounded by eggs, milk, sugar, and a bowl of cinnamon on a light countertop. | chefemmakitchen.com

Putting It All Together

After your mixture's ready, scatter the bread chunks in a buttered dish. Pour that amazing custard over everything, making sure you don't miss any spots. I always push down slightly so every bread piece can drink up that yummy goodness.

Patience Pays Off

Now comes the tough part - waiting. Cover it all up and let it sit for 30 minutes. This resting time lets the bread really soak up all that flavor. Then it goes into a 350°F oven. I take the cover off for the final 10 minutes to get that beautiful golden crust.

Ready To Enjoy

When it comes out all puffy and golden, sprinkle it with powdered sugar and pour some warm eggnog sauce on top. I sometimes add a big spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. During the holidays, try it with eggnog ice cream - it's just unbelievable.

Fun Variations

I sometimes throw in some dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a bit of crunch. At Christmas, I might use peppermint eggnog for something different. My children go crazy when I add chocolate chips - they turn into these amazing melty pockets throughout the pudding.

A plate of bread pudding topped with a creamy sauce, pomegranate seeds, and powdered sugar, surrounded by decorative fairy lights and utensils. Pin it
A plate of bread pudding topped with a creamy sauce, pomegranate seeds, and powdered sugar, surrounded by decorative fairy lights and utensils. | chefemmakitchen.com

Insider Secrets

Always go with bread that's a bit dry - it drinks up the custard way better. Don't rush to serve it after baking either - giving it time to rest helps everything set just right. These small things really change how amazing your final dessert turns out.

Time-Saving Tricks

Wanna jump ahead? Mix everything the night before, wrap it up good and stick it in the fridge. Come morning, just let it warm up while your oven heats. It's perfect for those busy holiday mornings when you've got a million things going on.

Storage Smarts

Any extra portions stay good in the fridge for several days. Just warm them up slowly in your oven or zap them in the microwave. You can even stick portions in the freezer for later - they heat up great. Though honestly, at our place, it never sticks around long enough.

The Magic Factor

There's just something about this pudding that screams holidays. Maybe it's those cozy spices or how everyone gathers around the table smiling when I serve it. Whatever the reason, it's become our go-to way to make holiday mornings feel extra magical.

A slice of creamy bread pudding is topped with powdered sugar and garnished with pomegranate seeds, served on a white plate with festive lights and cinnamon sticks in the background. Pin it
A slice of creamy bread pudding is topped with powdered sugar and garnished with pomegranate seeds, served on a white plate with festive lights and cinnamon sticks in the background. | chefemmakitchen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which bread works best for this?

Opt for brioche or challah that's a day old. If fresh, dry it in the oven for 10-14 minutes to firm it up.

→ Can I prep it in advance?

Absolutely, you can assemble it the night before. Just let it sit at room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly.

→ How will I know when it’s done?

The top should turn golden and puff up, and a knife should come out clean when inserted into the center. Cooking time is usually 45-55 minutes.

→ Can I use pre-made eggnog?

Yes, store-bought eggnog is fine. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before using it.

→ What are the best serving options?

Let it cool for 20-30 minutes, then serve with options like rum or vanilla sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or whipped cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it extra special.

Eggnog Pudding Treat

Challah or brioche bread gets soaked in creamy eggnog custard filled with cozy spices. Great for dessert or a special holiday breakfast.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 dish, 13x9 inches)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 lb of stale challah or brioche, chopped into 1-inch pieces (makes about 13-14 cups).
02 6 cups of eggnog, let it sit until it's not cold.
03 6 big eggs, let them reach room temperature.
04 1/2 cup of basic white sugar.
05 2 tbsp of vanilla—pure works best.
06 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder.
07 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, ground up.
08 1/2 tsp of salt.
09 4 egg yolks, for the topping.
10 1/3 cup of regular sugar, for the sauce.
11 1/2 cup half-and-half cream, for the sauce.
12 1/2 cup heavy cream, to go in the sauce.
13 Rum or rum extract (1 tbsp or 1 tsp), adds flavor to the sauce.
14 A sprinkle of nutmeg to finish the sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Coat a 13x9 dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 02

Combine sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon first. Whisk the eggs into the mix, then slowly add the eggnog while stirring.

Step 03

Spread the bread chunks in the greased pan. Pour the egg mix over it, and lightly stir to make sure it all gets covered evenly.

Step 04

Push down on the bread so it soaks up the liquid. Cover it with foil and leave it alone for half an hour.

Step 05

Take off the foil and bake for 45-55 minutes. It should puff up, turn golden, and a knife poked in should come out clean.

Step 06

Mix yolks with the sugar. Stir in half-and-half and cream. Heat in a double boiler until thick, then add nutmeg and rum.

Notes

  1. Old bread works best, but fresh bread can dry out in the oven first.
  2. You can prepare this the night before baking.
  3. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to cool off before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 13x9 glass or metal pan.
  • A double boiler for the sauce.
  • A big bowl for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.
  • Egg-based ingredients.
  • Wheat-based products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 14 g