Eggnog Bread Pudding

Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe - A Classic American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Eggnog Bread Pudding is a delicious and festive dessert that combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the comforting texture of bread pudding. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to indulge in a decadent treat.

History

Bread pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of eggnog to this classic dish adds a unique twist and creates a rich and creamy flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Pudding

3 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
0.75 cup sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1.75 cup half-and-half
3 tbsp brandy
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
0.75 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
0.13 tsp salt
6 slices dry cinnamon raisin bread, quartered

Cranberry-maple sauce

0.33 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp sugar
1.5 cups cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1.5 tbsp bourbon

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F, 15 minutes before baking, with the rack in the center of the oven.
Butter a 6 cup souffle dish.
Prepare a kettle of boiling water and a baking pan large enough to hold the souffle dish.
Whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and sugar until light.
Mix in the butter, half-and-half, brandy, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
Place the bread in the souffle dish and pour the custard over it.
Press the bread into the custard so it gets well soaked.
Let it rest for 20 minutes.
Put the souffle dish in the baking pan and place it on the oven rack.
Pour boiling water into the baking pan so it comes halfway up the sides of the souffle dish.
Bake until the custard is softly set in the center, about 1 hour.
Remove the dish from the water bath.
Serve warm or at room temperature with cranberry-maple sauce.
Once cooled, the pudding can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover with aluminum foil with several slits in it.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature with cranberry-maple sauce.
For the cranberry-maple sauce: bring the maple syrup and sugar to a boil in a small non-aluminum pan, then cook for 3 minutes.
Add the cranberries and cook until their skins burst and they begin to pop, 6 to 8 minutes, or slightly longer if they are frozen.
Cut the butter into 3 pieces.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, 1 piece at a time, waiting until each is incorporated before adding another.
Add the bourbon. The sauce can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to a week.
Reheat gently and thin with 2 to 3 tbsp water before serving.

Variations

Try using different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use dry raisin bread for this recipe, as it will hold up better in the custard mixture.

- Press the bread into the custard mixture to ensure that it is well soaked and evenly distributed.

- Be careful not to overbake the pudding, as it can become dry and tough. The custard should be softly set in the center when done.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Eggnog Bread Pudding warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Eggnog Bread Pudding is to ensure that the custard mixture is well soaked into the bread and that the pudding is baked until the custard is softly set in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy on hand, you can substitute it with rum or bourbon for a different flavor profile. You can also omit the alcohol altogether if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The Eggnog Bread Pudding can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving for a warm and comforting dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Eggnog Bread Pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or in a large serving dish for a family-style dessert. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this rich and creamy Eggnog Bread Pudding with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert experience. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a glass of eggnog or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Eggnog Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil with several slits in it, until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 7g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of calcium and iron.

Alergens

Contains: eggs, dairy, wheat

Summary

This Eggnog Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Eggnog Bread Pudding is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to treat yourself to a rich and indulgent treat. With a creamy custard base and the warm flavors of eggnog, this dessert is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day and I was rummaging through a stack of old cookbooks at a garage sale. As I flipped through the pages, a faded recipe card fell out and landed at my feet. Curious, I picked it up and read the title: Eggnog Bread Pudding.

I had never heard of such a dessert before, but the ingredients listed sounded intriguing – eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, bread. It seemed like the perfect combination of flavors for a cozy winter treat. Without hesitation, I purchased the cookbook and hurried home to give the recipe a try.

As I gathered the necessary ingredients and preheated the oven, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some came from my mother, others from friends, and a few from cooking shows on TV. Each recipe held a special memory and I knew this one would be no different.

The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen as I mixed the eggnog with the bread, letting it soak up all the delicious flavors. I poured the mixture into a baking dish and popped it into the oven, eagerly anticipating the final result.

As the bread pudding baked, I sat at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea and reminiscing about the past. I thought about all the meals I had prepared for my family over the years, the laughter shared around the dinner table, and the joy that cooking brought into my life.

Finally, the timer went off and I rushed to the oven to check on my creation. The eggnog bread pudding had puffed up beautifully and was a golden brown color. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the creamy eggnog, the warm spices, and the soft, pillowy bread. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before and I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, Eggnog Bread Pudding became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I made it for every holiday gathering, potluck, and special occasion. And each time I served it, it never failed to receive rave reviews from friends and family alike.

As the years passed, I continued to collect new recipes and expand my culinary repertoire. But Eggnog Bread Pudding always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of that fateful summer day when I discovered a hidden gem at a garage sale and brought it into my kitchen to create something truly magical.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The joy of cooking, the pleasure of sharing delicious food with loved ones, and the simple satisfaction of creating something from scratch. It's moments like these that make life truly sweet – just like a slice of Eggnog Bread Pudding fresh out of the oven.