Name: Eggnog Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce: A Holiday Classic with a Twist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Bread Pudding:; 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread); 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup whole milk; 4 large eggs; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing dish); For the Bourbon Sauce:; ; ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick); 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup bourbon; Pinch of salt

Few desserts capture the warmth and indulgence of the holiday season like bread pudding. When you combine rich eggnog with custard-soaked bread and finish it with a velvety bourbon sauce, you elevate a humble dish into a festive centerpiece. Eggnog bread pudding with bourbon sauce delivers nostalgia, comfort, and just enough sophistication to impress at holiday dinners or gatherings. Best of all, it’s straightforward to prepare and adaptable to different tastes.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)

For the Bourbon Sauce

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup good-quality bourbon
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and let it sit uncovered for a few hours or overnight to dry. Dry bread absorbs custard better, giving the pudding a rich, tender texture without becoming mushy. If you’re short on time, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until lightly crisp.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggnog, milk, eggs, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. This mixture forms the custard base that infuses the bread with flavor and creaminess.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly inside, then slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure each cube soaks up liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Step 5: Make the Bourbon Sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and heavy cream. Cook for 4–5 minutes, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon and a pinch of salt. The alcohol will mostly cook off, leaving behind deep, caramel-like notes.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon warm bourbon sauce over each portion just before serving.

Conservation and Storage

Bread pudding keeps well, making it ideal for preparing ahead of gatherings. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15 minutes. Bourbon sauce should also be refrigerated in a sealed jar and gently reheated on the stovetop before serving.

For longer storage, freeze bread pudding without the sauce. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

Flavor Add-Ins

Dried fruits: Soak raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots in bourbon or rum before folding them into the bread mixture.
Chocolate chips: Sprinkle semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips between layers of bread for a richer pudding.
Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth of flavor.

Sauce Variations

Caramel sauce: Swap bourbon sauce for homemade caramel for a sweeter finish.
Rum sauce: Replace bourbon with spiced rum for a tropical twist.
Vanilla glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract for a lighter drizzle.

Bread Options

Brioche and challah yield the richest results, but French bread or croissants also work. Using different breads can alter the texture—denser breads make for firmer pudding, while lighter breads give a fluffier result.

Serving Suggestions

Eggnog bread pudding shines as a warm dessert, but you can elevate its presentation:

With whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
With ice cream: Vanilla or butter pecan ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm pudding and bourbon sauce.
Festive garnish: Sprinkle powdered sugar, add a cinnamon stick, or grate fresh nutmeg for a holiday-ready look.
Brunch option: Serve smaller squares at a holiday brunch alongside coffee or mulled wine.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use day-old bread. Fresh bread becomes soggy, while slightly stale bread absorbs custard evenly.
Let it rest. Refrigerating the bread and custard mixture before baking ensures thorough soaking and better texture.
Don’t overbake. Pull the pudding once the center sets; overbaking dries it out.
Adjust sweetness. If using sweetened eggnog, reduce the added sugar slightly to avoid overpowering sweetness.
Balance bourbon. For lighter bourbon flavor, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons in the sauce.

Conclusion

Eggnog bread pudding with bourbon sauce brings together the best of comfort food and festive flair. The creamy custard base, warm spices, and bold sauce make it a showstopper for holiday gatherings, yet the recipe remains simple enough for casual family dinners. With easy variations, make-ahead potential, and endless serving options, this dessert is both versatile and unforgettable. Whether served at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or a cozy winter night in, it guarantees flavor and celebration in every bite.

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Eggnog Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce: A Holiday Classic with a Twist

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich, festive dessert made with custard-soaked bread, creamy eggnog, warm spices, and a decadent bourbon sauce. Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or any cozy winter gathering.