Egg Nog Bread Pudding
Egg Nog Bread Pudding combines the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog with chocolate and coffee, creating a cozy dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan and cut bread into 1-inch chunks. Coarsely chop the chocolate and toss with the bread in a pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggnog, half and half, sugar, instant espresso coffee, and eggs.
- Pour this mixture over the bread and chocolate, dot with butter.
- Place the prepared dish in a large roaster and set on the oven rack.
- Fill the roaster with water halfway up the side of the baking dish.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour until a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with ice cream topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of regular bread. You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense taste. If you want a caffeine-free option, omit the instant espresso coffee. Ensure that the eggnog is well combined before adding it to the bread to achieve even absorption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This Egg Nog Bread Pudding pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of spiced rum for an adult twist. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh nutmeg or serve alongside a seasonal fruit compote.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it a versatile dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg Nog Bread Pudding contains roughly 384 calories, with 8g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What type of bread works best for bread pudding?
A rich bread like brioche or challah is ideal for bread pudding, as they soak up the custard mixture beautifully while retaining their texture. However, you can also use stale white bread or even croissants for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to cut the bread into uniform chunks for even cooking.
Can I add fruit or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread pudding. Just mix them in with the bread and chocolate before pouring the custard mixture over for a delightful twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).