Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding
This Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding is the ultimate holiday dessert! Made with brioche bread soaked in a rich eggnog custard, it features a swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout for extra warmth and sweetness. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of eggnog sauce, it’s a cozy and festive treat perfect for the season.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Brioche bread or rolls, preferably dried out overnight
Eggnog
Milk of choice
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Eggs
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Cornstarch
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding:
Rich Holiday Flavor: Made with creamy eggnog custard and a swirl of cinnamon sugar, this dessert is bursting with festive flavors perfect for the holiday season.
Soft and Custardy Texture: The brioche bread soaks up the eggnog custard, creating a soft, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
Warm and Comforting: Served warm, this bread pudding is the ultimate cozy dessert, ideal for cold winter nights and holiday gatherings.
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: The swirl of cinnamon sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and warmth in every bite.
Perfect Pairing with Ice Cream: Topped with vanilla ice cream, the combination of warm bread pudding and cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
Eggnog Sauce Drizzle: The eggnog sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, tying together the dessert’s festive elements beautifully.
Great Use of Leftover Bread: This recipe is perfect for transforming day-old brioche into a show-stopping holiday dessert.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its nostalgic flavors and elegant presentation, this bread pudding is a guaranteed hit at holiday dinners and parties.
Easy to Customize: You can add raisins, nuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra texture and flavor.
Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, this bread pudding is beginner-friendly while looking and tasting gourmet.
Tips for Making Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding:
Use Day-Old Brioche: Slightly stale brioche bread absorbs the eggnog custard better, ensuring a rich and creamy texture without becoming overly soggy.
Cut Bread into Even Cubes: Cube the bread evenly to help the custard soak through uniformly during baking.
Layer the Bread in the Pan First: Place the bread cubes directly into the baking pan before pouring the custard, ensuring even distribution and complete soaking.
Pour Custard Slowly: Pour the eggnog custard evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well-coated for a consistent texture throughout the pudding.
Distribute Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Evenly: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar in layers or swirl it through the bread cubes before pouring the custard to create a balanced flavor in every bite.
Let the Custard Soak In: Allow the bread to sit in the custard for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure the custard fully saturates the bread for a moist and flavorful dessert.
Bake Until Golden and Set: Bake until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center to prevent drying out.
Prepare Eggnog Sauce Fresh: Make the eggnog sauce just before serving for a warm, creamy drizzle that complements the bread pudding perfectly.
Serve Warm with Ice Cream: Serve the bread pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the contrast of textures and flavors.
Customize to Taste: Add raisins, chopped pecans, or even a touch of nutmeg to the custard or topping for an extra layer of holiday flavor.
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding:
Refrigeration for Short-Term Storage: Place leftover bread pudding in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the custard moist and the flavors fresh.
Refrigerate the Eggnog Sauce Separately: Store the eggnog sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer preservation, wrap individual portions of bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw Frozen Portions Gently: Thaw frozen bread pudding in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the custard’s creamy texture.
Reheat Before Serving: Reheat bread pudding in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds per portion. Reheat the eggnog sauce separately and drizzle it over the warmed pudding.
Store Bread Pudding Unbaked for Make-Ahead Preparation: Assemble the bread and custard in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Add the cinnamon sugar swirl just before baking.
Serve Fresh Toppings: Add the vanilla ice cream and freshly reheated eggnog sauce just before serving for the best presentation and flavor.
FAQs:
Q: What makes this bread pudding special?
A: This bread pudding combines soft brioche bread soaked in a rich eggnog custard with a swirl of cinnamon sugar throughout. Served warm with vanilla ice cream and an eggnog sauce, it’s a festive dessert perfect for the holidays.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of brioche?
A: Yes, you can use challah, French bread, or even croissants as substitutes. However, brioche provides the softest and most luxurious texture.
Q: How do I make the cinnamon sugar swirl?
A: Simply mix cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle it evenly over the bread cubes before pouring the custard. You can also layer or swirl it into the pudding for more visual appeal.
Q: Do I need to soak the bread before baking?
A: Yes, pour the eggnog custard over the bread cubes in the baking dish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before baking. This ensures the bread absorbs the custard for a moist and flavorful dessert.
Q: Can I prepare the bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the bread and custard mixture in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Add the cinnamon sugar swirl just before baking for the best results.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Q: How do I make the eggnog sauce?
A: The eggnog sauce is typically made with eggnog, butter, sugar, and cornstarch for thickening. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and adds a creamy, festive touch to the pudding.
Q: Can I customize this recipe?
A: Yes! Add raisins, chopped nuts, or even a splash of rum to the custard for extra holiday flavor. You can also dust the finished pudding with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Check out my other bread pudding recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try this cinnamon swirl eggnog bread pudding. Happy baking!