🎄 The aroma of warm, spiced bread pudding wafting through the air is one of the quintessential scents of the holiday season. This Christmas Bread Pudding recipe is a delightful blend of comforting flavors that will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland with every bite. Featuring a rich, custardy texture and a touch of seasonal spices, this dish is the perfect addition to your Christmas feast.
As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, satisfying dessert. This Christmas Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food, a true indulgence that will leave you feeling all the festive feels. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a indulgent treat, this recipe is sure to delight and impress.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into creating the best Christmas Bread Pudding you’ve ever tasted!
The Secret Behind This Irresistible Dish
What sets this Christmas Bread Pudding apart from the rest is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The soft, pillowy bread cubes are soaked in a creamy custard made with just the right amount of holiday spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The result is a dish that is simultaneously comforting and decadent, with a delightful contrast between the tender bread and the rich, silky custard.
But the true magic of this recipe lies in the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients. From the thick-sliced brioche bread to the creamy, full-fat milk and eggs, every component works together to create a dessert that is both luxurious and utterly irresistible. The addition of plump raisins and a touch of brandy or rum also adds a delightful depth of flavor, making this Christmas Bread Pudding a truly special treat.
Ingredients
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons brandy or rum (optional)
The key to this recipe’s incredible flavor profile is the use of high-quality brioche or challah bread. These soft, eggy breads soak up the custard beautifully, creating a luscious texture that sets this Christmas Bread Pudding apart. The addition of raisins and a touch of brandy or rum further enhances the festive flavors, but feel free to omit the alcohol if desired.
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed brioche or challah bread on a large baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. This step helps the bread absorb the custard more efficiently, resulting in a rich, custardy texture.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Gently fold in the toasted bread cubes, raisins, and brandy or rum (if using) until the bread is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the bread pudding mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on the pudding towards the end, as you don’t want it to overbake and become dry.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the Christmas Bread Pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, drizzled with a warm brandy or vanilla sauce, if desired. This dish can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 55 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 45-55 minutes
• Cooling time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.
• Protein: 9 g
• Sodium: 332 mg
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
Recipe Adaptations for Every Diet
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the eggs with a mixture of ground flax or chia seeds and water (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use plant-based milk and cream, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, and omit the brandy or rum. Consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract or maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard mixture for a subtle, warming spice. You can also drizzle the final dish with a caramel sauce infused with a touch of cinnamon or chili powder.
Plating and Presentation Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the bread pudding with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, and a sprinkling of chopped toasted pecans or almonds.
• Beverage Pairing: This rich, decadent dish pairs beautifully with a glass of warm mulled wine, a festive cocktail like a brandy old-fashioned, or a classic cup of hot cocoa.
How to Sidestep Common Cooking Pitfalls ?
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the eggs and dairy, are at room temperature before mixing. This will help the custard come together smoothly and ensure even baking.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking the bread pudding. This will help the custard set properly and give you that perfect golden-brown top.
How to Keep Your Leftovers Fresh ?
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the bread pudding in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, taking care not to overheat it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread besides brioche or challah?
While brioche or challah bread is the ideal choice for this Christmas Bread Pudding recipe, you can substitute other types of bread if needed. Look for a soft, enriched bread like cinnamon-swirl, French, or sourdough. Avoid using denser, crusty breads as they may not soak up the custard as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas Bread Pudding can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is chilled straight from the fridge.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Yes, you can definitely substitute dried cranberries for the raisins in this recipe. The tart, festive flavor of cranberries pairs beautifully with the warm spices. You can use the same amount of dried cranberries as the recipe calls for raisins.
How can I make this bread pudding even more decadent?
For an extra indulgent twist, try adding a layer of caramelized apples or a swirl of homemade caramel sauce to the bread pudding before baking. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of brandy or rum sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover bread pudding?
The best way to reheat leftover Christmas Bread Pudding is in the oven. Simply place the desired portion in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, being careful not to overheat it.
Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe
This Christmas Bread Pudding is a true holiday masterpiece, bursting with the flavors of the season and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you serve it as a decadent dessert or a comforting brunch dish, this recipe is sure to become a new family tradition. So, gather your loved ones, pour a glass of mulled wine, and indulge in the ultimate Christmas culinary delight. Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
The Best Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cubed brioche or challah bread on a large baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. This step helps the bread absorb the custard more efficiently, resulting in a rich, custardy texture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Gently fold in the toasted bread cubes, raisins, and brandy or rum (if using) until the bread is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the bread pudding mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on the pudding towards the end, as you don't want it to overbake and become dry.
- Remove the Christmas Bread Pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, drizzled with a warm brandy or vanilla sauce, if desired. This dish can also be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
