Pumpkin Eggnog Bread Pudding
If you’re looking for a cozy fall or holiday dessert that’s a little unexpected but totally comforting, pumpkin eggnog bread pudding is where it’s at. It’s the perfect fusion of two seasonal favorites—pumpkin and eggnog—baked into warm, custardy perfection.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Rubber Spatula or Spoon
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups eggnog
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
- Cube your brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet and let them sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out slightly.
- Pro Tip: Dry bread soaks up custard better without turning mushy. If you're short on time, pop the cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
- Lightly butter or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Set aside while you prep the custard mixture.
Step 3: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggnog, and whole milk until smooth.
- Add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Whisk everything together until fully combined and no streaks of egg remain.
- Pro Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent the eggs from separating or clumping in the custard.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
- Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture using a rubber spatula.
- Make sure every cube is well-coated—take your time to stir from the bottom.
- Pro Tip: Let the bread sit in the bowl for 10–15 minutes so it can soak up all that creamy goodness before baking.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading the cubes evenly.
- Press down lightly on the top with your spatula to ensure everything is nestled in.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Pro Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280–320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35–38g
- Sugar: 18–22g
- Fat: 11–14g
- Saturated Fat: 5–7g
- Protein: 6–8g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Sodium: 200–250mg