Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe: A Cozy Holiday Dessert
Bread pudding is the perfect dessert for Christmas! This bread pudding Christmas recipe is simple, warm, and delicious. I’ve been making this classic treat for years, and it’s always a hit at Christmas gatherings. It’s a dish that brings everyone together to enjoy a comforting, sweet dessert.
My Classic Opinion about This Recipe:
Bread pudding is my go-to holiday dessert. It’s an easy, yet delicious recipe that requires simple ingredients. I love how the bread soaks up the custard mixture, creating a soft, rich texture. There’s something magical about the spices and warmth of this dessert that makes it so perfect for Christmas. I published this recipe with my personal touch and have since added new photos and tips to help make it even better.
Why This Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe is the Best
This bread pudding Christmas recipe stands out because of its rich, festive flavors. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a comforting taste. The pudding is soft, moist, and packed with flavors of the season. It’s an easy dessert to prepare, and it’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re making it for a small family or a big party, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed for Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe
To make this perfect bread pudding for Christmas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. These ingredients will come together to create the most flavorful and festive dessert.
- Stale bread (or fresh bread, cut into cubes)
- Milk (whole milk works best)
- Sugar (granulated or brown sugar)
- Eggs (large eggs)
- Vanilla extract (for that warm, comforting flavor)
- Ground cinnamon (a must-have for holiday flavor)
- Nutmeg (adds a cozy touch)
- Butter (melted)
- Raisins or dried fruit (optional, but adds sweetness)
- Chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or pecans)
- Rum or bourbon (optional for an adult twist)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe
Making bread pudding for Christmas is easy and quick! Follow these simple steps for a cozy, festive dessert everyone will love.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into cubes and place it in a greased baking dish. If you have leftover bread, it works best for this recipe.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the mixture.
- Add extras: Stir in any optional ingredients like raisins, dried fruit, or nuts. If you’re using alcohol, add it now.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Success Tips for Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe
To make your bread pudding even better, here are some tips that will ensure it turns out perfect:
- Use stale bread: This helps the bread soak up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Don’t rush the soaking: Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with spices: You can add a little more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste. You could even add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
- Check the texture: The pudding should be soft, but firm enough to hold its shape when sliced.
Things to Avoid in Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe
To avoid common mistakes, keep these points in mind:
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out your bread pudding. Keep an eye on it, and check the center with a knife to make sure it’s set.
- Avoid using fresh bread: Fresh bread doesn’t absorb the custard well, and your bread pudding might turn out soggy.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Let the pudding sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.
Why You’ll Love Bread Pudding for Christmas
Bread pudding is the perfect dessert for any Christmas celebration. It’s warm, comforting, and easy to make. The spices fill your kitchen with the scent of Christmas, and the rich custard makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for your family or bringing it to a party, this bread pudding recipe will make your Christmas even more special.
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Bread Pudding Christmas Recipe
This bread pudding is the perfect dessert to enjoy on Christmas! Soft, warm, and deliciously sweet, it’s made with stale bread and a rich custard-like filling. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla will fill your home with an amazing aroma. You can top it with a simple glaze or serve it with a scoop of ice cream. It’s an easy, comforting treat that’s also great for making ahead. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you're hosting a holiday meal or just need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this bread pudding will become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of stale bread (cubed)
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl and let it soak for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Optional: Top with powdered sugar or whipped cream for extra sweetness.
Notes
Stale bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the custard better, but if you don’t have stale bread, you can leave fresh bread out for a few hours to dry it out.
For an extra festive touch, you can add raisins or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the mixture before baking.
Be careful not to overbake, as the pudding may become dry. It should be soft and custardy in the center.
If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare it the night before and bake it just before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 40gNet Carbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 25gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 6g
Note while creating nutrition details table: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.