Description
At its core, a Christmas bread pudding is a traditional baked dessert made by soaking pieces of stale or day-old bread in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and warm spices. As the dish bakes, the liquid custard thickens and sets around the bread cubes. This turns what would otherwise be dry bread into a tender, soufflé-like interior topped with a lightly crisp, golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread Pudding
- 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the bread: Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with raisins, cranberries, and chopped nuts.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine: Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the custard. Let stand for 15–20 minutes.
- Add butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the pudding is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth.
- Serve: Let the bread pudding cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with the glaze and serve war
Notes
For a festive touch, add orange zest, chopped pecans, or a handful of candied cherries. Serve the pudding warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special Christmas dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390 kcal
Keywords: holiday bread pudding, Christmas dessert bread pudding, festive bread and butter pudding