Name: Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 thick-cut slices brioche bread or brioche rolls, cut into 1-inch cubes and dried overnight; 1 cup milk; 1 cup eggnog at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar; 4 tablespoons cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl); 1 egg at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups eggnog; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

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There’s something about cold mornings and the smell of cinnamon that just feels like a hug. This Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding takes that feeling and bakes it into something cozy and rich. With creamy eggnog custard, buttery brioche, and a golden cinnamon sugar swirl, every bite feels like a little holiday miracle fresh from the oven.

Why This Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding Works

A Festive Make-Ahead Dessert for Busy Holidays

This dessert saves time and stress. You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. As a result, it’s perfect for Christmas brunch or any winter morning when family fills the kitchen and coffee cups stay warm.

The Perfect Texture from Brioche and Custard

Brioche bread soaks up the eggnog custard without falling apart. Once baked, it stays tender inside and lightly crisp on top. Every spoonful delivers that soft, creamy texture that feels both indulgent and homey.

A Cinnamon Swirl That Adds Warmth and Sweetness

The cinnamon sugar swirl gives this bread pudding a ribbon of warmth throughout. It caramelizes in the oven, creating pockets of spice and sweetness that balance the rich eggnog flavor beautifully.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Bread Pudding Base Essentials

Use 12 thick-cut slices of brioche bread or rolls, cubed and dried overnight. Dry bread absorbs custard more effectively and helps the pudding hold its structure.

Custard and Spice Components

You’ll need 1 cup milk, 1 cup eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Together, these build the creamy foundation that makes the pudding rich and flavorful.

Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Mix brown sugar with cinnamon to create the swirl. It melts into the bread layers, giving each bite a hint of caramel-like sweetness.

Eggnog Sauce Ingredients

For the sauce, combine eggnog, butter, cornstarch, sugar, and one egg. This creamy topping ties the whole dish together, especially when served warm.
Nutrition Note: One full batch makes roughly 3400–3800 kcal in total, with about 60–70 g protein, 110–130 g fat, and 500–550 g carbs.

Choosing the Best Bread for This Recipe

Why Brioche Works Best

Brioche is buttery, slightly sweet, and holds up to rich custards. Its soft crumb absorbs flavors while keeping the structure intact.

Drying or Toasting for Ideal Texture

If you don’t have time to dry the bread overnight, lightly toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes. This step ensures a soft interior without sogginess.

Acceptable Substitutions

You can use challah or thick-cut French bread. However, avoid white sandwich bread since it turns mushy quickly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Grease a 9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment if you like. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Warm and Build the Eggnog Custard

In a saucepan, combine milk, eggnog, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, butter, and salt. Warm until the butter melts, then cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk in the Eggs Once Cooled

Whisk in the eggs one at a time. This prevents them from scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.

Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl Sugar

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple mix adds both sweetness and aroma.

Step 5: Layer the Bread and Cinnamon Sugar

Layer one-third of the bread cubes, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and repeat twice more. End with a layer of bread on top.

Step 6: Pour Custard and Rest Before Baking

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and press gently to help it soak in. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes so the flavors marry.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Gently Set

Bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center jiggles slightly. That wobbly center means it’s creamy and not overbaked.

Sweet cinnamon swirl eggnog bread pudding slice with vanilla ice cream on white plate — Warm sweet cinnamon swirl eggnog bread pudding topped with creamy vanilla ice cream.

Making the Creamy Eggnog Sauce

Tempering the Egg Correctly

Whisk the egg separately, then slowly mix in a bit of hot eggnog to prevent curdling.

Thickening the Sauce Without Curdling

Return the mixture to the saucepan and stir constantly over low heat until it thickens just enough to coat a spoon.

Finishing with Butter for Smoothness

Stir in butter at the end for a silky, glossy finish. Serve warm over pudding slices.

Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Soggy Bread Pudding

Always dry or toast your bread first. This prevents it from soaking up too much liquid too quickly.

Ensuring the Custard Absorbs Evenly

Let the assembled pudding rest before baking so the custard seeps into every layer.

How to Prevent Overbaking

Check at 35 minutes. If the top looks set but the center still trembles slightly, it’s ready.

Resting Time for Best Texture

Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes before serving. It will firm up slightly but stay creamy inside.

Serving Suggestions for Holiday or Everyday Enjoyment

Pairing with Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, or Berries

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries also balance the richness.

When to Serve: Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

This dish shines as a festive breakfast or as a comforting dessert after dinner.

Beverage Pairings for a Cozy Spread

Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea. The spices blend perfectly with each sip.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

How to Refrigerate Properly

Cool completely, then store covered in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Methods for Reheating and Refreshing the Sauce

Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds. Drizzle extra sauce after reheating to keep it moist.

FAQ

Can I make this without eggnog?
Yes. Replace eggnog with a mix of milk and cream plus a bit of extra nutmeg.

What can I use instead of brioche?
Challah or croissant pieces work well.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pan and bake for an extra 10–15 minutes.

Is it best served warm or cold?
Warm is best. The sauce blends beautifully when it’s still cozy.

More Such Recipes

Sweet cinnamon swirl eggnog bread pudding slice with vanilla ice cream and powdered sugar — Golden sweet cinnamon swirl eggnog bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and a dusting of sugar.

Conclusion

This Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Eggnog Bread Pudding is the heart of cozy baking. Each layer offers comfort, sweetness, and just the right amount of spice. Whether served for Christmas breakfast or a cold-weather dessert, it always brings people together with its irresistible flavor. For more baking inspiration and festive recipes, visit Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Kai Recipes on Facebook.

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