Decadent Almond Bread Pudding with Warm Eggnog Sauce: Your Ultimate Holiday Dessert
Rich almond flavored bread pudding topped with a warm eggnog sauce. An indulgent holiday treat!
If you’ve ever dismissed bread pudding as being boring, dull, or simply not your cup of tea, I am here to tell you that you are about to have your mind changed. This isn’t just any bread pudding; it’s a culinary revelation designed to elevate your holiday dessert game and become a cherished part of your festive traditions. Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that’s anything but ordinary.
The Unforgettable Charm of Homemade Bread Pudding
Indeed, not all bread puddings are created equal. We’ve all encountered those disappointing, bland, and overly soggy versions that give this classic dessert a bad name. But when executed with care and passion, bread pudding transforms into something truly magical. Imagine a dessert with a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior that yields to a luscious, sponge-like custard interior. That, my friends, is the epitome of bread pudding perfection.
For me, bread pudding holds a special place, much like macaroni and cheese does in the savory world. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert – profoundly homey, incredibly comforting, and deeply satisfying with every single spoonful. It evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure indulgence. It’s a dish that begs to be shared, especially during the festive season when gatherings with loved ones are at their peak.
Crafting the Perfect Almond-Kissed Custard
This particular almond bread pudding recipe is my absolute favorite, and for good reason. It starts with the foundation of quality bread – ideally a rich, sweetened, enriched bread like homemade challah bread or brioche. These types of bread absorb the custard beautifully, lending an unparalleled richness and a delightful texture to the finished pudding. While any artisan loaf will work, a sweet bread truly elevates the experience.
The magic continues with the vibrant flavor of almonds. Infused into the creamy custard, almond extract provides a sophisticated and comforting taste that perfectly complements the rich bread. It’s a flavor profile that feels inherently special and festive. This recipe is fantastic as is, celebrating the pure almond essence, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to use it as a base to experiment with other additions like chocolate chips, various fruits, or even a hint of citrus zest, depending on what strikes your fancy.
The Indulgent Touch: Warm Eggnog Sauce
While a fantastic bread pudding can stand on its own, a well-chosen sauce is always the crowning glory. A warm sauce adds another layer of rich creaminess that beautifully contrasts with the crisp crust of the bread, bringing all the flavors and textures together into one cohesive, utterly delicious package. For the holiday season, there’s no better accompaniment than a decadent eggnog sauce.
My recipe features a luscious eggnog sauce, lightly spiked with a touch of brandy and an extra hint of almond flavoring. The brandy adds a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the classic holiday notes of the eggnog. If you happen to have amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, on hand (which I didn’t at the time, but wish I did!), it would make an absolutely excellent substitution for the brandy, intensifying that delightful almond profile. This warm eggnog sauce truly transforms the bread pudding into an extraordinary holiday dessert, making each bite a festive celebration.
A Holiday Tradition in Every Bite
It’s hard to imagine a dessert more perfectly suited for serving after a memorable holiday meal than this almond bread pudding. Its comforting nature and festive flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday spread. Picture this: gathered loved ones, the cozy glow of a warm fire, the aroma of spices filling the air, and a steaming bowl of this delightful bread pudding, perhaps alongside mugs of hot cocoa. It’s the kind of dessert that creates lasting memories and becomes a cherished part of your annual traditions.
This recipe is not just about making a dessert; it’s about crafting an experience. The prep and cook times are manageable, making it an achievable indulgence even amidst the holiday hustle. You can even prepare parts of it in advance, making your festive meal planning a breeze. Whether served warm, fresh from the oven, or delightfully chilled, its comforting embrace is undeniable. Don’t let another holiday season pass without experiencing the joy and decadence of this almond bread pudding with warm eggnog sauce.
Ready to create this show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone at your holiday table? Here’s the full recipe to guide you through every delicious step.
Almond Bread Pudding with Eggnog Sauce
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Ingredients
Bread pudding:
- 1 small loaf of bread , cubed (about 5 cups) (see Note)
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream (12 fl oz)
- ¾ cup whole milk (6 fl oz)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (115 grams)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- ½ cup sliced almonds (100 grams)
- Eggnog sauce for serving , recipe follows
Eggnog sauce:
- 1 ½ cup eggnog (12 fl oz)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brandy , optional
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
To make the bread pudding:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. In a small saucepan combine the heavy cream, milk and sugar. Place over medium heat and heat until bubbles appear at the edges and mixture is steaming, do not boil. Remove from heat and slowly pour into the egg yolks in a small steady stream, while whisking constantly. Add the almond extract.
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Put the cubed bread in the greased baking dish, packing it as tight as possible. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure that none of the exposed cubes are left dry. Let sit for one hour, occasionally pressing down the cubes to make sure they are all absorbing the custard.
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Sprinkle with the sliced almonds. Bake until top is golden and crisp, about 30-35 minutes. Serve warm or cold with eggnog sauce (recipe below) and more almonds.
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Store bread pudding in the fridge for up to several days.
To make the sauce:
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Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan. Set over medium high heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for one minute until sauce has thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
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Serve warm or cold. Store in the fridge.
Notes