Here’s a cozy and festive twist on a classic — Eggnog Bread Pudding, with some Hungarian-style influences for a richer, spiced, old-world feel.
🎄 Eggnog Bread Pudding – Hungarian-Style Inspired
This dish brings the warmth of eggnog and holiday spices, enhanced with a Hungarian touch — think hints of rum, cinnamon, and maybe even a bit of ground poppy seed or raisins soaked in pálinka or rum. It’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for cold days.
🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour
Serves: 6–8
🧾 Ingredients:
For the pudding:
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6 cups cubed day-old challah or brioche (or Hungarian kalács if available)
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2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup whole milk or cream
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3 large eggs
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½ cup sugar
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ cup golden or regular raisins (optional)
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2 tbsp dark rum or Hungarian pálinka (optional, for soaking raisins)
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Zest of 1 lemon or orange (Hungarian citrus twist)
Optional add-ins:
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2–3 tbsp ground poppy seed (Hungarian flavor staple)
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Chopped walnuts or pecans
For the topping:
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Whipped cream or vanilla custard (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
1. Prep raisins (if using):
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Soak raisins in the rum or pálinka for at least 30 minutes. Drain before adding to the pudding.
2. Prepare bread:
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Lightly toast the bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes if not stale. Let cool.
3. Make custard:
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggnog, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus zest.
4. Assemble:
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In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread the bread cubes evenly.
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Sprinkle in the raisins (and nuts or poppy seed, if using).
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Pour the custard over the bread. Press down lightly to ensure all bread soaks it up.
5. Rest:
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Let sit for 20–30 minutes at room temperature to fully absorb (or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
6. Bake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the center.
7. Serve:
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Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla custard.
🇭🇺 Hungarian Touch Tips:
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Use kalács (Hungarian sweet bread) for authenticity.
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Add a few tablespoons of ground poppy seed for a traditional flavor.
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Use pálinka-soaked raisins for a bold fruit note.
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Consider serving with a dollop of vaníliás sodó (Hungarian vanilla custard sauce) on top.