Delicious and decadent Slow Cooker Eggnog Bread Pudding effortlessly cooks up in the crock pot, freeing up the oven for other recipes. Studded with golden raisins, sprinkled with nutmeg, and drizzled with a silky eggnog syrup, it's a perfect holiday breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Generously grease a large (6- to 7-quart) slow cooker with softened butter (or spray with nonstick cooking spray).
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and blend in the eggnog and brown sugar until well combined. Whisk continuously while streaming in the melted butter, then mix in the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the bread cubes to the bowl and use a large spoon to stir until all of the bread is soaked with the eggnog mixture. Gently mix in the raisins, if using.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker and smooth the top into an even layer. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, until just set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Just before the bread pudding is done, prepare the Eggnog Syrup. In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, combine the eggnog and the maple syrup. Bring to a simmer, watching closely stirring occasionally, and adjusting the heat as necessary. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is reduced and thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until melted. Allow the syrup to slightly cool and serve it warm over scoops of bread pudding.
Notes
I use a loaf of regular HEB French bread when I make this recipe. Just about any type of bread should work, though...just make sure you have about 10 cups once cubed. If my bread is fresh, I cube it the night before I want to make this recipe, spread it out on a sheet pan, and let it sit ovenight to dry out and become stale. If you wish to speed up the process, place baking sheet in a 250°F oven for 30 minutes or until the bread cubes are dried out.
You may have leftover Eggnog Syrup, which is great on pancakes, waffles, pound cake, ice cream, stirred into coffee, and so much more!
For a boozy dessert twist, mix a splash of rum into the eggnog custard (and/or eggnog syrup).