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When the weather cools and holiday lights begin to glow, nothing comforts quite like a warm pudding straight out of the oven. Whether you crave the nostalgia of bread pudding, the rich spice of gingerbread, or the indulgence of molten chocolate, these classic recipes bring festive warmth to every table. Below are four fully detailed puddings that deliver holiday flavor in every spoonful.
1. Holiday Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 5 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or white bread)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
For the vanilla sauce:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add bread cubes and raisins; gently stir to coat. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to the baking dish and bake 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- For the sauce, whisk milk, butter, sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Serve the warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce.
2. Sticky Toffee Pudding with Warm Toffee Sauce
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- Combine dates, boiling water, and baking soda in a bowl; let sit 10 minutes.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until smooth; beat in eggs.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold in the date mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- For the sauce, heat butter, brown sugar, and cream in a saucepan; simmer 4–5 minutes until glossy, then stir in vanilla.
- Poke holes in the warm pudding with a fork and pour half of the sauce over. Serve the remainder at the table.
3. Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1¼ cups hot water
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla; stir into a smooth batter.
- Spread batter into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle brown sugar + 1 tablespoon cocoa over the top.
- Gently pour hot water over the back of a spoon so it rests on top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes. A rich chocolate sauce will form underneath the sponge.
- Serve immediately with whipped cream or ice cream.
4. Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method
- In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
- Simmer over low heat for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Cook 3 minutes more.
- Serve warm topped with chopped nuts or a cinnamon sprinkle.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to intensify richness.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle caramel to amplify festivity.
- For a holiday table centerpiece, bake in individual ramekins and serve directly from the oven.