Eggnog Pudding Recipe

If you’re a fan of cozy holiday flavors with a silky twist, you’re going to adore this Eggnog Pudding Recipe. It takes that classic creamy eggnog we all look forward to and transforms it into a luscious, comforting dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why pudding hasn’t been your go-to festive treat all along!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to create that classic eggnog flavor with a velvety finish. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality eggnog and real nutmeg when possible — you’ll taste the difference for sure!

• Eggnog: The star of the show, adding flavor and creaminess effortlessly.
• Heavy whipping cream: Gives the pudding a silky richness you won’t want to skip.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the spices.
• Cornstarch: The thickening agent that lets this pudding set up beautifully without lumps.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and deepens the taste.
• Ground nutmeg: Freshly grated is ideal here, for that warm holiday spice touch.
• Large egg yolks: They add structure and richness, so don’t toss them out!
• Rum extract: Adds that authentic bourbony note without the booze.
• Unsalted butter: Stirred in at the end to create a glossy, indulgent finish.
• Optional toppings: Whipped cream, grated whole nutmeg, and sugared cranberries add texture and elegance.

Variations

I love how flexible this Eggnog Pudding Recipe is! You can tweak it to match your holiday vibe—whether you want it boozy, dairy-free, or with more holiday spices. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Boozy Boost: Add a splash of real rum or bourbon instead of rum extract—my family goes wild for this grown-up twist during Christmas parties.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream and eggnog for coconut milk and a vegan egg replacer; it won’t have quite the same richness but still tastes delightful.
• Extra Spice: If you love warmth, add cinnamon or a pinch of cloves along with nutmeg—it’s like a holiday hug in a bowl.
• Vanilla Layer: Stir in half a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end for a subtly sweet background flavor that adds complexity.

How to Make Eggnog Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Liquids and Dry Ingredients Separately

Start by combining your eggnog and heavy whipping cream in a glass measuring cup. This mix brings both flavor and creaminess. Separately, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and ground nutmeg in a medium saucepan—that combo will be your thickening base with a great spice kick. Mixing these parts separately ensures even thickening later, so don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Whisk in the Egg Yolks Smoothly

Next, you’ll add your four large egg yolks right into the saucepan with the dry ingredients and whisk until it’s smooth and well combined. I learned the hard way that if you don’t whisk well at this point, you can end up with lumps during cooking. Smooth is the goal here!

Step 3: Combine Eggnog Mixture Slowly While Whisking

Now, here’s a trick: slowly pour your eggnog and cream mix into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual mixing tempers the eggs and prevents scrambling. It’s a little technique I picked up that saved me from many curdled puddings in the past.

Step 4: Cook Gently Until Thickened

Place your saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly—don’t wander off! After about 8 to 10 minutes, the pudding will thicken and start to boil gently. Look for it to coat the back of your spoon; that’s when you know it’s just right. Once it reaches a boil, let it go for about 30 seconds while still stirring to activate the starch fully, then immediately remove from heat.

Step 5: Stir in the Finishing Touches and Chill

When you take it off the stove, stir in the rum extract and the butter pieces until the butter melts fully, giving the pudding an irresistible glossy finish. Then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to catch any bits and ensure super smoothness. Cover the pudding’s surface directly with plastic wrap to keep a skin from forming, and chill in your fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight—this step is non-negotiable for the best texture!

How to Serve Eggnog Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this pudding with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a generous grating of whole nutmeg, and those glam sugared cranberries I make alongside. They add brightness, texture, and a festive pop of color—trust me, your guests will be asking for your garnish secrets!

Side Dishes

This eggnog pudding pairs beautifully with spiced cookies like ginger snaps or shortbread, and a cup of hot coffee or chai tea to round out the cozy vibe perfectly. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a slice of rich chocolate cake for an extra indulgent dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve this pudding in cute glass jars or vintage teacups, layering it with crumbled gingersnap cookies for a parfait effect. Adding a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of edible gold dust turns it into a festive showstopper that’ll wow your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover eggnog pudding keeps great covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always store mine in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the pudding surface to keep that silky texture intact and avoid any fridge odors settling in.

Freezing

Freezing this pudding isn’t my favorite option because the texture can change once thawed, becoming a bit grainy. But if you need to freeze it, do so in small portions and thaw slowly in the fridge, then give it a gentle whisk before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your pudding warm, reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up a bit and keep it smooth. But honestly, I usually serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Pudding Recipe holds a special place in my holiday recipe rotation—it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making it just for your family or bringing it to a festive gathering, it’s sure to impress and delight. Give it a try, and I promise this will become one of your favorite holiday traditions, just like it did for me!

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