Eggnog Pudding

I have to tell you about this eggnog pudding – it's become my absolute favorite holiday dessert. I first encountered eggnog pudding at a small bakery in Vermont during a winter vacation, and I was instantly hooked by its velvety texture and warming spices. When I got home, I was determined to recreate it, and after a few attempts, I nailed the perfect balance of creamy richness and festive flavor. What makes this pudding special is the way the nutmeg and cinnamon infuse every spoonful with that nostalgic holiday feeling. It's like a hug in dessert form. The process is surprisingly simple – you're basically making a custard on the stovetop, whisking constantly until it thickens into that gorgeous, glossy pudding. I love how versatile it is too. You can serve it warm for an extra comforting treat, or chilled for a refreshing dessert. The whipped cream on top isn't just for looks – it adds a light, airy contrast to the dense pudding below. Every time I make this, I'm reminded of that cozy bakery and the joy of discovering a new favorite recipe. Now it's a staple in my holiday baking rotation, and I can't imagine the season without it.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this eggnog pudding is how it takes familiar holiday flavors and transforms them into something unexpected yet comforting. There's something deeply satisfying about making pudding from scratch – it feels like a lost art in our world of instant everything. The way the mixture gradually thickens on the stove, going from liquid to that perfect, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon consistency, is incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate how forgiving this recipe is. Unlike some finicky desserts, this pudding is pretty hard to mess up as long as you keep stirring and don't let it boil. It's elegant enough for a fancy dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight treat. The make-ahead factor is a huge bonus during the busy holiday season – I can prepare it the day before and just add the whipped cream when I'm ready to serve. The flavor improves after sitting in the fridge overnight as the spices meld together beautifully. Plus, it's a wonderful way to use up extra egg yolks if you've been baking with whites. Every spoonful delivers that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy richness that makes you want to close your eyes and savor it. It's comfort food at its finest.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Egg yolks: Separate from whites and whisk with sugar and cornstarch to create the pudding base
• Whole milk and heavy cream: Heat together with spices until steaming to infuse flavors
• Cornstarch: Mix with egg yolks to act as the thickening agent for the pudding
• Nutmeg and cinnamon: Add to the milk mixture to infuse warm holiday spices throughout
• Vanilla extract: Stir in after cooking to add depth and aromatic sweetness
• Heavy cream: Whip separately for topping the chilled pudding before serving

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the egg base

Start by whisking your egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl until you have a smooth, pale yellow mixture. This is your thickening base that will transform into that gorgeous, creamy pudding. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch – it should be completely smooth and silky.

Infuse the dairy

In your saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon over medium heat. Let this mixture heat gently until you see steam rising and tiny bubbles forming around the edges. You're infusing all those wonderful spices into the dairy, which is where the magic really begins. The aroma at this stage is absolutely divine!

Temper carefully

This is the crucial step! Slowly drizzle about a cup of your hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously. This gradually raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them. Once incorporated, pour everything back into the saucepan and whisk constantly as it cooks.

Cook to perfection

Keep whisking over medium heat until the pudding thickens beautifully and just comes to a gentle boil. You'll feel the resistance in your whisk as it thickens, and it should coat the back of a spoon nicely. This takes about 5-7 minutes of constant whisking, but it's so worth it!

Finish and chill

Remove from heat, stir in that fragrant vanilla extract, and pour into your serving dishes. Press plastic wrap right onto the surface to prevent a skin, then let it chill for at least 2 hours. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon just before serving for that picture-perfect presentation.

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Switch Things Up

I first made this eggnog pudding on a whim one December evening when I had leftover egg yolks from making meringues. I'd been drinking eggnog all season and thought, why not turn those flavors into a dessert? The house smelled absolutely incredible as the pudding cooked – that combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla is pure holiday magic. My family couldn't believe how rich and creamy it turned out, and my niece declared it better than any store-bought pudding she'd ever had. Now it's become our traditional Christmas Eve dessert. I love making it the night before so I can focus on other dishes the next day. Sometimes I'll add a splash of rum extract for an extra festive touch, or fold in some chopped candied ginger for a spicy kick. The best part is watching everyone's faces light up when they take that first spoonful – it's pure comfort in a bowl.

Perfect Pairings

This eggnog pudding pairs beautifully with crispy gingerbread cookies or shortbread for dipping, adding a delightful textural contrast to the smooth custard. For a complete holiday dessert spread, serve it alongside warm apple crisp or pecan pie. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea complements the rich flavors perfectly. If you're feeling indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle crushed peppermint candy for a festive twist. Fresh berries like raspberries or sugared cranberries add a tart brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

While you can use low-fat milk, the pudding won't be as rich and creamy. Whole milk and heavy cream provide the luxurious texture that makes this dessert special. If you must use low-fat milk, consider increasing the amount of heavy cream slightly to compensate.

→ How do I prevent lumps in my pudding?

The key is constant whisking and proper tempering of the eggs. Make sure your cornstarch is completely dissolved in the egg mixture before adding the hot milk, and never stop whisking while the pudding is cooking. If you do end up with a few lumps, strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.

→ Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute coconut cream and coconut milk for the dairy, though the flavor will be slightly different. Make sure to use full-fat coconut products for the best texture. The coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with the nutmeg and cinnamon.

→ How long will the pudding keep in the refrigerator?

Properly stored with plastic wrap pressed against the surface, this pudding will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices continue to infuse. Just add fresh whipped cream right before serving.

→ Can I freeze eggnog pudding?

Freezing isn't recommended as the texture can become grainy and separated when thawed. This pudding is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you need to make it ahead, simply prepare it 2-3 days in advance and keep it chilled until serving.

→ What can I do if my pudding is too thick?

If your pudding is thicker than you'd like, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Do this while the pudding is still warm for easiest incorporation. Remember, it will also thicken slightly as it cools.

→ Can I add alcohol to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding 2-3 tablespoons of rum, bourbon, or brandy along with the vanilla extract gives this pudding a delicious adult twist that's perfect for holiday entertaining. The alcohol complements the spices beautifully without overpowering them.

Conclusion

This Homemade Eggnog Pudding captures all the cozy, festive flavors of the holiday season in a silky, spoonable dessert. It's the perfect way to use those classic eggnog spices in a new and exciting format that'll impress your family and guests. The pudding sets beautifully in the fridge and can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining. Serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or in a large bowl for a family-style dessert. Either way, those warm spices and creamy texture will have everyone coming back for seconds!