Eggnog Pudding: A Creamy Delight for the Festive Season

If you love eggnog things, you will love this Homemade Eggnog Pudding! It is the best way to use up any extra eggnog! It is creamy, velvety, luscious, and delicate. You will want to indulge in it for Christmas!

The holiday season brings myriad flavors and aromas that tantalize our taste buds and evoke warm memories. Eggnog stands out as a timeless favorite among the classics that grace our tables during this time. But what if we take this beloved beverage a step further and transform it into a luscious, velvety treat? Enter eggnog pudding, a decadent dessert that combines the rich, spiced essence of eggnog with the creamy allure of pudding.

No instant pudding mixed her!. We’re making this entirely from scratch, but trust me when I say it’s super easy!  

Here’s what you can find in this recipe

Ingredients For the Eggnog Pudding:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar (if you are using sugar. You can also use any sweetener of your choice or add more or less sugar)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (or tapioca or arrowroot)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon butter

For the Eggnog Flavor:

• 1 cup eggnog
• Optional: 1/4 cup rum or bourbon for an adult version
• if you need more nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla, add it to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

Eggnog Pudding

Prepare the Pudding base

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat until it just starts to simmer.
• Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the saucepan with the milk and cream to avoid lumps.

Temper the Egg Yolks

• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
• Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This tempers the yolks, preventing them from curdling.

Combine and Cook

• Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture, whisking constantly.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

Add the Eggnog and Butter

• Stir in the eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon.
• If you’re opting for an adult version, add the rum or bourbon at this point.
• Add butter- butter adds an extra richness that takes this pudding above and beyond in the flavor/texture department! 
• Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the alcohol is cooked off.

Finish and Chill

• Remove the pudding from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl.
• Cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the pudding is set.

Serve

• Before serving, top the pudding with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Other Way of Preparing the Eggnog Pudding

• 3 cups of eggnog
• 1/2 cup of arrowroot
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of butter

In a medium sauce pan heat up the the eggnog. Make a slurry from arrowroot (1/2 cup of arrowroot with 1/4 cup of water). Add it to the eggnog along with salt and whisk it. Stir it for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Fold the butter in the pudding.

This recipe yields a creamy and indulgent eggnog pudding, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Feel free to get creative with toppings and presentations to make it uniquely yours!

Variations

Eggnog pudding is a versatile dessert that contributes to various creative variations. Here are a few ideas to add a unique twist to your eggnog pudding:

Chocolate Eggnog Pudding

Ingredients:

• Add 1/2 cup of high-quality cocoa powder to the dry ingredients when preparing the pudding base.
• Include 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate when combining the pudding ingredients.

Instructions:

Follow the basic eggnog pudding recipe, incorporating the cocoa powder and chocolate as directed. The result is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and eggnog flavors.

Eggnog Tiramisu Pudding:

Ingredients:

• Replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of coffee extract.
• Add a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers between the pudding layers.

Instructions:

Prepare the eggnog pudding as usual, incorporating the coffee extract. In serving dishes, alternate layers of pudding with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creating an eggnog tiramisu-inspired dessert.

Maple Pecan Eggnog Pudding:

Ingredients:

• Substitute 1/2 cup of maple syrup for part of the sugar in the pudding base.
• Fold in 1 cup of toasted chopped pecans before refrigerating.

Instructions:

Adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup in the pudding base, and add a delightful crunch with toasted pecans. This variation introduces warm, nutty flavors to complement the eggnog.

Fruit and Berry Eggnog Parfait:

Ingredients:

• Layer the eggnog pudding with fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries.
• Optional: Drizzle each layer with a fruit coulis or raspberry sauce.

Instructions:

Prepare the eggnog pudding and layer it with fresh berries in serving glasses. Creamy eggnog pudding and vibrant fruits create a visually appealing and refreshing dessert.

Spiked Eggnog Pudding Shots:

Ingredients:

• Add 1/4 cup of your favorite liqueur, such as Baileys, Kahlúa, or Irish whiskey to prepare the eggnog pudding with an extra kick.

Instructions:

After combining the eggnog flavor components, stir in your chosen liqueur for an adult twist. Serve the pudding in small shot glasses for a festive, spirited dessert experience.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with other flavor combinations based on your preferences. Eggnog pudding serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary innovation during the holiday season and beyond!

How to serve

Serving eggnog pudding can be an artful and delightful experience, enhancing the enjoyment of this creamy holiday treat. Here are some suggestions on how to serve eggnog pudding:

Individual Servings:

• Spoon the eggnog pudding into individual dessert glasses or ramekins for an elegant presentation.
• Top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
• Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or grated chocolate for added visual appeal.

Layered Parfaits:

• Create visually stunning layered parfaits by alternating spoonfuls of eggnog pudding with complementary ingredients.
• Consider layers of fresh berries, crushed cookies, or granola for added texture and flavor.
• Top the parfait with a final layer of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Family-Style Bowl:

• Serve the eggnog pudding in a large, decorative bowl for a communal and inviting dessert experience.
• Garnish the entire surface with swirls of whipped cream and a dusting of ground spices.
• Allow guests to scoop out individual servings directly from the bowl.

Topped with Seasonal Fruits

• Enhance the presentation by topping the eggnog pudding with seasonal fruits such as pomegranate seeds, sliced figs, or caramelized apples.
• The vibrant colors of the fruits provide a festive and fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pudding.

Accompanied by Cookie Crumbs or Shards

• For a delightful textural contrast, serve eggnog pudding with cookie crumbs, gingerbread crumbles, or almond shards.
• Guests can sprinkle these on top or customize their own bite with each spoonful.

Remember that presentation is not just about aesthetics but also about enhancing the overall dining experience. Feel free to get creative and consider the theme and atmosphere of your gathering when deciding on the serving style for your delightful eggnog pudding.

Add alcohol or not?

Whether or not to add alcohol to your eggnog pudding is entirely a matter of personal preference and the nature of your gathering. Adding alcohol can elevate the flavor profile and introduce a festive kick, but it’s essential to consider the preferences of your guests, especially if children or some individuals don’t consume alcohol. If you decide to include alcohol, here are a few suggestions for types of spirits to enhance your eggnog pudding:

Rum

• Dark or spiced rum pairs exceptionally well with eggnog’s warm, spiced flavors. It adds depth and a hint of complexity to the pudding. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of rum, adjusting to your taste preference.

Bourbon

• Bourbon’s caramel notes and oak undertones complement the richness of eggnog. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bourbon for a subtle, warming touch.

Brandy

• Brandy adds a touch of sophistication with its fruity and warming characteristics. Begin with 1/4 cup and adjust based on your taste.

Irish Cream Liqueur

• Irish cream liqueur brings a creamy and slightly sweet element to the eggnog pudding. Consider adding 1/2 cup for a delightful twist.

Hazelnut Liqueur

• Hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico, can introduce a nutty and aromatic dimension to the pudding. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust according to your preference.

Cognac

• Cognac brings a refined and fruity essence. Use it sparingly, starting with 2 tablespoons, as it can have a pronounced flavor.

When incorporating alcohol into your eggnog pudding, consider the following tips:

• Add the alcohol after the pudding has thickened and just before removing it from the heat to ensure the alcohol doesn’t fully cook off.
• Taste the pudding before serving and adjust the alcohol content accordingly. You can always add more but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in.
• Clearly label any alcoholic versions if you’re serving at a mixed-age or diverse gathering.

Remember that the goal is to enhance the flavor, not overpower it, so use alcohol judiciously and always be considerate of your guests’ preferences. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, the eggnog pudding will still be delicious and enjoyed by all.

Equipment

To prepare delicious and smooth eggnog pudding, you’ll need a set of basic kitchen equipment. Here’s a list of essential tools that will make the process easier:

Medium Saucepan

• A medium-sized saucepan is crucial for heating and combining the ingredients for the pudding base. Choose a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution.

Whisk

Mixing Bow

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula:

Strainer

• A fine-mesh strainer can be useful for ensuring a smooth and lump-free pudding by catching any bits of cooked egg or lumps in the mixture.

Plastic Wrap

• Use plastic wrap to cover the surface of the pudding before refrigerating. This prevents a skin from forming on the top of the pudding.

Individual Serving Dishes or Glasses

Optional Equipment for Creative Presentations:

Pastry Bags and Tips

• If you plan to pipe whipped cream onto the pudding or create decorative designs, pastry bags and tips can be handy.

Kitchen Torch

• For a brûlée effect, a kitchen torch can be used to caramelize sugar on the top of the pudding.

Decorative Serving Plates

• If you’re aiming for an elegant presentation, have decorative serving plates or a large festive bowl ready for family-style serving.

Garnish Tools

• Depending on your chosen garnishes, you may need tools for grating nutmeg, shaving chocolate, or slicing fruits.

How to store Eggnog Pudding

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your eggnog pudding. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your delightful creation remains delicious:

Refrigeration

• Eggnog pudding contains dairy and eggs, making it perishable. Always refrigerate any leftover or prepared pudding promptly.
• Place the eggnog pudding in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.

Covering and Preventing Skin Formation

• Before refrigerating, cover the surface of the eggnog pudding directly with plastic wrap. This prevents a skin from forming on the top of the pudding.
• Ensure that the plastic wrap is in direct contact with the entire surface to minimize exposure to air.

Duration of Refrigeration

• Eggnog pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the quality may begin to deteriorate.
• If you’ve added alcohol to your pudding, it might have a longer shelf life due to the preserving properties of the spirits.

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thetastesoflifeholisticblog

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