Homemade Eggnog Pudding

Homemade eggnog pudding is a smooth, creamy holiday dessert that captures everything people love about classic eggnog—warm spices, rich dairy, and comforting sweetness—transformed into a spoonable, elegant treat. This pudding is perfect for Christmas dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a festive dessert without turning on the oven.

Unlike traditional eggnog served as a drink, this pudding version offers a thicker, custard-like texture that feels indulgent yet familiar. Each bite delivers subtle nutmeg warmth, creamy vanilla notes, and a luxurious mouthfeel that makes it feel special without being heavy.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance of simplicity and sophistication. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward stovetop techniques while producing a dessert that feels refined enough for a holiday table.

Why Eggnog Works So Well as a Pudding

Eggnog already shares many qualities with custard-based desserts. Milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and warm spices are the foundation of both, making eggnog a natural fit for pudding form.

Turning eggnog into pudding allows the flavors to concentrate and linger longer on the palate. The gentle heat of nutmeg and vanilla becomes more pronounced, while the creamy base takes on a velvety smoothness that’s deeply satisfying.

This version skips alcohol, making it family-friendly while still delivering that unmistakable eggnog flavor associated with the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
2. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 6–8 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk egg yolks.
5. Slowly ladle about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
6. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
7. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 2–3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
9. Pour pudding into serving bowls or a single large dish.
10. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
11. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Homemade Eggnog Pudding

A creamy, spiced holiday pudding inspired by classic eggnog flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

1. Whisk sugar, cornstarch, spices, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Whisk in milk and cream and cook until thickened.
3. Temper egg yolks with hot mixture.
4. Cook briefly until custard thickens.
5. Stir in vanilla and chill before serving.

Notes

Cover pudding directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Pudding

• Whisk constantly: Prevents lumps and scorching.
• Temper the eggs: Avoids scrambling and ensures smooth texture.
• Use whole milk and cream: Lower-fat substitutes affect richness.
• Chill fully: The pudding thickens more as it cools.

Texture and Flavor Notes

This pudding is luxuriously smooth, with a thickness similar to classic vanilla pudding but richer due to the egg yolks and cream. Nutmeg provides warmth without overpowering, while vanilla rounds out the sweetness.

If you prefer a stronger spice presence, freshly grated nutmeg can be added just before serving for a fragrant finish.

Garnish and Serving Ideas

Homemade eggnog pudding can be served simply or dressed up for special occasions:

• Whipped cream and nutmeg
• Crushed gingersnaps
• White chocolate shavings
• Caramel drizzle
• Cinnamon-dusted biscotti on the side

It works beautifully as both an individual dessert and part of a larger holiday spread.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Eggnog pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert. It can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves as it chills and the spices meld.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving if needed.

Flavor Variations

Extra-Spiced Eggnog Pudding
Increase nutmeg and add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice.

Vanilla Bean Eggnog Pudding
Replace vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste or scraped seeds.

Eggnog Pudding Parfaits
Layer pudding with whipped cream and crushed cookies.

Dairy-Free Adaptation
Use full-fat coconut milk and a plant-based cream substitute, noting that flavor will vary slightly.

Why This Homemade Eggnog Pudding Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it follows classic custard principles while infusing them with holiday flavor. Cornstarch provides stability, egg yolks add richness, and careful heat control ensures a silky texture.

The result is a dessert that feels nostalgic yet elevated—perfect for holiday traditions old and new.

A Holiday Dessert Worth Savoring

Homemade eggnog pudding is proof that holiday desserts don’t need to be complicated to feel special. With its creamy texture, warm spices, and comforting flavor, it’s a dessert that invites slow, cozy enjoyment.

Once you try it, it’s likely to become a seasonal favorite you’ll look forward to each year.