Name: Homemade Eggnog Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups Eggnog; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 4 Tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 4 large egg yolks; 1 tsp rum extract; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; Whipped cream; Grated Whole Nutmeg, for garnish; Sugared Cranberries (recipe below)

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If you’re looking for the most delightful way to savor leftover eggnog or simply want to indulge in something luxuriously creamy, this Homemade Eggnog Pudding is your next must-try treat. Silky smooth and infused with festive spices, this decadent dessert brings all the joy of traditional eggnog with an irresistible pudding twist. Whether topped with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or jewel-like sugared cranberries, every spoonful will transport you straight to holiday heaven. Trust me, after just one bite, Homemade Eggnog Pudding will become a new seasonal obsession!

Homemade Eggnog Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this pudding shine is how just a handful of straightforward ingredients come together into a show-stopping dessert. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy base to the spices and flavor accents, ensuring your Homemade Eggnog Pudding is rich, flavorful, and festive every time.

Eggnog: The star of the show, bringing signature holiday flavor and creamy texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds extra richness and helps achieve that dreamy, velvety consistency.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just enough to balance out the deep flavors of eggnog and spices.
Cornstarch: Thickens the pudding so it sets up perfectly soft and smooth.
Salt: Just a pinch, to round out all the other flavors and add complexity.
Ground nutmeg: The essential spice that gives this dessert its unmistakable eggnog warmth.
Egg yolks: They not only enrich the custard but also help thicken the pudding beautifully.
Rum extract: A splash brings that classic eggnog aroma—no booze necessary!
Unsalted butter: Stirred in at the end, it gives the pudding extra silkiness.
Whipped cream (optional): A fluffy cloud on top that makes each serving extra special.
Grated whole nutmeg (optional): For a fresh finish and extra fragrant touch.
Sugared cranberries (optional): Sparkling, tangy-sweet jewels for a festive garnish that’s almost too pretty to eat.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Dairy Mixture

Start by mixing your eggnog and heavy whipping cream together in a glass measuring cup. This gives you a wonderfully rich base that will make your pudding positively luscious. Set this aside so it’s ready when you need it for the custard. Pro tip: Using a quality eggnog here truly makes a difference in the final flavor!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Spices

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and ground nutmeg. This step ensures that the thickener (cornstarch) and the key flavors (nutmeg and salt) are well distributed, so your pudding thickens evenly and every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Whisk in Egg Yolks

Add the egg yolks to the saucepan with your dry mixture, whisking thoroughly until smooth. The yolks will give Homemade Eggnog Pudding its signature custard-like richness and that beautiful golden color. Make sure there are no lumps so the pudding will be silky after cooking.

Step 4: Temper and Combine

Now, slowly pour your prepared eggnog mixture into the saucepan, whisking constantly to blend everything together. This gradual approach helps prevent any accidental scrambling—creamy pudding is the aim! At this stage, your kitchen should start to smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Cook and Thicken

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. After about 8 to 10 minutes, the pudding will thicken dramatically and should begin to bubble. Give it a gentle boil for 30 seconds (still stirring!) to ensure the cornstarch is fully activated and your pudding will set up nicely.

Step 6: Enrich and Strain

Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the rum extract and pieces of butter. The butter will melt right in, giving your pudding a gorgeous shine and silky mouthfeel. For the creamiest possible result, strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl to catch any bits of cooked egg or spice clumps.

Step 7: Chill to Set

Cover the surface of your pudding with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to keep a skin from forming. Chill the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. This patience pays off with an amazingly smooth Homemade Eggnog Pudding that scoops like a dream.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Pudding

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation and an extra burst of flavor, I love to finish individual servings with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, and a spoonful of sparkling sugared cranberries. Each topping adds something special: creamy, spicy, and sweet-tart. Your Homemade Eggnog Pudding deserves to be dressed to impress!

Side Dishes

Because this pudding is so rich and festive, it pairs beautifully with simple cookies like shortbread or biscotti. A handful of spicy ginger snaps or crisp butter cookies on the side make a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Set your Homemade Eggnog Pudding in clear glasses for a layered look with the toppings, or spoon it into small mason jars for edible gifts. For a family-style dessert, chill it in a trifle dish and let everyone dig in. Mini tart shells filled with pudding also make adorable individual holiday treats at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Eggnog Pudding keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, or cover individual portions tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. The flavor even deepens overnight, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

While the creamy texture of this pudding is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Pour cooled pudding into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 1 month. Defrost slowly overnight in the refrigerator, and give it a good whisk before serving—it may not be quite as smooth but will still be delicious!

Reheating

This pudding is meant to be served chilled, but if you’d like to gently warm it (especially if serving over cake or with fruit), do so over very low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling to maintain its creamy consistency. Whisk again before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog for Homemade Eggnog Pudding?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and actually makes this recipe easier and quicker. If you want an even richer flavor, choose a full-fat or “old-fashioned” style eggnog for the best results.

Is there a way to make Homemade Eggnog Pudding alcohol-free?

Definitely. The recipe calls for rum extract, which gives that classic eggnog essence without adding any alcohol. If you prefer, you can also use vanilla extract for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Can I double or triple this recipe?

Yes, Homemade Eggnog Pudding scales up beautifully! Simply multiply the ingredients and use a larger saucepan. Be ready to extend the cooking time a bit since a larger batch will thicken more slowly.

What can I use instead of sugared cranberries?

If you can’t find fresh cranberries or want to try something new, try pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, or even crushed gingerbread cookies as a topping. They all add unique flavor and texture to your Homemade Eggnog Pudding.

How do I prevent lumps in my pudding?

The key is constant whisking when combining ingredients and while cooking. Straining the pudding through a fine mesh sieve at the end is your insurance policy for ultimate smoothness—don’t skip that step!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly no better way to celebrate the flavors of the season than with Homemade Eggnog Pudding. It’s festive, comforting, and downright irresistible! Whether you share it with family or treat yourself, give this recipe a try and see why it’s destined to become a new holiday classic at your table.