If you’re searching for a treat that captures all the magic of the holidays in one creamy spoonful, Homemade Eggnog Pudding is just the recipe you need. It’s a luscious, ultra-silky pudding infused with nostalgic notes of nutmeg and real eggnog, making every bite reminiscent of cozy winter gatherings and festive cheer. Trust me, if you’re a fan of traditional eggnog or simply love desserts with that extra layer of warmth and spice, this pudding is going to become an instant favorite at your table.

Homemade Eggnog Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Homemade Eggnog Pudding so irresistible is how the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each item on the list brings its own unique quality and is essential for achieving that smooth texture and true eggnog flavor everyone adores.

Eggnog: The absolute star of the show, it delivers rich, sweet, festive flavor and that hallmark creaminess.
Whole Milk: Adds extra silkiness and helps balance the sweetness of the eggnog.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough to highlight the natural flavors without being overpowering.
Cornstarch: The secret to achieving that perfect pudding consistency, thick and spoonable.
Salt: Don’t skip this—a pinch sharpens all the other flavors beautifully.
Egg Yolks: They give the pudding a rich, custardy base and an unbeatable golden color.
Unsalted Butter: Stirred in at the end for extra gloss and smoothness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Ground Nutmeg: Essential for that classic eggnog spice—plus, a little extra for garnish looks beautiful!
Whipped Cream (optional): A cloud-like finish that makes each serving all the more decadent.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Pudding

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, add your eggnog, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth. This initial step is all about making sure the cornstarch is fully blended and there are no lumps—so your Homemade Eggnog Pudding turns velvety, not gritty.

Step 2: Heat and Steam

Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly as the mixture warms up. You want to catch it just as it starts to steam, which means the flavors are melding beautifully and it’s almost ready for the eggs. This step requires just a bit of patience, but it’s worth every swirl.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Now, slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot eggnog mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly. This tempers them, meaning you don’t end up with scrambled eggs in your pudding! Once tempered, gradually whisk the yolks back into the saucepan, ensuring everything is combined evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Pudding

Return the mixture to the heat, and keep whisking until the Homemade Eggnog Pudding thickens and just starts to bubble—usually about 2–3 minutes. At this point, the pudding transforms from a thin custard into a rich, spoonable dessert you simply can’t wait to eat.

Step 5: Add Butter, Vanilla, and Nutmeg

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. These final touches ensure the pudding is glossy, fragrant, and bursting with that beloved holiday aroma. Stir until everything melts and the mixture is completely smooth.

Step 6: Chill the Pudding

Pour your pudding into individual serving dishes and press a piece of plastic wrap lightly on the surface—this keeps a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set and perfectly cold. The wait is tough, but the result is so worth it!

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Pudding

Garnishes

A dollop of softly whipped cream and a dusting of fresh nutmeg instantly transforms Homemade Eggnog Pudding into an elegant dessert. If you want to get extra-fancy, try a tiny cinnamon stick or some festive sprinkles for a burst of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with crisp holiday cookies, like ginger snaps or shortbread, whose crunch contrasts delightfully with the pudding’s creaminess. Or serve alongside a platter of fresh berries, which offer a lovely, tangy brightness to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For your next holiday party, serve Homemade Eggnog Pudding in tiny mason jars or decorative glasses for individual portions—these make magical additions to dessert tables. Layer it with cookie crumbs or granola parfait-style, or even pipe into mini tart shells for a show-stopping finger dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover individual servings tightly with plastic wrap or transfer all the pudding to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days—though it rarely lasts that long because it’s so irresistible!

Freezing

While Homemade Eggnog Pudding is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and seal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, though the texture may become slightly less creamy.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, gently heat pudding in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly just until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, or the texture will suffer. Most folks prefer this pudding well-chilled, but warming it creates a lovely, custardy treat on a cold night.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works great and makes Homemade Eggnog Pudding super quick to pull together. If you have a homemade version, that’s even better for a truly rich and authentic flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version of this pudding?

You can substitute dairy-free eggnog and plant-based milk for similar results, although the finished pudding may be just a bit lighter in texture. Use a rich coconut or oat milk for extra creaminess.

Can I make this ahead for a holiday party?

Definitely! Homemade Eggnog Pudding is the perfect make-ahead dessert since it needs time to chill and set. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, garnish right before serving, and it’ll wow your guests every time.

What can I do if my pudding turns out lumpy?

If you spot lumps, whisk vigorously. If they persist, don’t worry—just pour the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling. Your Homemade Eggnog Pudding will be perfectly smooth and dreamy.

Can I add a boozy twist?

For an adult-only dessert, fold in a spoonful of rum or bourbon after cooking, or simply use a dash of rum extract for the flavor without the alcohol. Just remember to add it after you take the pudding off the heat for the best taste!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Homemade Eggnog Pudding before, now’s your chance to create a dessert that will quickly become a new holiday tradition. It’s creamy, spiced, and truly unforgettable—the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family all season long. Give it a try, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “save me seconds!”

Homemade Eggnog Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy richness of this Homemade Eggnog Pudding, a delightful holiday dessert that encapsulates the festive flavors of eggnog in a luscious custard. Perfect for a cozy winter evening or a special holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Pudding:

2 cups eggnog
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Garnish:

Whipped cream for topping (optional)

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggnog, milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
Place over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to steam.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot eggnog mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper them.
Gradually whisk the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
Continue cooking and whisking until the pudding thickens and just begins to bubble, about 2–3 more minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth.
Pour into individual serving dishes, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.