Creamy Homemade Eggnog Pudding (Rich, Smooth & Festive)

Creamy Homemade Eggnog Pudding is everything you love about classic eggnog—warm spices, rich dairy, and comforting sweetness—transformed into a spoonable, velvety dessert. It’s smooth, indulgent, and deeply nostalgic, making it the perfect holiday treat without requiring baking or complicated techniques.

This pudding captures the soul of traditional eggnog while offering a new texture that feels both familiar and exciting. Instead of sipping, you savor each bite, letting the nutmeg and vanilla bloom slowly on your palate.

Whether served after a holiday dinner, as part of a dessert table, or enjoyed quietly with a blanket and a movie, this pudding delivers pure seasonal comfort.

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What Makes Eggnog Pudding Special

Eggnog is iconic for its balance of creaminess and spice. Turning it into pudding amplifies those qualities while eliminating the raw egg concerns of traditional drinks. The result is a safe, cooked custard-style dessert that’s thickened gently for a luxurious finish.

Unlike gelatin-based puddings, this version relies on egg yolks and cornstarch, giving it a rich mouthfeel without heaviness. Each spoonful is smooth, stable, and perfectly set.

It’s a dessert that feels festive without being overly sweet.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional garnish: whipped cream, extra nutmeg, cinnamon sticks

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture begins to thicken.
4. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk egg yolks.
5. Slowly ladle some hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
6. Pour tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
7. Continue cooking and stirring for 2–3 minutes until pudding is thick and glossy.
8. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
9. Pour pudding into serving dishes.
10. Chill for at least 2 hours until fully set. Garnish before serving.

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Texture, Flavor & Aroma

This Creamy Homemade Eggnog Pudding is luxuriously smooth with a soft, custard-like structure. The nutmeg delivers warmth without overpowering, while vanilla rounds everything out.

The aroma alone—sweet cream, spice, and butter—is unmistakably festive. Each spoonful melts on the tongue, leaving a lingering holiday spice finish.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Eggnog Pudding

Whisk constantly:
Prevents lumps and ensures even thickening.

Temper the eggs slowly:
Rushing this step can scramble the yolks.

Use fresh nutmeg if possible:
Freshly grated nutmeg dramatically improves flavor.

Chill uncovered first:
Prevents condensation from thinning the pudding surface.

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Delicious Variations

Spiked Eggnog Pudding:
Add 1–2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon after cooking.

Dairy-Free Version:
Use coconut milk and almond milk with vegan butter.

Chocolate Eggnog Pudding:
Whisk in melted white or dark chocolate at the end.

Extra Thick Pudding:
Increase cornstarch slightly for a firmer texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with whipped cream, cookie crumbs, or a dusting of nutmeg. It pairs beautifully with gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or biscotti.

For holiday dinners, serve in small glasses or ramekins for an elegant presentation.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Eggnog pudding can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving if needed.

Not freezer-friendly due to dairy separation.

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Cultural Context & Holiday Tradition

Eggnog traces its roots back to medieval Britain, where milk-based punches were spiced and sweetened. Over time, it became a holiday staple in America, symbolizing warmth, celebration, and indulgence.

Transforming eggnog into pudding honors that tradition while offering a modern, accessible dessert for all ages.

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Why This Recipe Performs Well

From an SEO standpoint, keywords like creamy eggnog pudding and holiday eggnog dessert attract seasonal spikes and evergreen interest. From a culinary standpoint, it’s an easy, no-bake dessert that feels luxurious and festive.

It’s simple, memorable, and repeatable—exactly what readers want.