Creamy Homemade Eggnog Pudding: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert

There’s something magical about eggnog during the holidays. Its rich creaminess, warm spices, and nostalgic flavor instantly bring back memories of twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and festive gatherings. While eggnog is most often enjoyed as a drink, transforming it into a creamy homemade eggnog pudding takes this beloved seasonal classic to an entirely new level.

This eggnog pudding recipe is smooth, luxurious, and deeply comforting — the kind of dessert that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s perfect for Christmas dinners, holiday parties, or quiet nights when you want something special but effortless. Even better, it can be made ahead, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday dessert table.

Unlike boxed pudding mixes, this homemade version delivers real flavor from real ingredients. Egg yolks create a custard-like richness, milk and cream provide silkiness, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon deliver that unmistakable eggnog essence. The result is a pudding that tastes like the holidays in every spoonful.

Whether served plain, topped with whipped cream, or layered into parfaits, this eggnog pudding is guaranteed to impress guests of all ages.

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Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Pudding Recipe

This creamy homemade eggnog pudding stands out for several reasons. First, it captures the classic eggnog flavor without being overly sweet or heavy. The balance of dairy, spice, and vanilla keeps it refined and elegant. Second, it’s surprisingly simple to make. No baking, no water baths, and no complicated techniques — just stovetop cooking and chilling.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for a cozy dessert, or chilled for a refreshing holiday treat. Dress it up with crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or shaved chocolate, or keep it classic with nutmeg and whipped cream.

Most importantly, it’s a dessert that feels special. Eggnog is seasonal, nostalgic, and celebratory — and turning it into pudding makes it feel even more luxurious.

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Ingredients for Creamy Homemade Eggnog Pudding

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

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and steam.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
5. Gradually temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture.
6. Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan while whisking continuously.
7. Continue cooking over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until the pudding thickens to a custard-like consistency.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Pour the pudding into serving bowls or ramekins.
10. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
11. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
12. Garnish with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Eggnog Pudding

For the smoothest pudding, whisk constantly and don’t rush the cooking process. Medium heat allows the custard to thicken gently without scrambling the eggs. Tempering the egg yolks is essential — adding them slowly prevents curdling and ensures a velvety texture.

If your pudding develops small lumps, don’t panic. Simply strain it through a fine-mesh sieve while still warm for an ultra-smooth finish.

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Flavor Variations

This homemade eggnog pudding is delicious as written, but it also welcomes creative twists. Add a tablespoon of dark rum or bourbon for an adult-only version. Stir in white chocolate for extra richness, or fold in mascarpone after chilling for an ultra-luxurious texture.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the pudding will be slightly less rich.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this eggnog pudding in elegant glasses for holiday dinners, or layer it with gingerbread crumbs or vanilla wafers for festive parfaits. It also makes a fantastic filling for tart shells or cream puffs.

For kids, top with crushed cookies or festive sprinkles. For adults, add a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

This pudding is ideal for entertaining because it can be made up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Stir briefly before garnishing if needed.

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A Holiday Dessert with Tradition

Eggnog has roots dating back centuries, traditionally enjoyed during winter celebrations. Turning it into pudding honors that history while giving it a modern, dessert-forward twist. It’s a perfect example of how classic flavors can evolve while still feeling familiar and comforting.