Eggnog Pudding with Whipped Cream

Sweet, creamy Eggnog Pudding with Whipped Cream is an easy, make-ahead treat that comes together in minutes for a festive holiday snack or special Christmas dessert!

A big thanks to Goldrich eggs and Acorn Influence for sponsoring this post.
As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. #GoldrichYolk

For me, there are three flavors that define December: gingerbread, peppermint, and eggnog. I've previously shared a few gingerbread recipes on the site, so I feel like we're covered in that area. I have a yummy peppermint treat in the archives and another one coming your way next week. But the only eggnog deliciousness I've posted thus far on Five Heart Home was my Overnight Eggnog Baked French Toast that, despite going a little bit crazy on Pinterest right now, has been on the site since last winter. So I think it's high time for a new eggnog recipe before 2014 comes to a close, don't you?! 😉

Today I bring you Eggnog Pudding, topped with freshly whipped cream and cheery holiday sprinkles! Actually, if not for needing to take photos, I probably would have topped my pudding with a sprinkle of nutmeg instead, since that's my favorite way to drink eggnog. But the sprinkles look so festive and my kids are crazy about them, so they serve as a fitting garnish around the holidays.

People typically fall into love eggnog or hate eggnog camps. So if you're not a fan, I understand that you probably stopped reading ten sentences ago.

But if you happen to enjoy eggnog, I think you will go crazy over this pudding! It tastes just like eggnog...but, well, in pudding form. It's sweet and thick and creamy, and the airy whipped cream is a nice contrast in both flavor and texture.

Ingredients

This simple-to-prepare pudding is made like just about any other pudding, incorporating sugar, cornstarch as a thickener, milk and flavoring (or in this case, eggnog), and egg yolks.

Last month, I tried Goldrich eggs for the very first time with great results, and I was excited to use them again in this recipe. I knew that their rich, vitamin-packed, golden yolks would enhance the deep golden color of the eggnog and the luxurious texture of the pudding...and I was right!

How to Make Eggnog Pudding

Homemade pudding is a cinch to make...you'll never buy the boxed stuff again!

1. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the eggnog and egg yolks until completely combined.
2. Cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding bubbles and thickens, for about five minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Transfer the pudding into a medium bowl, placing some plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding, which will prevent a skin from forming on top. Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.
5. Just before serving, beat the whipped cream to serve with the pudding, garnished with sprinkles.

I love this recipe because, not only is it decadent and delicious, but it takes less than 10 minutes to throw together before popping it in the refrigerator for a few hours, resulting in the perfect, make-ahead Christmas dessert! When you're hosting a holiday party or dinner, it's nice to cut down on your last-minute party prep stress by utilizing as many recipes as possible that can be made ahead of time, and this one fits the bill.

To say that this Eggnog Pudding was a hit with my kids would be a huge understatement. My 2-year-old had a hard time keeping her nose out of the whipped cream (and her little mitts off my photo props) while I was attempting to take pictures of it, and my boys devoured it as a special treat one evening before bedtime while watching The Grinch. If you follow me on Instagram, you may also have already heard that this recipe led to an awkward moment between myself and the lawn guy. But you know what? It's so darn yummy that it was worth embarrassing myself for. 😉

So here's the deal...the next time you have some extra eggnog and ten minutes to spare, promise me that you'll whip up a pot of homemade Eggnog Pudding. It's just the cool, tasty treat you've been craving this holiday season!

More Festive Holiday Sweets

• Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
• Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites
• Cranberry Pomegranate Bellinis with Lime
• Warm Chocolate Cobbler
• Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Pudding with Whipped Cream

Sweet, creamy Eggnog Pudding with Whipped Cream is an easy, make-ahead treat that comes together in minutes for a festive holiday snack or special Christmas dessert!

By Samantha Skaggs

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

CHILLING TIME: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 (4-ounce) servings

Calories: 371kcal

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ cups eggnog
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract, DIVIDED
• ½ cup heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Ground nutmeg
• Holiday sprinkles, optional

Instructions

• In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in eggnog and egg yolks until well combined. Set over medium-low to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until pudding bubbles and thickens. It is done when it coats a spoon, which should take about 5 minutes.
• Remove pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Transfer pudding into a medium bowl, placing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding (to prevent a skin from forming). Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.
• Just before serving, beat chilled heavy cream at medium speed until soft peaks begin to appear. Sprinkle powdered sugar and remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla over the whipped cream and beat at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form (but do not overbeat or you will end up with butter). Divide pudding between four small glasses or bowls. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg (or, if desired, you may garnish with holiday sprinkles).

Notes

For a spiked version, omit the vanilla extract in the pudding and replace with 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 272mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 273mg | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Made this recipe? I'd love to see on IG!Mention @FiveHeartHome or tag #FiveHeartHome!

Adapted from Pillsbury.