Welcome to your new favorite holiday tradition: the Eggnog Crème Tart. This recipe transforms the classic festive beverage into an elegant dessert featuring a crisp, buttery shortbread crust and a rich, creamy eggnog-infused custard. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, this tart is it. The smooth, spiced filling is balanced beautifully by the crumbly crust, creating a texture and flavor combination that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Crème Tart
- Incredibly Creamy: The filling is a baked custard that sets up to be silky smooth and luxuriously rich.
- Buttery Shortbread Crust: The simple, press-in crust is foolproof and provides the perfect crisp contrast to the creamy filling.
- Festive Flavor: It’s packed with the warm, comforting spices of eggnog—nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. It tastes just like the holidays.
- Perfect for Parties: This tart looks stunning on any dessert table and can be made ahead of time, saving you stress during busy holiday preparations. If you’re planning a full dessert spread, consider adding these festive Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our crisp crust.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust and gives it a fine, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Must be cold and cubed to create a crumbly, shortbread texture.
For the Eggnog Filling:
- Full-Fat Eggnog: The star of the show! Use a good quality store-bought eggnog for the best flavor.
- Egg Yolks: These create the rich, thick, and creamy custard base.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the filling without it being overpowering.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the custard and ensures a clean slice.
- Spices: Ground nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon enhance the classic eggnog flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth.
- Heavy Cream: For the optional but highly recommended whipped topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Eggnog Crème Tart.
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, pulse the flour, powdered sugar, and salt until combined. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. No need to grease the pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Eggnog Filling
While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale. Gradually whisk in the eggnog, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon until fully combined. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Tart
Pour the warm filling into the cooled crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The center should be almost set but still have a slight jiggle. It will firm up completely as it cools.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Let the tart cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the filling to set properly. Just before serving, you can whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and pipe or dollop it onto the tart. Finish with a fresh grating of nutmeg.
Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Crème Tart
- Don’t Overbake the Filling: The key to a creamy custard is to pull it from the oven when the center still has a slight wobble. It will finish setting as it cools.
- Use a Food Processor for the Crust: This is the easiest way to get the perfect sandy texture for the press-in crust.
- Chill Thoroughly: Do not rush the chilling process! The tart needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set up for clean, beautiful slices.
- Use Quality Eggnog: Since it’s the main flavor, using a high-quality, full-fat eggnog will make a significant difference in the final taste.
For another creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, try these amazing Salted Caramel Pretzel Cheesecake Balls.
Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions
This Eggnog Crème Tart is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it, lightly covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator. Wait to add the whipped cream topping until just before serving. The crust can also be pre-baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! This tart is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just wait to add any whipped cream topping until you are ready to serve.
You can, but the homemade shortbread crust is incredibly simple and delicious. If you do use a store-bought crust, look for a 9-inch shortbread or graham cracker crust and pre-bake it according to package directions before adding the filling.
Yes, you can definitely use homemade eggnog! Just ensure it has a rich, creamy consistency similar to store-bought full-fat eggnog for the best results in the custard.
The key is to avoid overbaking. Pull the tart from the oven when the center is still slightly jiggly. It will finish setting as it cools. Also, allow it to cool gradually at room temperature for an hour before moving it to the refrigerator to prevent a sudden temperature change, which can also cause cracks.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, lightly covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. The crust will soften slightly over time but it will still be delicious.
More Holiday Recipes to Try
Looking for more holiday meal inspiration? This Classic Beef Stew Recipe is perfect for a cozy winter dinner, and our Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts make an unforgettable side dish. For another incredible dessert, don’t miss our Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake.
The Perfect Eggnog Crème Tart Recipe
Eggnog Crème Tart: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the eggnog, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until the center is almost set but still has a slight jiggle.
- Let the tart cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and a fresh grating of nutmeg, if desired.
Notes
Chill Thoroughly: Don't rush the chilling process! The tart needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set up for clean, beautiful slices.
Use Quality Eggnog: The flavor of your eggnog will shine through, so use a good quality, full-fat version for the best results.
Share This Delicious Recipe!
We hope you love this Eggnog Crème Tart as much as we do! If you make it, please let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d also love for you to share it on Pinterest!
