Go Back
An extreme close-up of a single slice of creamy eggnog tart on a white plate, showing the silky smooth custard filling and the crisp shortbread crust.

Eggnog Crème Tart: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe

This Eggnog Crème Tart features a crisp, buttery shortbread crust and a rich, creamy, spiced eggnog custard. It's the perfect, elegant dessert for any holiday gathering and is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter cold and cubed
Eggnog Filling
  • 2 cups Full-Fat Eggnog good quality
  • 4 Large Egg Yolks
  • 0.33 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg plus more for garnish
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream for topping

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
  • 1 Food processor
  • 1 Saucepan

Method
 

Make the Shortbread Crust
  1. 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.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
  3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Eggnog Filling
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  2. 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.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and Chill
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Before serving, top with whipped cream and a fresh grating of nutmeg, if desired.

Notes

Do Not Overbake: The key to a creamy custard is removing it from the oven when the center still has a slight wobble. It will finish setting as it cools.
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.