If you adore holiday flavors and are looking for a dessert that feels like a cozy celebration in every bite, then you have to try this Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe. It’s a luscious, velvety pie that captures all the nostalgic warmth of eggnog but in a refreshingly cool and satisfying pie form. Rich with nutmeg, vanilla, and a splash of bourbon, this pie is incredibly indulgent yet perfectly balanced. The smooth, creamy filling sits atop a crisp, buttery crust making every slice an irresistible treat that’s ideal for festive gatherings or just savoring a special moment at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this pie just right means gathering simple, honest ingredients that each play an essential role in creating its silky texture and cozy flavor profile. From the creamy full-fat eggnog to the buttery crust, every component contributes to making this dessert utterly memorable.
- Deep-dish pie crusts (2, 9-inch): Choose homemade or store-bought, prebaked for a sturdy, flaky base that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
- Full-fat eggnog (4 cups): The star of the show, providing rich holiday flavor and creamy texture – homemade works beautifully too!
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness that balances the spices and elevates the filling’s smoothness.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Essential thickener that transforms the eggnog into pie filling with just the right consistency.
- Salt (½ tsp): Highlights the sweetness and spices, adding depth to the flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Gives that signature eggnog spice note that makes this dessert festive and comforting.
- Large egg yolks (8): These enrich the filling, contributing to the creamy, custard-like texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the spice notes for a harmoniously flavored pie.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Provides luscious richness and a silky finish as it melts into the hot filling.
- Bourbon or dark rum (2 tbsp, optional): A classic touch that introduces a subtle boozy warmth, perfect for grown-up holiday tastes.
- Homemade or store-bought whipped cream: For topping, bringing an airy freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Maple syrup (2 tsp): Whipped into the cream for a hint of natural sweetness and extra festive flair.
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (for dusting): The finishing touch, sprinkling aromatic spice atop the whipped cream.
How to Make Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe
Step 1: Pre-Bake the Crusts
Begin with deep-dish crusts that are either homemade or store-bought. If frozen, bake them as the package directs so they emerge beautifully golden and crisp. This sturdy base is critical because it holds the luscious, creamy eggnog filling after chilling. Once baked, cool them thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling Base
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and ground nutmeg. Slowly pour in the eggnog, whisking constantly to achieve a completely smooth mixture. This careful step ensures your filling is lump-free and perfectly spiced.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
Gently beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. To avoid scrambling, gradually add a small amount of the warm eggnog mixture into the yolks while stirring vigorously. This tempering process slowly raises the yolks’ temperature and readies them to be combined back into the saucepan without curdling.
Step 4: Cook Until Thickened
Return the yolk-egg nog mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 7 to 10 minutes, until the filling thickens to a creamy custard consistency that clings to your spoon. This step is where magic happens, turning simple ingredients into indulgence.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Finish
Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling classic, the bourbon or dark rum. These final flavor boosts add richness and complexity, making the pie irresistibly festive.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Pour the rich filling evenly into the cooled crusts. Smooth the tops with a spatula, cover the pies with plastic wrap to protect the surface, and transfer them to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least four hours or overnight allows the pie to set fully and develop those deep holiday flavors.
Step 7: Final Touches Before Serving
Right before serving, lavish the pie tops with whipped cream sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Then, dust lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg to add that lovely aromatic finish, completing your Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe.
How to Serve Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe
Garnishes
Top this pie generously with whipped cream sweetened with maple syrup for an elegant, creamy contrast to the spiced filling. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds an inviting aroma and festive look. For an extra pop, consider a few toasted nutmeg or cinnamon sticks for decoration.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to complement its cool, creamy texture. Fresh fruit such as cranberries or pomegranate seeds offer tart brightness alongside the rich pie, bringing balance to your holiday dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on vintage holiday plates or clear glass dessert dishes to showcase the pie’s creamy layers. For gatherings, cut into small squares for bite-sized treats ideal for party platters. Wrapping individual slices in festive parchment can also make charming edible gifts for guests to take home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to make this dessert well in advance, you can freeze the pie after it’s fully chilled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before garnishing and serving.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled custard pie, reheating is not recommended as it will affect the texture. Instead, serve it cold and allow your guests to savor the smooth, spiced creaminess exactly as intended.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?
Absolutely! While a classic buttery pie crust works beautifully, swapping in a gingersnap or graham cracker crust adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the spicy eggnog filling.
Is it necessary to use alcohol in the filling?
No, the bourbon or rum is completely optional. It’s traditional and adds warmth, but the pie is deliciously festive and flavorful even without it, making it suitable for all audiences.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment by using plant-based eggnog and non-dairy butter substitutes. However, since this recipe relies heavily on egg yolks and traditional eggnog, the texture and flavor might differ from the original creamy richness.
How long should I chill the pie before serving?
Chill the pie for at least four hours to allow it to set properly, but for best results, refrigerate overnight. This resting time deepens the flavors and ensures the perfect creamy consistency.
What is the best way to cut this pie cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps to create clean, attractive slices without dragging or breaking the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
This Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe is a total game-changer for your holiday dessert lineup. Its smooth texture, warming spices, and festive spirit bring comfort and indulgence to every bite. I encourage you to dive in and make this beautiful pie—it’s sure to become a beloved tradition that fills your celebrations with joy and sweetness.
Print
Chilled Eggnog Pie: Creamy, Spiced Holiday Dessert with a Festive Twist Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 pies (16–20 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chilled Eggnog Pie is a creamy, spiced holiday dessert that combines the festive flavors of traditional eggnog with a smooth, custard-like filling set in a flaky pie crust. Enhanced with warm spices, vanilla, and an optional splash of bourbon or rum, this easy-to-make pie is perfect for holiday gatherings and serves 16–20 slices.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crusts, homemade or store-bought, pre-baked
- Optional: gingersnap or graham cracker crust for added flavor
Filling
- 4 cups full-fat eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 8 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp bourbon or dark rum (optional)
Toppings
- Homemade whipped cream or store-bought
- 2 tsp maple syrup (to whip into cream for flavor)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
Instructions
- Pre-Bake the Crusts: If using frozen pie shells, bake according to the package directions until golden. Allow the crusts to cool completely before filling.
- Make the Filling Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add the eggnog while whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk a small amount of the warm eggnog mixture into the yolks to temper them and prevent scrambling, then return all of the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the eggnog mixture.
- Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a custard consistency, about 7–10 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and bourbon or dark rum if using, until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fill the Pie Crusts: Pour the filling evenly into the cooled pie crusts. Smooth the tops with a spatula and cover each pie loosely with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill the Pies: Refrigerate the pies for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set properly and develop flavor.
- Prepare the Topping and Serve: Whip the cream with maple syrup for added flavor, or use store-bought whipped cream. Just before serving, top each pie with the whipped cream and lightly dust with ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
Notes
- For an extra festive crust, consider using gingersnap or graham cracker crusts instead of traditional pie crust.
- Tempering the egg yolks is critical to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth custard.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon or rum without affecting the flavor significantly.
- The pie can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Make sure to cover the pie with plastic wrap touching the filling surface to avoid skin formation.
