Eggnog is a holiday classic — velvety, nostalgic, warmly spiced, and deeply comforting. But transforming eggnog into Homemade Eggnog Pudding takes the flavor to an entirely new level. This dessert captures the festive magic of winter holidays in a silky, spoonable, custard-like treat that feels luxurious yet simple enough to make on a weekday evening.

If you’ve ever tasted store-bought eggnog pudding cups, you already know the potential — but homemade versions are miles ahead. They’re richer, creamier, smoother, and customizable with spices, toppings, and textures. This guide walks you through preparing the pudding perfectly: no curdling, no lumps, no over-thickening — just smooth, creamy holiday perfection.

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Why Eggnog Makes Perfect Pudding

Eggnog is already halfway to pudding — it’s built on milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Thickening it with cornstarch and cooking it on the stovetop transforms it into a custard-like dessert with three appealing qualities:

1. Creaminess – The fat from cream and milk creates a silky mouthfeel.
2. Warm festive flavor – Nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of cloves.
3. Holiday nostalgia – The flavor profile instantly evokes Christmas memories.

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The Science Behind Perfect Pudding

Pudding thickens through the reaction of heat with cornstarch granules. To achieve velvety texture:

• Whisk constantly so cornstarch activates evenly
• Heat slowly to prevent scrambled eggs
• Remove from heat just as thickening begins
• Strain for extra smoothness

This is the method that gives you ultra-creamy, bakery-style pudding.

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Ways to Serve Eggnog Pudding

This dessert is incredibly versatile. Serve it:

Warm or chilled
In parfait glasses with whipped cream
With gingersnap crumbles
With cinnamon-dusted whipped cream
With caramel drizzle
In tart shells
In mini dessert cups for parties

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INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups eggnog
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Optional: whipped cream for topping
• Optional: nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggnog, whole milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Add the egg yolks and whisk again until fully combined.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
4. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it begins to thicken — about 6–8 minutes.
5. Once it reaches a pudding-like consistency, remove the saucepan from heat.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
7. For extra smooth pudding, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.
8. Divide the pudding into serving cups or bowls.
9. Press plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent skin from forming.
10. Chill for 1–2 hours until fully set.
11. Top with whipped cream if desired.
12. Serve cold and enjoy the creamy holiday flavor.

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