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A close-up slice of creamy eggnog tart on a white plate, showing the silky custard filling and the buttery shortbread crust.

Eggnog Crème Tart: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe

This Eggnog Crème Tart recipe features a rich, creamy custard filling in a buttery shortbread crust. A perfectly spiced and elegant dessert, it's the ultimate showstopper for any holiday gathering or Christmas dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
For the Eggnog Custard Filling
  • 2 cups full-fat eggnog
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
For Garnish
  • 1 cup heavy cream for whipping
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting

Equipment

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

Method
 

Prepare and Blind Bake the Crust
  1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and pulse until dough forms. Press into a 9-inch tart pan. Freeze for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the frozen crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, then bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Make the Custard and Bake the Tart
  1. In a saucepan, warm the eggnog over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly whisk half of the warm eggnog into the yolk mixture to temper it.
  2. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens (5-7 minutes). Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and nutmeg.
  3. Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 18-22 minutes, until the center is just set. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Chill and Serve
  1. Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set completely.
  2. Before serving, whip the heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Top the tart with the whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Notes

Ensure the tart is fully chilled before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
For a boozy version, add 2 tablespoons of dark rum or bourbon to the custard mixture along with the vanilla extract.
Freshly grated nutmeg provides a much better flavor than pre-ground.