Eggnog Crème Brûlée is the ultimate indulgence for the holiday season, blending the rich, creamy flavors of traditional eggnog with the elegant French dessert, crème brûlée. Originating in France in the late 17th century, crème brûlée is beloved for its silky custard base and its signature crisp, caramelized sugar crust.
By infusing the custard with the classic spices and warmth of eggnog, this fusion dessert is elevated to a delightful treat that captures the essence of celebratory winter gatherings.
The marriage of nutmeg, vanilla, and a hint of rum or bourbon in the custard makes every bite both nostalgic and luxurious. "Eggnog Crème Brûlée" has grown in popularity, especially among those seeking festive alternatives to traditional puddings and cakes.
Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner looking to impress your guests, this recipe offers a relatively simple yet impressive way to enjoy the flavors of eggnog in a refined, French-inspired presentation.
Serve this dessert at your next Christmas dinner or New Year's party to create a memorable, cozy finale to any meal. Its combination of smooth, spiced custard and crackling caramel topping is guaranteed to delight both classic crème brûlée aficionados and eggnog enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dark rum or bourbon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Arrange six 6-ounce ramekins in a large baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and eggnog. Stir in the nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is steaming and just begins to bubble around the edges, but do not let it boil.
- While the cream mixture is heating, whisk together the egg yolks and ½ cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the hot cream and eggnog mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, dark rum or bourbon.
- Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any egg solids and spices, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Evenly divide the custard mixture among the prepared ramekins.
- Place the baking dish in the oven. Create a water bath by carefully pouring hot water into the dish, surrounding the ramekins up to halfway up their sides.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the centers are just set but still slightly wobbly.
- Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each custard. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, place under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely so it doesn't burn.
- Allow the sugar crust to harden for a few minutes, then serve the Eggnog Crème Brûlée chilled.
Nutritional Information
Eggnog Crème Brûlée is a rich dessert, which means it's a treat best enjoyed on special occasions. Each 6-ounce serving contains approximately 375-400 calories, primarily from the essential ingredients like heavy cream, egg yolks, and sugar.
The fat content is significant, with each serving providing around 30 grams of fat, primarily saturated fat from the cream and egg yolks, which lend the custard its creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Protein content is moderate, at about 5 grams per serving, due to the eggs.
The sugar content per ramekin is roughly 25 grams, including both the custard and the caramelized topping. While this dessert is not low-calorie or low-fat, it is a source of essential nutrients found in dairy and eggs, including vitamins A, D, calcium, and riboflavin.
However, it should be consumed in moderation, particularly by those managing cholesterol or blood sugar levels. Despite being an indulgent treat, when enjoyed in small portions as part of a balanced diet, Eggnog Crème Brûlée can add festive cheer and pleasure to your menu without compromising overall health goals.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Eggnog Crème Brûlée pairs beautifully with a range of festive beverages. For a classic combination, serve it with a glass of Sauternes, a sweet French dessert wine with honey and apricot notes that complement the spiced custard perfectly.
A tawny port or late-harvest Riesling also works well, bringing out the warmth of the rum and nutmeg. For non-alcoholic pairings, a rich chai tea or spiced apple cider mirrors the dessert's aromatic profile and balances its sweetness.
If serving after a holiday meal, consider freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for a bold contrast that highlights the crème brûlée's creamy richness. Ultimately, let your beverage choice echo the festive spirit in which this dessert is best enjoyed.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To ensure your Eggnog Crème Brûlée achieves the perfect silky-smooth texture, strain the custard before pouring it into ramekins; this removes any coagulated egg bits or undissolved spices. When caramelizing the sugar, use superfine sugar for a thinner, evenly melted crust.
If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the tops using your oven's broiler - just move the ramekins close to the heat and watch carefully to prevent burning.
For a more pronounced holiday flavor, add a splash more rum or bourbon, or even a hint of orange zest. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol and increase the vanilla for extra depth.
You can experiment by substituting part of the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter custard. For added flair, garnish the finished dessert with candied cranberries, a dusting of nutmeg, or a sprig of mint.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée may also be baked in a larger dish and served family-style, though individual ramekins make for a more elegant presentation. Be sure to let the custard chill thoroughly, as this helps set the texture and allows the flavors to meld.
With smaller ramekins, baking times may be slightly reduced, so check for doneness by tapping gently to see if the center just barely jiggles.
Serving Suggestions
Eggnog Crème Brûlée is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator, with the caramelized sugar top freshly torched for the perfect contrast of temperatures and textures.
Present each ramekin on a small plate adorned with seasonal touches such as holly leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-festive feel.
For holiday gatherings, consider garnishing each serving with a dollop of whipped cream, a light sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg, or a few pomegranate arils for a pop of color and tartness.
Individual portions make it easy to serve at dinner parties, letting each guest experience the delight of cracking their own sugar top. For an extra special touch, provide small dessert spoons chilled in the freezer, enhancing the experience of breaking through the contrasting layers.
Pairing Eggnog Crème Brûlée with a complementary holiday beverage or a selection of cookies on the side can turn this dessert into the show-stopping centerpiece of your festive table. Remember to allow enough time for the custards to chill and set, planning accordingly to ensure perfect results.
Whether part of a grand holiday buffet or an intimate family dinner, this dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Health Benefits
While Eggnog Crème Brûlée is a decadent dessert, it does offer the nutritional benefits found in its base ingredients. Egg yolks are a source of high-quality protein, choline, and several B vitamins, all of which are important for brain health and metabolism.
Dairy provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for strong bones, as well as vitamin A for healthy skin and immune support. Nutmeg and cinnamon, used to flavor the custard, contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can contribute small but meaningful health benefits.
The moderate use of alcohol, such as rum or bourbon, is optional and mainly for flavor. For those concerned about cholesterol or saturated fat, consider making a lighter version using half-and-half or substituting some of the cream with lower-fat dairy products.
Because the dessert is sweet and high in calories, portion control is important-enjoying a small serving during festive occasions can fit into most healthy diets. If you are sensitive to dairy or eggs, consult with your healthcare provider about suitable alternatives or enjoy this treat infrequently.
Overall, when savored mindfully and as part of a varied diet, Eggnog Crème Brûlée can offer both culinary satisfaction and a small nutritional boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the custard can be made and chilled up to two days in advance. Wait until just before serving to caramelize the sugar topping to ensure it stays crisp.
Absolutely. Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and saves time; just choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor in your Eggnog Crème Brûlée.
You can caramelize the sugar topping under a broiler set to high. Keep a close eye and rotate the ramekins for even browning.
Yes, you can use coconut cream and dairy-free eggnog alternatives, although the texture may be slightly different from the classic version.
The custard is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble. It will continue to set as it cools and chills.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée seamlessly combines the nostalgic flavors of eggnog with the refined texture and presentation of crème brûlée, making it an ideal dessert for winter festivities and holiday gatherings. With careful preparation and a few simple techniques, you can recreate this show-stopping dessert at home. Impress your guests with the comforting warmth of seasonal spices, the creamy richness of the custard, and the satisfying crack of caramelized sugar. Whether you're an eggnog devotee or a crème brûlée purist, this fusion dessert is sure to delight and become a perennial holiday favorite. Enjoy creating lasting memories with every creamy, spiced bite of Eggnog Crème Brûlée.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups eggnog
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup turbinado or granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Arrange 4 ramekins in a deep baking dish.
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2In a saucepan, combine eggnog and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
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3In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
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4Slowly pour the hot eggnog mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
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5Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a measuring jug. Divide evenly among the ramekins.
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6Pour hot water into the baking dish halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until custards are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
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7Remove from the oven, cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Sprinkle sugar evenly on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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