The Eggnog Custard Tart is a festive showstopper that combines the creamy, spiced richness of eggnog with a buttery, flaky tart crust. This dessert is a celebration of everything we love about the holiday season—smooth, velvety custard, a hint of nutmeg, and just the right amount of sweetness.
It’s the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or when you simply want to indulge in a seasonal treat. Pair it with a glass of mulled wine for a warming, spiced drink that complements the flavors of the tart, or serve it alongside some Gingerbread Cupcakes for an extra dose of holiday cheer.
What makes this recipe special is the beautiful combination of eggnog’s festive flavors with the custard filling, which is both rich and light at the same time. The nutmeg and cinnamon, which are the hallmarks of eggnog, bring a warm and cozy essence, while the flaky tart crust provides the perfect contrast in texture. Whether you’re serving it for dessert after a holiday meal or sharing it with friends over a cup of mulled wine, this tart is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With its elegant look and delicious flavor, the Eggnog Custard Tart is the kind of dessert that elevates any holiday celebration and makes the season just a little sweeter.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Festive Flavors: The eggnog custard filling is a perfect nod to the holidays with its rich, spiced flavor.
- Holiday Staple: This tart has become a go-to in my house during the holidays because it’s both easy to make and so incredibly delicious.
- Great Texture: The creamy custard and flaky crust create the ideal contrast of textures—smooth and crunchy all in one bite.
- Makes Any Gathering Special: Whether for a family gathering or a dinner party, this tart always adds a special touch to the occasion.
The combination of eggnog, custard, and a flaky tart crust makes this a dessert everyone looks forward to. If you’re like me, you’ll be making it again and again this holiday season! Plus, it pairs beautifully with the festive warmth of mulled wine or the cozy sweetness of gingerbread cookies.
Eggnog Custard Tart
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Saucepan
- Fine sieve
- Whisk
- 23cm loose-bottomed tart tin
- Baking paper
- Baking beans or rice
- Rolling Pin
- Star-shaped cookie cutters
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- Pastry
- 225 g plain flour plus extra for dusting
- A pinch of sea salt
- 50 g caster sugar
- 150 g unsalted butter diced
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 egg yolk for glazing
- Icing sugar and ground cinnamon for decoration
- Eggnog Custard
- 300 ml single cream
- 100 ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/3 nutmeg freshly grated
- 8 egg yolks
- 100 g caster sugar
- 50 ml spiced rum
Instructions
Make the Pastry:
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add diced butter and rub it into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle in the beaten egg, and use a knife to mix. Once clumps start to form, bring the dough together on a work surface, press into a disc, and chill for 1 hour.
Prepare the Eggnog Custard:
- Heat cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and grated nutmeg in a pan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and infuse for 1 hour.
- Reheat the cream mixture to boiling. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks with sugar until smooth. Pour the hot cream over the yolk mixture through a sieve, whisking constantly. Add rum and whisk gently to combine.
Blind Bake the Tart Base:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas 6). Roll out pastry to 2-3mm thickness. Line a 23cm tart tin with the pastry, trimming excess.
- Use star cutters to create pastry stars from excess dough. Place stars on a lined baking tray, brush with egg yolk, and set aside.
- Line the tart shell with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden, then remove beans and bake for another 10 minutes. Brush the inside with egg yolk and bake for 1 more minute.
Bake the Tart:
- Reduce oven to 150°C (fan 130°C/gas 2). Place the cooled tart shell in the oven on a baking tray. Pour in the custard, and bake for 30-40 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
Decorate and Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool fully, then decorate with pastry stars dusted with icing sugar, cinnamon, or left plain.
- Best enjoyed on the day but can be refrigerated for up to two days.
- This classic tart brings together holiday flavors with creamy eggnog custard and festive pastry stars. Perfect for special gatherings!
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 475 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
Variations to Customize Your Dessert!
This eggnog tart recipe combines the richness of spiced custard with a buttery, crisp pastry base. Here are a few expert variations and tips to elevate this festive treat:
1. Add Chocolate
For a decadent twist, stir in 2 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate into the custard before baking. The combination of eggnog flavor with chocolate will make the tart even more indulgent.
2. Infuse with More Spices
If you’re a fan of extra spice, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the eggnog custard. This will deepen the warm, holiday flavors. Alternatively, try using a spiced rum that has an extra kick of cinnamon or vanilla for more complexity.
3. Use Shortcrust Pastry
If you prefer a more traditional base, you can swap out the sweet pastry for a plain shortcrust pastry. This will give the tart a more neutral, buttery base that complements the rich filling even more.
4. Make it Nut-Free
If you’re serving this to guests with nut allergies, simply swap the pastry for a nut-free shortcrust or use a store-bought nut-free pie crust. The rich eggnog filling will still be the star of the show.
5. Top with Whipped Cream
For a creamy finish, top the cooled tart with freshly whipped cream spiked with a splash of vanilla or a little extra rum. You can even pipe it into festive shapes on top of the tart.
6. Try Other Fruit Zests
While the orange and lemon zests are traditional, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit zest, to add a unique flavor profile to the custard.
7. Vegan Version
To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based cream and milk (such as coconut or almond). Use a flax egg or aquafaba for the egg yolks in the custard, and ensure the spiced rum is vegan-friendly.
8. Caramelized Nuts on Top
For extra texture and a touch of crunch, sprinkle caramelized walnuts or pecans over the tart once it’s baked and cooled. The sweet nuts will contrast nicely with the creamy custard.
9. Candied Ginger for Added Zing
For a zingy, sweet twist, finely chop candied ginger and add it to the custard mix. This will bring in a lovely balance of spice and sweetness, making it even more festive.
10. Customize with Liqueurs
If you prefer a more sophisticated flavor, swap out the spiced rum for a splash of bourbon or whiskey, which will add depth and a rich, smoky flavor to the custard.
These variations allow you to adapt this eggnog tart to different tastes and dietary needs while preserving its delicious, festive essence.