19 Insanely Good Eggnog Desserts: Christmas Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Introduction

Craving something festive and unforgettable for your holiday table? These 19 Insanely Good Eggnog Desserts go beyond the iconic drink, transforming its creamy, spiced flavors into show-stopping Christmas dessert recipes. Each treat is designed to deliver the comforting nostalgia of eggnog in a new way—think fluffy cakes, chilled trifles, gooey bread puddings, and silky cheesecakes—making this collection a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any Christmas celebration.

Why Eggnog Desserts Shine at Christmas

Eggnog’s signature notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla pair perfectly with rich dairy, making it the ultimate ingredient for holiday desserts. These recipes maximize holiday cheer and make festive gatherings extra special. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a memorable finale to Christmas dinner, these desserts guarantee rave reviews.

Eggnog’s Star Power: Creating Irresistible Christmas Sweets

By using eggnog as a key ingredient, these desserts deliver creaminess and holiday warmth in every bite. The unique spices in traditional eggnog elevate simple cakes, cookies, and puddings to festive new heights. Many recipes also balance the sweetness with a hint of rum or bourbon, adding depth and a grown-up twist perfect for grown-up gatherings.

Our Top 19 Eggnog Dessert Recipes

Explore this curated list of eggnog-inspired treats that are bound to become new Christmas traditions:

1. Eggnog Cheesecake Bars: Luscious cheesecake infused with eggnog and a hint of nutmeg, set atop a spiced graham cracker crust.
2. Eggnog Bread Pudding: Cubes of brioche soak in a creamy eggnog custard, baked until golden and served with a caramel drizzle.
3. Eggnog Layer Cake: Light, fluffy layers infused with eggnog, sandwiched with spiced buttercream for a show-stopping centerpiece.
4. Eggnog Cookies: Soft and chewy sugar cookies with eggnog glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
5. Eggnog French Toast: Brioche slices dipped in an eggnog and spice custard, griddled until golden and served with maple syrup—a festive brunch or dessert.
6. Eggnog Fudge: Creamy white chocolate fudge with eggnog, nutmeg, and a touch of rum extract.
7. Eggnog Pound Cake: Moist, rich pound cake that’s perfect with a cup of holiday coffee.
8. Eggnog Trifle: Layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and eggnog custard for a no-bake, crowd-sized treat.
9. Eggnog Cupcakes: Light, festive cupcakes topped with a piped eggnog buttercream swirl.
10. Eggnog Ice Cream: Homemade ice cream rich with eggnog and aromatic spices—a cool finish to any meal.
11. Eggnog Tiramisu: Italian classic with ladyfingers submerged in eggnog, layered with mascarpone and dusted with cocoa and nutmeg.
12. Eggnog Panna Cotta: Silky, rich custards that set in the fridge for easy, advance holiday prep.
13. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Blondies: Chewy bars swirled with cinnamon and finished with an eggnog glaze.
14. Eggnog Donuts: Oven-baked donuts coated in nutmeg-spiced glaze—perfect for holiday brunch tables.
15. Eggnog Rice Pudding: Creamy rice pudding enhanced with eggnog and a touch of orange zest.
16. Eggnog Crème Brûlée: Crisp caramelized tops over creamy, spiced eggnog custard.
17. Eggnog Whoopie Pies: Soft cake sandwiches filled with eggnog buttercream.
18. Eggnog Bread Twists: Fluffy yeast bread with swirls of eggnog and festive spices.
19. Eggnog Affogato: A scoop of eggnog ice cream “drowned” in hot espresso for a grown-up dessert-coffee combo.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save any of these eggnog dessert recipes to instantly create an organized shopping list, sorted by store section for stress-free holiday grocery trips.

Instructions for Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into pan bottom to make a crust.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Add eggnog, eggs, nutmeg, vanilla, and (if using) rum/bourbon. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour filling over crust and smooth the top. Bake 40–45 minutes, until just set in center.
5. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing into bars.

Serving Suggestions for Your Eggnog Desserts

Dress up your creations with festive garnishes: a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, holiday sprinkles, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or sugared cranberries. Arrange on a holiday platter for a stunning dessert display that’s guaranteed to draw a crowd.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Most eggnog desserts—like cheesecake bars or trifle—are indulgent, with around 250–350 calories per serving. Portion control is key to enjoying these treats in the spirit of the season.

Eggnog Dessert Recap

Whether you bake, whip, or chill, these 19 eggnog dessert recipes offer delightful ways to showcase a classic holiday flavor. Each option brings festive flair, making your Christmas dessert table a memorable highlight.

Weekly Meal Planning

Integrating these eggnog desserts into your holiday meal plan is simple. Save and schedule your favorite recipes to generate a master shopping list, automatically combining ingredients for maximum convenience.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly see total quantities needed for all recipes, preventing repeat trips for extra flour or eggs
– Store items are grouped by department—no more zig-zagging through the aisles
– Recipe scheduling helps you balance prep times and leftovers throughout the week
– Great for organizing Christmas brunch, dinner, and dessert menus all in one place

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes and watch as overlapping ingredients are automatically tallied—making big holiday grocery hauls stress-free and cost-effective.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes (for cheesecake bars)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: About 5 hours (including chilling)

Enjoy these festive, crowd-pleasing eggnog desserts and make this Christmas season one to savor!