Spiced with freshly-grated nutmeg and laced with vanilla and cinnamon, this Eggnog Pudding is creamy and full of festive flavor! It’s surprisingly healthy too. Protein powder bumps up the protein content, and there’s no added sugar!
The strangest thing happened the other day.
My day was going along uneventfully until I suddenly found myself ravenous. It was between meal times, so a little snack was in order. I went for one of my favorites, carrots + hummus. Normal enough, right?
That little snack managed to somehow disgust – no, repulse – me. And I am shocked, shocked. (And a little horrified; I don’t want to give up hummus!)
The mere thought of both carrots and hummus now turns me off. And the worst part is I have no idea why because there was absolutely nothing wrong with either of them! And no, I don’t think I’m pregnant, lol. A sad day, my friends.
I’m not sure what’s going on, maybe it’s just my (adult!) taste buds being fickle. (Has this happened to anyone else?) In any event, I decided it’s high time I added a few new snacks to my repertoire.
Eggnog is one of my favorite seasonal holiday flavors and pudding is always a hit, so why not, right? This is the perfect treat for the entire month of December. And even though it's on the healthier side of eggnog desserts, it tastes completely decadent. This means it would also make a beautiful Christmas dessert!
Note that there is no actual eggnog in this recipe. The combination of nutmeg, vanilla, and just a touch of cinnamon give it its eggnog-like flavor.
Easy Eggnog Pudding Recipe - Surprisingly Healthy!
When I made this pudding, I wanted an eggnog dessert recipe that was really more of a snack than a dessert. As a result, I made a few tweaks to make it a bit less dessert-like than your average pudding.
I used a stevia/erythritol blend instead of sugar, milk instead of cream (so I could use a bit of cream for topping, of course ;) ), and added vanilla protein powder. I love that this Eggnog Pudding fuels me up with no sugar crash later!
Ingredients
- Milk - whole milk or low-fat milk is fine here
- Eggs - in this healthier pudding recipe, eggs bump up the protein and also help thicken and set our pudding
- Cornstarch - this acts as a thickener in pudding
- Vanilla protein powder - here is the vanilla protein powder I use
- Stevia/erythritol packets - I use these stevia/erythritol packets; you can substitute with another sweetener (such as sugar) if you prefer
- Salt - to enhance the flavor
- Vanilla extract - for flavor and aroma
- Freshly-grated nutmeg - ground nutmeg will work in a pinch, but the flavor of freshly-grated nutmeg is much more intense and aromatic
- Cinnamon - we just use a touch of ground cinnamon, but this is optional
- Heavy whipping cream - this is an optional topping
How to Make Eggnog Pudding
Step 1: Make the Cornstarch Slurry/Egg Mixture:
Whisk together ½ cup milk with the eggs, cornstarch, protein powder, stevia, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Milk:
Pour the remaining 2 cups of milk into a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until bubbles form around the outside and the milk starts to steam.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs:
Turn off the heat and very slowly whisk 1 cup of hot milk into the egg mixture, starting with just a couple drops at a time and gradually adding more until the whole cup is incorporated.
Step 4: Return to the Heat:
Pour this into the pot and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, turn off heat and stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Step 5: Strain, Cool, and Serve:
Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps, then pour into small, individual-sized serving bowls or cups.
Cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate to chill.
Before serving, top each with whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Eggnog Pudding FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Custard and Pudding?
There are actually a few differences between custard and pudding!
- Custard typically has eggs and pudding may or may not contain eggs. Instead, pudding frequently uses cornstarch or flour as a thickener.
- Pudding is cooked on the stovetop and custard is baked in the oven (usually in a water bath).
- Custard doesn’t form a skin on top the way that pudding does.
Pro Tip
Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of pudding while it's still warm to prevent it from forming a skin.
What Does Eggnog Taste Like?
Eggnog is sweet with a thick, creamy texture. It’s spiced with nutmeg and usually has a touch of vanilla.
I think the best way to describe the flavor of eggnog is like melted nutmeg-flavored vanilla custard.
More Eggnog-Flavored Recipes
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Eggnog Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups milk divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 1 g packets stevia/erythritol blend
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg plus more to sprinkle on top
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream whipped to soft peaks, for topping
Instructions
- Whisk together ½ cup milk with the eggs, cornstarch, protein powder, stevia, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Pour the remaining 2 cups of milk into a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until bubbles form around the outside and the milk starts to steam.
- Turn off the heat and very slowly whisk 1 cup of hot milk into the egg mixture, starting with just a couple drops at a time and gradually adding more until the whole cup is incorporated.
- Pour this into the pot and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, turn off heat and stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps, then pour into small, individual-sized serving bowls or cups.
- Cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate to chill.
- Before serving, top each with whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Faith's Tips
- Stevia Substitution: Instead of stevia, you can substitute with another sweetener of your choice. If you’re using sugar, I’d start with about 4 teaspoons, but of course this can be adjusted to taste.
- Grating Fresh Nutmeg: I like to use a microplane to grate nutmeg. Freshly-grated nutmeg is so much more intensely flavored than pre-ground nutmeg, which makes it perfect for this eggnog-flavored treat!
Nutrition
This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on December 11, 2011. I updated it with more information on December 9, 2020.
Diane says
Another substitution request, Faith. Since we are "grain free" here, could I use tapioca starch or arrowroot in place of the corn starch? If so, same amount or what? I truly appreciate your time in answering these posts!
Faith says
Diane, My pleasure, I'm happy to help! I haven't tried this recipe with any adjustments, but I think it could be done. If you want to go with arrowroot starch, you might want to use a non-dairy "milk" instead of cow's milk (I've heard from several sources that arrowroot combined with dairy results in a very slimy consistency...I've never tried it know for sure though!). Plain unsweetened almond "milk" is typically my go-to, but I think you could probably use whatever milk you like that's similar (I wouldn't use full-fat coconut milk because the higher fat content may alter the recipe). If you use non-dairy "milk" and arrowroot, I'd use the same amount of arrowroot as the recipe calls for cornstarch (2 tablespoons); generally 1 tablespoon of arrowroot will thicken 1 cup of liquid, but there are other ingredients in here that will also help this pudding thicken (like the protein powder and eggs), so 2 tablespoons should be good. I think tapioca starch could work as well! I don't have enough experience experimenting using it in puddings though, so I'm afraid I can't give you tips...but now I'm tempted to start playing with tapioca flour in a pudding! I hope this helps for the arrowroot at least; please let me know how it goes if you decide to play with the recipe!
Katie @ www.ohshineon.com says
I'm not normally a fan of eggnog, but this recipe looks delicious. And your photography... simply amazing!
Adrienne @ Whole New Mom says
Hello again, Faith! Do you think the eggs are necessary for flavor or consistency? I have a son who is anaphylactic to eggs and I'd love to make a version he can have. Thanks!
Faith says
Hi Adrienne, The eggs are basically just for texture (plus I wanted to up the protein a bit), but you can absolutely omit them. I’d increase the cornstarch to maybe 3 tablespoons or so. Let me know how it turns out if you decide to try it! :)
Magic of Spice says
It's probably just the holidays and your body telling you to switch it up and have some fun :) I love how you lightened this up...perfect snack :)
Krista says
Yum! Yum!! Yum!!! I love eggnog so this sounds great.
neha gattani says
My husband loves eggnog so I am definitely going to try the recipe. Can I omit the protein powder...or can I just sub it with vanilla essence
Faith says
Neha, Yes, you can omit the protein powder...hope your husband enjoys the pudding! :)
Jana@delectablymine says
Whoops, sorry! Shot glasses would definitely be cute at a party. But I like the serving size you get with the juice glasses, I guess a shot glass wouldn't make much of a snack!
grace says
i can't stand store-bought eggnog, but the idea of making it at home with no actual eggnog is appealing! i do love the spices. :)
Jana@delectablymine says
I'm sorry to hear about your finicky tastebuds, especially because carrots and hummus can be such a nice snack. This pudding looks like a nice alternative though. The shot glasses are such a nice way to present it too, so cute!
Faith says
Thanks, Jana! In case someone makes this pudding, I didn't use shot glasses, I used three 8 oz juice glasses. I think you could probably fill up quite a few shots with this amount of pudding -- and that would be so cute to serve at a holiday party!
Amanda (onceuponarecipe) says
Heck yes, this looks superb! I wonder if you could sub in egg nog for the milk for even more egg nog flavor? What do you think?
Faith says
Amanda, I think that would be amazing! :)
Simply Tia says
I loovveeee eggnog so this is a must try!!! Thanks for sharing.
tania@mykitchenstories says
This looks delicious.... yum
Veronica Miller says
Oh no! If you're like me, maybe you just needed something different for a while. I can be in love with something for months on end, even years and years, and then suddenly, I can't eat it any more. This happened with peanut butter and I was horrified as well. I'm now able to eat it with relish again, but not every day like I used to. But since pb can be pretty high in calories if you don't watch your servings, this might be for the best. Hopefully your love for hummus will return with time, but with your creativity, I'm sure you'll come up with tons of healthy snacks like this wonderful eggnog pudding to satisfy you in the mean time!
Monet says
I've had that happen to me a few times...I've been loving a snack for years and then suddenly, no more. This eggnog looks great though. I would love to try this out for our a pre-holiday feast. I love collecting recipes for my family and me to make! Thank you for sharing this with me and brightening my evening.
Reeni says
Weird! That happened to me with bananas - lasted a few months and I am now just starting to eat them again. Eggnog is one of my favorite holiday flavors - the puddings are delectable!
BeadedTail says
I love eggnog so know this pudding would be a big hit with me! My husband doesn't like eggnog so that would leave all the more for me!
That's funny about the carrots and hummus! That happened to me with Subway. I used to love Subway but for the past year the thought of it makes me sick. Even now if we're out and about and my husband asks what I'm in the mood for he follows it up with "besides Subway"!
Carolyn Jung says
Maybe you just OD'd on the carrots and hummus, and can't stand to look at either, now? I predict that in a couple of months, you will crave that combo again. How could you not, as it's sooooo delicious. ;)
Reva says
Both the dessert and the presentation looks super good..:))
Reva
Lisa says
This looks amazing...I'd keep everything exactly the same. Big fan of stevia and vanilla protein powder...and eggs :)
Erica says
That pudding sounds amazing,Faith!What a delicious treat for the holidays!
Susan says
I really like your tweaks in this delicious pudding. I love the eggnogg-y flavors and freshly grated nutmeg!
Coco says
sometimes our taste buds change for no reason, which means it's time to try something new, just as u did! :)
this eggnog looks much more friendly that the standard heavy version, and it's really cute too!
Erica says
Mmmm! I love that it has the eggnog flavor but isnt super heavy! Yum!! I always forget how much i love nog. I had a couple tjs eggnog covered almonds yesterday-so good!
Barbara says
Eggnog is delicious! And I've been good so far this season and haven't had one glass. But I'd go for this lighter version in pudding form, Faith.
Never have had protein powder, but I wonder if that's what the supplement from Quick Weight Loss is? If so, I have some and have been drinking it mixed with frozen strawberries for ages!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
I am loving eggnog this season - something I haven't really like much in the past, so I think taste changes can go both ways! This pudding looks delicious! I'm sure your hummus taste will return.
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
Perfect snack :) and i like how you've made it a little lighter and i dunno the protein powder makes me think it's healthier hahaha
it's happened to me before! I'm a HUGE yoghurt fan and will have at least a little tub a day...but sometimes all of a sudden I'd feel sick if I have it :) so not to worry I'm sure you'll enjoy your carrots and hummas again ~
Rosa says
Just heavenly!
Cheers,
Rosa