Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is creamy, festive, and perfectly spiced. It is easy to prepare, ideal for making ahead, and delivers unmistakable holiday flavor in a refined, elegant form.
Eggnog Pie with Gingerbread Crust: A Creamy Holiday Dessert with Warm Spice
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive no-bake eggnog pie nestled in a spiced gingerbread cookie crust, creamy and lightly spiced—perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gingerbread cookies, finely crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- Whipped cream and nutmeg, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine crushed gingerbread cookies and melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add eggnog, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon; mix until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until light and fluffy.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- The pie sets best when chilled overnight.
- Alcohol-free eggnog works perfectly for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Gingerbread cookies form the base of the crust. Their warm spices provide structure and a rich contrast to the creamy filling.
Butter binds the gingerbread crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
Eggnog is the heart of the filling. It delivers classic holiday flavor with built-in spice and creaminess.
Heavy cream adds body and a silky texture to the pie filling.
Egg yolks provide richness and help the custard set smoothly.
Granulated sugar gently sweetens the filling without overpowering the eggnog.
Cornstarch stabilizes the custard, ensuring clean slices when served.
Nutmeg enhances the eggnog flavor and adds warm holiday aroma.
Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds depth.
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.
Directions
Begin by preparing the gingerbread crust. Finely crush the gingerbread cookies and mix with melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the base and sides of a pie dish, creating an even crust. Bake briefly until set, then allow to cool completely. For the filling, warm the eggnog and heavy cream gently in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, salt, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly pour the warm eggnog mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook gently, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour the custard into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Chill until fully set before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 8 slices. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, with a baking time of 10 minutes for the crust and chilling time of at least 4 hours. Total active time is roughly 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Serve chilled. Reheating is not recommended, as it may affect the custard texture.
Variations and Customizations
Spiced rum eggnog pie
Add a small amount of spiced rum for deeper flavor.
Chocolate gingerbread crust
Incorporate cocoa powder into the crust for richness.
Lighter filling option
Replace part of the cream with milk for a lighter texture.
Whipped topping finish
Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream before serving.
Extra spice version
Add cinnamon or allspice for additional warmth.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly.
Does this pie need baking?
Only the crust is baked; the filling is chilled.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for preparing a day in advance.
How do I know the custard is thick enough?
It should coat the back of a spoon.
Can I freeze eggnog pie?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Is the nutmeg flavor strong?
It is subtle and balanced.
Can I use a graham crust instead?
Yes, but gingerbread adds more holiday character.
Does this pie contain alcohol?
Only if added intentionally.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, prepare two pies for larger gatherings.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is gently sweet and well balanced.
Conclusion
Eggnog Pie with Gingerbread Crust is a festive, elegant dessert that brings classic holiday flavors together in a creamy, memorable form. With its make-ahead convenience and unmistakable seasonal character, it is a perfect addition to Christmas celebrations and winter gatherings.
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