17 Eggnog Desserts That Scream Holiday Cheer
The holidays just got a whole lot sweeter with these incredible eggnog desserts that capture all the warm, spiced flavors of the season. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner party or simply want to treat your family to something special, these creamy, indulgent treats bring that signature eggnog taste to every bite. From elegant showstoppers to simple comfort desserts, there’s something here for every skill level and occasion.
Classic Eggnog Cheesecake
This velvety cheesecake is pure holiday magic on a plate. The rich, dense texture melts in your mouth while delivering those familiar nutmeg and vanilla notes we all crave. It’s surprisingly easy to make and actually benefits from being prepared a day ahead, making it perfect for busy holiday entertaining. The graham cracker crust adds a lovely contrast to the smooth filling, and a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it absolutely irresistible.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Crème Brûlée
Talk about impressive! This elegant French dessert gets a festive makeover with eggnog’s signature spices. The silky custard beneath that satisfying caramelized sugar crust tastes like the holidays in every spoonful. While it requires a kitchen torch for that dramatic finish, the actual custard is quite forgiving to make. Your guests will think you’re a culinary genius, but honestly, it’s easier than it looks and makes such a sophisticated ending to any meal.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Tiramisu
This Italian classic gets a holiday twist that’s absolutely divine. Instead of coffee, eggnog-soaked ladyfingers create layers of pure comfort, while mascarpone cheese adds that signature creamy richness. The flavors develop beautifully overnight in the fridge, making it another make-ahead winner. It’s boozy, indulgent, and has that perfect balance of textures. Plus, assembling it feels almost therapeutic – no baking required, just pure deliciousness waiting to happen.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Panna Cotta
Silky smooth and elegantly simple, this Italian dessert is like eggnog in its most refined form. The gelatin gives it that perfect wobble while keeping the texture light and airy. What makes this extra special is how the flavors concentrate beautifully when chilled. It’s also incredibly versatile – serve it plain for understated elegance or top with berry compote for a pop of color and tartness that balances the richness perfectly.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Bread Pudding
Comfort food at its absolute finest! This dessert transforms day-old bread into something magical, with each custardy bite delivering warm spices and creamy richness. It’s incredibly forgiving – perfect for using up leftover bread and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch everyone go back for seconds. It’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell amazing.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Ice Cream
Creamy, dreamy, and absolutely addictive, this frozen treat captures summer vibes with winter flavors. The custard base creates that luxurious texture while the eggnog adds complexity that store-bought versions can’t match. Making it at home means you control the booze level and spice intensity. It’s perfect on its own, amazing with warm apple pie, or fantastic as the base for an indulgent milkshake. Just be warned – one scoop is never enough.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Fudge
Rich, decadent, and dangerously easy to make, this fudge is a holiday gift-giving superstar. The texture is perfectly creamy with just enough firmness to hold its shape when cut into squares. What sets it apart is how the eggnog flavor really shines through without being overwhelming. It keeps well in the fridge and makes beautiful presents when wrapped in festive packaging. Fair warning: you’ll want to hide it from yourself because it’s seriously addictive.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Trifle
This showstopping dessert is all about the layers – fluffy cake, silky eggnog custard, and billowy whipped cream create a visual feast. The beauty is in its flexibility; you can use store-bought pound cake or leftover holiday cake. Each spoonful gives you different textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. It serves a crowd beautifully and looks absolutely stunning in a glass trifle bowl. Plus, it’s essentially impossible to mess up, making it perfect for nervous hosts.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Cupcakes with Rum Buttercream
These fluffy, moist cupcakes taste like a party in every bite. The cake itself is tender and packed with eggnog flavor, while the rum buttercream frosting adds that extra festive kick. They’re surprisingly easy to make and absolutely perfect for holiday parties or school events. The combination of textures – soft cake and smooth frosting – is pure perfection. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead and just thaw when needed.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Mousse
Light, airy, and intensely flavored, this mousse is like eating a cloud of holiday happiness. The texture is absolutely divine – rich enough to satisfy but light enough that you won’t feel too full after dinner. It whips up relatively quickly and can be made in individual servings for an elegant presentation. The key is not to overwork it, letting the eggnog flavors shine through that perfect mousse consistency. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg for the full effect.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
These aren’t your average sugar cookies – they’re soft, chewy, and bursting with eggnog flavor. The dough comes together easily and holds its shape beautifully when baked. What makes them special is how they taste like drinking eggnog, but in cookie form. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, decorating with kids, or just having around the house during the holidays. The texture stays soft for days, and they freeze wonderfully for future eggnog cravings.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog White Chocolate Truffles
Luxurious and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, these truffles are the ultimate indulgence. The white chocolate pairs beautifully with eggnog’s warm spices, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s not too sweet. They’re surprisingly simple to make but look incredibly professional when finished. Rolling them can be a fun family activity, and they make gorgeous gifts when packed in pretty boxes. Just keep them chilled until serving – nobody wants melty truffles at their party.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Pound Cake
Dense, buttery, and absolutely loaded with flavor, this pound cake is holiday comfort at its finest. The texture is perfect – moist and tender with that classic pound cake richness. It slices beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Serve it plain with coffee, or dress it up with whipped cream and berries for dessert. It also makes incredible French toast if you happen to have leftovers, though that’s rarely a problem.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Milkshake
This isn’t just a drink – it’s dessert in a glass! Thick, creamy, and absolutely indulgent, it combines the best of ice cream and eggnog in one perfect treat. The consistency is ideal for sipping through a straw while still being substantial enough to feel like a proper dessert. Kids love the fun factor, adults love the nostalgic flavors, and everyone loves how easy it is to make. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the full experience.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Chocolate Bark
Simple yet sophisticated, this bark combines rich chocolate with creamy eggnog flavors in every bite. The contrast between the smooth chocolate base and the eggnog swirl creates visual appeal and incredible taste. It’s one of the easiest treats to make but looks absolutely professional when finished. Breaking it into irregular pieces adds to its rustic charm, and it keeps well in the fridge. Perfect for gift-giving or having around during holiday gatherings.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Rice Pudding
Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly elegant, this rice pudding elevates a simple dessert into something special. The rice becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all those wonderful eggnog flavors. It’s perfect served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any season or preference. The texture is absolutely divine – creamy but with just enough substance to be satisfying. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds the perfect finishing touch to this humble yet delicious dessert.
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Cream Puffs
Light, airy pastry shells filled with rich eggnog cream – these are pure magic! The choux pastry puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect vessel for that luscious filling. They look incredibly impressive but are more manageable to make than you’d think. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior is absolutely perfect. They’re best served fresh, making them ideal for special occasions when you want to wow your guests with something truly spectacular.
Get the recipe here.