Eggnog Desserts for Christmas: 4 Festive Recipes to Try

Eggnog is one of those flavors that immediately reads as Christmas. Nutmeg, vanilla and creamy richness work especially well in cakes, pies, tarts and sandwich cookies, so you can use the flavor in more ways than simply serving a glass of eggnog.

This guide compares four eggnog desserts from the What's Baking recipe library, with a different serving format for each role on a holiday table.

4 Eggnog Desserts for Christmas

1. Eggnog Bundt Cake

This is the easiest eggnog dessert to use as a table centerpiece without committing to a layer cake. It slices cleanly and works well for Christmas dinner, holiday coffee or a winter gathering.

2. Eggnog Custard Tart

A smooth eggnog custard inside pastry gives you creamy filling with a crisp crust. It is a good option when you want something more structured than a cream pie but less cake-like than a Bundt.

3. Eggnog Cream Pie

This chilled dessert brings eggnog flavor into a softer, creamier format. It is especially useful when the rest of your Christmas desserts are baked and dense.

4. Eggnog Whoopie Pie Sandwich Cookies

Soft spiced cookies with eggnog buttercream turn the same holiday flavor into an individual handheld treat. These work well on a dessert tray or as part of a cookie assortment that will be served soon after assembly.

Which Eggnog Dessert Should You Make?

• For the easiest centerpiece: Eggnog Bundt Cake.
• For a polished pastry dessert: Eggnog Custard Tart.
• For a creamy chilled option: Eggnog Cream Pie.
• For individual portions: Eggnog Whoopie Pie Sandwich Cookies.

How to Add Eggnog Desserts to a Christmas Menu

You do not need more than one eggnog dessert at the same meal. Because the flavor is distinctive, choose one format and let the other desserts provide contrast. Pair an eggnog cake with chocolate or fruit, or pair the cream pie with a crisp cookie tray.

Eggnog Desserts for Gifting

The sandwich cookies are the most practical of these four for short-distance gifting because they are individually portioned. Keep filled cookies protected from crushing and follow the recipe's storage directions. The cakes, pie and tart are better suited to serving at home or bringing directly to a gathering.

More Holiday Flavor Ideas

If eggnog is only one part of your Christmas baking plan, explore our Gingerbread Recipes for Christmas, Christmas Desserts, and Christmas Cookie Recipes.

Keep Chilled Dishes Cold

Keep cream pies, custard desserts and egg-based breakfast dishes refrigerated at 4°C or colder when they are being stored. Return perishable leftovers to refrigeration within two hours. Plan cooler space as carefully as oven space; a make-ahead dish still needs safe storage.

See Health Canada’s food safety guidance.