The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence, and few desserts capture that festive spirit quite like Eggnog Brulee Pie. Imagine a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog, lightly spiced with nutmeg, and topped with a golden, cinnamon-sugar crust that crackles when you cut into it. It’s a dessert that instantly evokes cozy nights by the fireplace, twinkling lights, and the warmth of family and friends gathered around the table.
What makes this pie truly special is its combination of textures and flavors. The smooth, custardy filling complements the crispy, sugary topping perfectly, while the subtle spices add a sophisticated holiday touch. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, bringing a dessert to a holiday party, or simply treating yourself to something luxurious, this pie elevates any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better.
Recipe Overview
Eggnog Brulee Pie is a creamy custard-style pie made with eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla, baked in a buttery crust and topped with a caramelized cinnamon-sugar layer. This festive dessert combines the smooth richness of eggnog with a crisp, brulee-like topping for a holiday-ready treat that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 frozen 9″ deep-dish pie crust, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2¼ cups full-fat eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, mixed
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil to catch any drips and place your frozen pie crust on top. Prick small holes in the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork—this helps prevent bubbling during baking. Bake the crust for 10–12 minutes until it’s partially cooked.
Tip: Letting the pie crust come to room temperature before baking ensures even cooking and prevents cracking.
2. Make the Eggnog Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and granulated sugar until smooth and lump-free. Gradually whisk in the melted butter, egg nog, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy custard. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pro Tip: Stirring continuously prevents the custard from curdling and ensures a silky, lump-free filling.
3. Assemble the Pie
Pour the custard filling into the partially baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle the melted butter over the filling and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
4. Bake and Brulee
Bake the pie at 325°F for 25 minutes. To achieve the signature brulee finish, broil the pie for 1 minute until the topping turns golden brown and bubbly.
Tip: Watch carefully while broiling—the topping can brown quickly, and you don’t want it to burn.
5. Cool and Chill
Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the custard before slicing.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the custard for extra holiday warmth.
- Crust Options: Use a graham cracker crust for a sweeter, more textured base.
- Non-Alcoholic Eggnog: If using store-bought eggnog, choose a non-alcoholic version for a kid-friendly dessert.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the pie a day in advance and refrigerate. Broil just before serving for that perfect brulee crunch.
- Topping Alternatives: For a more traditional crème brûlée feel, sprinkle only granulated sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch instead of broiling.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage:
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- The topping may soften slightly in the fridge, so re-broil for a few seconds before serving if you want it crispy again.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added decadence.
- Pair with spiced beverages like hot cider or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
Eggnog Brulee Pie is a festive dessert that brings together creamy custard, warm spices, and a golden, crunchy topping. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for holiday dinners, parties, or simply enjoying a little indulgence at home. With easy steps and simple ingredients, this pie is approachable for bakers of all skill levels yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite, evoking the warmth and joy of the holidays in every bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes! Both homemade and store-bought crusts work perfectly for this recipe.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the pie and refrigerate, then broil the topping just before serving.
3. Can I use low-fat eggnog?
Yes, but full-fat eggnog yields a creamier, richer custard.
4. How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Keep a close eye while broiling; it only takes about a minute to caramelize.
5. Can I freeze this pie?
It’s not recommended, as the custard texture may change upon thawing.
Eggnog Brulee Pie combines creamy, spiced eggnog custard with a golden cinnamon-sugar topping for a festive holiday dessert. Easy, indulgent, and perfect for the season!