Eggnog Pie Recipe (with Video)

Eggnog Pie Recipe: There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy eggnog and a buttery pie crust, especially around the holidays. If you’re someone who lights up at the sight of twinkling lights, sips hot cocoa by the fire, and hums Christmas carols in October—this pie is for you. It’s rich, smooth, subtly spiced, and ridiculously easy to make. The best part? No oven required. That’s right—it’s a no-bake dessert that looks fancy enough to impress but simple enough to throw together in under 30 minutes (not counting chill time).

Even better, this eggnog pie is totally customizable. Want to spike it with a bit of rum or bourbon? Go for it. Prefer a chocolate twist or graham cracker crust? Done. Whether you’re serving this at a holiday party or enjoying it solo with a spoon in bed (no judgment here), it’s bound to be a favorite. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, easy to transport, and perfect for making ahead.

What is Eggnog Pie?

Eggnog pie is exactly what it sounds like—a festive, creamy dessert that captures the classic holiday flavors of eggnog in pie form. Typically made with a ready-made pie crust, gelatin for setting, whipped topping for lightness, and a rich eggnog base, it’s a chilled, no-bake treat that’s a breeze to prepare. Think of it as the cousin to pumpkin pie, but cooler (literally) and with a holiday twist that makes it perfect for Christmas dinners, Friendsgiving feasts, or even a weekend baking project with the kids.

Most eggnog pies rely on prepared eggnog from the store, which simplifies things. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can definitely use homemade eggnog for an extra layer of flavor. The texture? Silky and light, somewhere between a mousse and a custard. It slices beautifully and holds its shape, which makes it ideal for making ahead. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top, and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of eggnog pie: the ingredient list is short and sweet. But each component plays a key role in delivering that creamy, holiday-inspired flavor.

Basic Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker or shortbread pie crust – Store-bought or homemade.
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 2 ½ teaspoons) – Helps the pie set.
• ½ cup cold water – For blooming the gelatin.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor.
• 2 cups eggnog – Store-bought or homemade; choose full-fat for creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for topping) – Brings that classic holiday vibe.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip) – Lightens the texture and gives the pie a mousse-like feel.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

• 2 tablespoons rum, bourbon, or brandy – If you want a boozy kick.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For more spice.
• 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix – For extra stability.
• Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish – Optional, but pretty!

You likely already have most of these in your pantry or fridge, especially during the holiday season. And the best part? This pie doesn’t require any complicated steps or baking experience. It’s nearly foolproof.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Let’s talk tools. You don’t need a fancy mixer or tons of gadgets—just the basics:

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (for dissolving gelatin)
• Rubber spatula
• Pie dish (if making your own crust)
• Plastic wrap or pie keeper (for chilling and storage)

Tips Before You Start Baking

Before you dive in, here are a few handy tips to make sure your eggnog pie turns out flawless:

• Use cold ingredients – Especially the eggnog and water for the gelatin. This helps everything set properly.
• Let the gelatin bloom fully – Give it 5-10 minutes to sit in the water before heating. Skipping this can lead to a runny filling.
• Chill time matters – The pie needs at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to fully set. Don’t rush it.
• Stir constantly when heating – Especially when combining sugar and eggnog, to avoid any curdling or scorching.
• Taste before chilling – Want more nutmeg or sweetness? Adjust before folding in the whipped topping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Eggnog Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

If you’re using a store-bought crust, you’re already ahead of the game—just unwrap and set it aside. If you want to make your own, here’s a quick method:

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted butter

Mix all ingredients together, press into a 9-inch pie plate, and chill for 30 minutes before filling. For extra crispiness, bake it at 350°F for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Step 2: Mix the Gelatin

In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with cold water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This step is called “blooming” and it’s crucial for the right texture. Once it’s bloomed, heat it gently in a small saucepan or microwave until fully dissolved. Stir well and set it aside to cool slightly—but not too long, or it may start to set.

Step 3: Make the Eggnog Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, salt, and eggnog. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot (not boiling). Remove from heat and stir in the dissolved gelatin, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. You can place it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to speed this up—just don’t let it set completely.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping

Once the eggnog mixture is cool, gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula. Take your time here—you want to preserve the fluffiness without deflating it. The final texture should be creamy, smooth, and light, like a mousse.

Step 5: Fill and Chill the Pie

Pour the filling into your prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the better the texture. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and maybe a cinnamon stick or two if you’re feeling festive.

Homemade vs Store-bought Crust: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to pie crust, you’ve got options—and each has its pros and cons. If you’re in a hurry or simply not into baking, a store-bought crust (graham cracker or shortbread) is a solid choice. It’s convenient, consistent, and easy to work with. No shame in keeping things simple—especially during the chaos of the holidays.

But if you want to take your eggnog pie to the next level, making your own crust can be a game-changer. A homemade graham cracker or gingersnap crust offers more depth of flavor and that irresistible, slightly rustic texture. Plus, you can control the sweetness, thickness, and even swap ingredients for a gluten-free or keto-friendly version if needed.

So, how do you choose?

• Go store-bought if you’re pressed for time, want less cleanup, or are serving a crowd and need to make multiple pies.
• Go homemade if you love baking from scratch, want to impress, or prefer a stronger flavor profile like cinnamon or ginger to complement the eggnog.

Honestly? Both get the job done—so pick your path and own it.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog for the Pie

Want to ditch the carton and go full-on homemade? Props to you! Here’s a simple, classic homemade eggnog recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for pie (and sipping!).

Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: ¼ cup bourbon or rum

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and nutmeg until hot but not boiling.
3. Slowly temper the egg yolk mixture by adding a ladle of the hot milk into the yolks while whisking constantly.
4. Pour the tempered yolks into the saucepan and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla (and alcohol, if using).
6. Chill thoroughly before using in your pie recipe.

The flavor difference? Noticeable. Homemade eggnog is creamier and less sugary than store-bought, giving your pie a more balanced flavor.

Eggnog Pie Variations

Want to shake things up? This pie is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun and festive variations you can try:

Boozy Eggnog Pie

Want to turn up the holiday spirit? Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon, rum, or brandy to your eggnog filling before folding in the whipped topping. It enhances the warmth of the nutmeg and makes the dessert more adult-friendly. Just don’t overdo it—too much alcohol can affect how the pie sets.

Chocolate Eggnog Pie

Chocolate + eggnog = YES. Stir ¼ cup melted white or dark chocolate into the eggnog mixture before folding in whipped topping. You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top or layer a thin coat of ganache between the crust and filling.

Gingersnap Crust Eggnog Pie

Swap the graham crackers for crushed gingersnaps in your crust recipe. It adds a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the eggnog’s creamy sweetness. Bonus: It smells amazing while setting.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Eggnog pie is the ultimate make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to prep and store it like a pro:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pie up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and covered tightly.
• Storing Leftovers: Wrap slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Technically, yes—you can freeze eggnog pie. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Note: The texture might change slightly.

Avoid storing at room temperature for long. The filling is dairy-based and needs to stay chilled.

How to Serve Eggnog Pie

Presentation matters—especially during the holidays! Here are a few ways to serve eggnog pie like a rockstar:

• Top with whipped cream or pipe whipped topping along the edges.
• Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon over the top.
• Garnish with cinnamon sticks, sugared cranberries, or even edible glitter for that festive pop.
• Serve chilled with a mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or—you guessed it—more eggnog.

If you’re hosting, slice the pie ahead of time and arrange slices neatly on a platter. It makes serving cleaner and faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these pitfalls ruin your pie:

1. Skipping the gelatin bloom time – Gelatin needs 5–10 minutes to fully absorb the water. Skipping this step can leave you with a runny mess.
2. Overheating the eggnog mixture – You want it warm, not boiling. High heat can curdle the mix.
3. Not cooling the mixture enough before adding whipped topping – If the filling is too hot, it’ll melt the topping and deflate the pie.
4. Using low-fat eggnog – You’ll lose the creamy texture. Always go full-fat for best results.
5. Serving before fully chilled – This pie needs 4+ hours to set. If you cut it too soon, it may not hold its shape.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Here’s a general idea of what you’re consuming per slice (assuming 8 slices total):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310–350
Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	9g
Sugar	28g
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	35g

Note: These values vary depending on the crust, eggnog brand, and whipped topping used.

FAQs about Eggnog Pie Recipe

1. Can I use instant pudding instead of gelatin?

Yes, you can substitute instant vanilla pudding (around 1 small box) to help set the pie. It will have a slightly different texture, more like a pudding pie, but still tasty.

2. Is eggnog pie safe for kids?

Absolutely! Just skip the alcohol. The store-bought eggnog and ingredients used are family-friendly and kid-approved.

3. Can I make eggnog pie without whipped topping?

You can use homemade whipped cream instead—just make sure it’s stabilized (add some cream cheese or gelatin) so the pie sets properly.

4. How long does eggnog pie take to set?

It typically takes at least 4 hours in the fridge. For best results, chill it overnight.

5. What can I serve with eggnog pie?

Coffee, hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a holiday cocktail pair beautifully. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flair.

Conclusion

Eggnog pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a holiday tradition waiting to happen. It’s simple to make, packed with seasonal flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just craving something cozy on a cold night, this creamy, dreamy pie checks all the boxes.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned kitchen pro—this recipe is easy, forgiving, and absolutely delicious. From its silky filling to its spiced aroma, eggnog pie delivers the festive feels in every bite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the holiday baking begin.