Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards: A Cozy Holiday Dessert
As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, the holiday season beckons us closer to home. This comforting time of year is filled with warmth, laughter, and delightful treats that bring friends and family together. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother mixing rich eggnog in her cozy kitchen, the fragrant spices curling into the air like a sweet embrace. Inspired by that nostalgia, I’m excited to share with you an indulgent Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards—your new favorite creamy fall dessert!
This tart is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to create. With a buttery crust and a velvety eggnog custard topped with crunchy caramel shards, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a special family night in. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easily Made with Store-Bought Ingredients: Using a pre-made buttery tart crust means this recipe can come together quickly, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Rich and Creamy Custard: The luscious eggnog-infused custard melds together beautifully with spices and sweetness for a delightful flavor experience.
- Impressive Dessert for Gatherings: Beautifully topped with caramel shards, this tart is sure to impress your guests and make every holiday table shine.
- Simple Steps for Success: The clear, easy-to-follow instructions mean that even novice bakers can conquer this recipe with confidence.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill the tart overnight and top it just before serving. This makes it a fantastic option for those wanting to plan ahead during the busy season!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for your Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards:
- 1 pre-made buttery tart crust
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup eggnog
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel shards)
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards
Let’s make it together! Follow these warm, easy steps to craft your delightful tart:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart crust in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, eggnog, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warmed through.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
- Return the combined mixture to the heat and cook until it thickens, stirring gently. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Pour the custard into the cooled tart crust. Cover it and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- To make the caramel shards, combine 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches an amber color.
- Carefully pour the caramel onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool completely until hardens. Once set, break it into shards.
- Just before serving, top the chilled tart with caramel shards, making it a showstopper at your holiday celebration!
Variations & Creative Twists
Light up your dessert table with these flavorful twists on the classic Eggnog Crème Tart:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Twist: Add a swirl of chocolate hazelnut spread into the custard for a rich, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the spices.
- Spiced Citrus Delight: Incorporate zesty lemon or orange zest into your custard for a bright and refreshing contrast to the creamy goodness.
- Nut Topping: Crushed pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top along with the caramel shards will add a lovely crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth tart.
- Festive Whipped Cream: For an extra layer of indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of spiced whipped cream to celebrate the season!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: This tart is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the tart in the refrigerator, gently covered, for up to 3 days. The caramel shards are best kept in an airtight container separately until you’re ready to serve.
- Slice with Care: Use a warm, sharp knife to cut through the tart smoothly, ensuring each slice looks just as delightful as the last.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a lighter version, swap half of the heavy cream with whole milk to reduce the fat content while still enjoying a rich flavor.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s inside this delightful dessert:
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of tart)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This tart is perfect for making a day in advance. Just chill it overnight and add the caramel shards right before serving.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix and match flavors. You can substitute the eggnog with a non-alcoholic spiced milk or your favorite dairy alternative.How do I store leftovers?
Store the tart in the refrigerator, covered loosely, and enjoy it within 2–3 days for the best flavor.How long does it last?
The Eggnog Crème Tart will remain fresh in the refrigerator for 2–3 days, making it a great treat for holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, let this Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards be the shining star of your dessert table. With its creamy, spiced custard and elegantly crafted caramel, it brings warmth, joy, and delightful memories to your celebrations. I hope you savor each slice as much as I cherish the memories that inspired it.
Save this Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards to your holiday treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy dessert that’s sure to impress! Happy baking, dear friends!
Print
Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy Eggnog Crème Tart topped with crunchy caramel shards. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made buttery tart crust
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup eggnog
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar (for caramel shards)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the tart crust until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, eggnog, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually whisk in the warm cream mixture.
- Return the mixture to the heat and cook until it thickens, coating the back of a spoon.
- Pour the custard into the cooled tart crust, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the caramel shards, combine 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan. Heat until it reaches an amber color.
- Pour the caramel onto a parchment-laden baking sheet and let it cool until hard, then break into shards.
- Before serving, top the chilled tart with caramel shards.
Notes
Make the tart a day in advance for the best flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Eggnog, dessert, holidays, tart, caramel