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There’s something about the holiday season that calls for cozy drinks. Hot chocolate, mulled cider, and of course, eggnog. But if you want to take your festive drinks to the next level, pumpkin eggnog is where it’s at. Creamy, rich, and spiced with all those flavors we associate with fall, pumpkin eggnog is a comforting treat that feels both indulgent and homey.
Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or serving it at a holiday brunch, this twist on classic eggnog is sure to become a seasonal favorite. And the best part? You can make it from scratch at home with simple ingredients, without any artificial flavors or preservatives.
What Makes Pumpkin Eggnog So Special
Classic eggnog is already rich and creamy, thanks to its combination of milk, cream, and eggs. Adding pumpkin puree to the mix not only deepens the flavor but also brings in that seasonal warmth that makes fall recipes so irresistible. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and earthy tone that pairs perfectly with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for homemade pumpkin eggnog:
- 2 cups Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but any milk (dairy or plant-based) works.
- 3/4 cup Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness.
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has sugar and spices.
- 3 large Egg Yolks: Provide thickness and that traditional eggnog texture.
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup: Sweetens the drink naturally. Maple syrup is particularly lovely with pumpkin flavors.
- 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, perfect for fall.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and warms up the flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Optional: Nutmeg for garnish, whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make your own pumpkin eggnog at home:
Warm the Milk and Pumpkin: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Heat over medium heat until warm, but don’t let it boil. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth.
Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm pumpkin milk into the yolks, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Combine and Thicken: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Be careful not to boil, or the eggs may curdle.
Add Cream and Vanilla: Remove from heat, then stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Let the eggnog cool slightly, then chill in the fridge for at least one hour.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or a stick of cinnamon. Enjoy warm or cold, it’s delicious both ways.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Eggnog
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree and high-quality milk/cream make a noticeable difference.
- Tempering Is Key: Always temper your eggs. Pouring the warm milk into the eggs slowly prevents curdling.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Pumpkin pie spice is a starting point. If you love more cinnamon or nutmeg, feel free to add more.
- Make Ahead: Pumpkin eggnog keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
FAQs
Pumpkin Eggnog Printable ReciPE
Pumpkin Eggnog
Creamy, spiced, and festive, this pumpkin eggnog is the perfect cozy fall sip.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: whipped cream, nutmeg
Instructions
- Whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Warm gently.
- Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour in a small amount of the warm milk, whisking constantly.
- Pour egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on low, stirring until thickened slightly. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Serve topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 283Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 198mgSodium: 130mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 9g
Save for Later to Pinterest
Love this pumpkin eggnog recipe? Don’t forget to save it to Pinterest so you can enjoy it all season long! Pin it to your fall or holiday recipe boards, and you’ll always have this cozy drink ready for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Save For Later!
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin eggnog is more than just a seasonal drink; it’s a little moment of comfort you can make at home. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, it’s the ultimate fall and winter beverage. Making it from scratch allows you to adjust sweetness, spice, and richness exactly to your liking.
So grab your milk, pumpkin puree, and spices, and make a batch today. Cozy fall evenings, festive gatherings, and happy taste buds await!
This looks like the perfect fall or winter drink! We love eggnog and pumpkin anything. Does the drink stay emulsified? We’ve made hot chocolate with pumpkin puree and the pumpkin sometimes settles near the bottom of the cup. But we’re guessing that the eggs help it stay thick and fully incorporated/emulsified, so that it doesn’t settle that way. Sounds like a great solution!
There might be a little settling if you store it in the fridge, but just give it a quick stir before pouring and it stays fine while you drink it!
I never would have thought to combine pumpkin and eggnog, but now I can’t stop imagining how good it must taste. Definitely adding this to my holiday lineup!