If you’re searching for a cozy, festive treat that warms both the heart and soul, look no further than this delightful Crockpot Eggnog Recipe. Creamy, spiced, and perfectly smooth, it’s a hands-off way to enjoy a holiday classic without fuss. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself on a chilly evening, this eggnog blends rich egg yolks, warm spices, and a subtle vanilla sweetness into a luscious drink that’s sure to become your new seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Eggnog Recipe lies in its simplicity: just a few staple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor. Each element plays a special role—egg yolks provide that rich, velvety base, while nutmeg and cinnamon add festive warmth, and the dairy creates that dreamy creamy texture.
- 8 large egg yolks: These give the eggnog its classic richness and silky consistency.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture just right, balancing the spices perfectly.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and depth to the drink.
- 2 cups milk: Lightens the texture slightly, making it smooth and drinkable.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a warm, nutty spice that’s key to traditional eggnog flavor.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances all the ingredients.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Infuses a gentle, aromatic cinnamon flavor throughout the cooking process.
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Whipped cream (optional): Perfect for topping your finished eggnog to add extra indulgence.
How to Make Crockpot Eggnog Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
Start by whisking the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it dissolves the sugar and creates a thick base that will give your eggnog its rich texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Next, pour the egg yolk mixture into your Crockpot. Add the heavy cream, milk, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and kosher salt. This combination of ingredients will slowly meld its flavors while cooking gently on low heat.
Step 3: Stir to Blend
Give everything a good stir to make sure all the elements are evenly mixed. This helps prevent curdling and ensures that every sip of your eggnog is perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 1½ hours. Be sure to stir the mixture once or twice during cooking. This slow heating process thickens the eggnog gently while allowing those warm spices to infuse beautifully.
Step 5: Cool the Mixture
When the cooking time is up, remove the lid and stir one more time. Let the eggnog cool down for about 30 minutes right in the Crockpot before moving on. Cooling helps the flavors settle and prevents any unwanted separation later on.
Step 6: Remove Cinnamon Stick
Once cooled, fish out the cinnamon stick—as it has done its job infusing the warm, spiced aroma into your eggnog. Removing it now ensures the cinnamon flavor remains gentle and not overpowering.
Step 7: Chill the Eggnog
Transfer the eggnog to a container and refrigerate it until thoroughly chilled. This is when your eggnog will thicken into that classic rich texture everyone loves at the holidays.
Step 8: Serve with Flair
When you’re ready to enjoy, pour into glasses and add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Finish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for that quintessential festive touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Eggnog Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make all the difference in both presentation and flavor. A swirl of whipped cream adds creaminess and visual appeal, while a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon enhances the warm, comforting aroma and taste of the eggnog. You can also experiment with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for a rustic touch.
Side Dishes
This eggnog pairs beautifully with holiday sweets like gingerbread, shortbread cookies, or spiced nuts. The creamy, slightly spiced flavors act as a perfect counterpart to rich desserts, making your gathering subtly indulgent and utterly charming.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Crockpot Eggnog Recipe in festive mugs or small glass tumblers for an elegant look. For a boozy adult option, consider offering bourbon or rum on the side so guests can customize their drinks. Adding some edible gold flakes or cinnamon sticks tied with twine can elevate the presentation even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because this recipe uses fresh eggs, it’s best enjoyed within 3 days to ensure freshness and safety. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation can happen naturally.
Freezing
While eggnog is best fresh or chilled, you can freeze it for up to 1 month if needed. Use freezer-safe containers and leave room for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, then whisk to bring back that creamy consistency.
Reheating
If you prefer your eggnog warm, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling, as this will change the texture. Warmed eggnog makes a cozy treat for chilly evenings.
FAQs
Can I use pasteurized eggs for this Crockpot Eggnog Recipe?
Yes! Using pasteurized eggs is a great idea if you’re concerned about safety, especially when serving to children or pregnant guests. They won’t affect the taste and help reduce any risk associated with raw eggs.
How do I make this eggnog vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and substitute the egg yolks with silken tofu or a cornstarch slurry for thickness. Keep the spices and vanilla for that classic eggnog flavor.
Can I add alcohol to this Crockpot Eggnog Recipe?
Absolutely! Traditional spiked eggnog often features rum, bourbon, or brandy. Add your favorite spirit just before serving so it doesn’t cook off during the process. Start with ½ cup and adjust to taste.
What if I don’t have a Crockpot?
If you’re without a Crockpot, you can gently cook the eggnog on the stovetop in a double boiler or heavy saucepan, stirring constantly over low heat until it thickens, similar to making a custard. It just requires a bit more attention.
Why does my eggnog curdle sometimes?
Curdling can happen if the temperature gets too high or if the eggs aren’t properly whisked into the mixture. Cooking low and slow while stirring regularly is key to preventing this. The Crockpot method minimizes this risk significantly.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Eggnog Recipe is an inviting, foolproof way to bring the warmth and joy of the holidays right into your kitchen with minimal effort. I hope you’ll give it a try and savor every creamy, spiced sip with your favorite people. Cheers to cozy moments and delicious traditions!
Print
Crockpot Eggnog Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 drinks
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Eggnog Recipe offers a warm, creamy homemade holiday favorite made easy in a slow cooker. Rich with egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon, this comforting drink is cooked gently in a crockpot to develop deep flavors and smooth texture. Perfect for festive gatherings, it’s served chilled with optional whipped cream and spice garnish.
Ingredients
Eggnog Base
- 8 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
For Garnish (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Ground nutmeg or cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly pale in color, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Pour the whisked egg yolks into the Crockpot and add the heavy cream, milk, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and kosher salt. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the Crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for 1½ hours. Stir the eggnog once or twice during the cooking period to prevent curdling and to promote even cooking.
- Cool the Mixture: After cooking, remove the lid and stir the eggnog once more. Allow the mixture to cool in the Crockpot for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld and temperature drop.
- Remove Cinnamon and Chill: Take out the cinnamon stick and transfer the eggnog to a suitable beverage container. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, which will also help the eggnog thicken and develop its classic creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses. Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Stirring throughout cooking is essential to avoid curdling due to the eggs.
- Chill the eggnog thoroughly before serving to achieve the best creamy consistency.
- If concerned about raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute suitable for cooking.
- For an adult version, you can add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy before chilling.
- Use a low setting on your Crockpot to gently cook the eggs without scrambling them.
