Eggless Eggnog Recipe
Indulge in the festive flavors of eggnog without eggs with this incredible eggless eggnog recipe. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or allergies, this rich and creamy drink will leave you craving more.
Growing up, eggnog was always part of Christmas in our home. As kids, we never questioned it — we assumed everyone drank the same creamy, festive eggnog we did. Only later did I realize the quiet mom-magic behind it. She made the classic eggnog for the adults, complete with eggs and a splash of alcohol, but for us kids she made a special eggless version. It had all the warmth of nutmeg and vanilla, just without the eggs or booze, and she used apple juice to give it body and sweetness. At the time, we felt very grown-up holding our mugs, completely unaware we were sipping a thoughtful, kid-friendly version made just for us.
Traditional eggnog is made with egg yolks and whipped egg whites. This eggless eggnog is made without any eggs, but there is no compromise in the flavors. It’s still that rich, thick, and luscious drink flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfect to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. And I’ve also given you variations on how to make more eggnog flavors.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No eggs, no stress – no tempering, no curdling, and no food-safety worries.
- Still rich and creamy – milk, cream, and spices give you classic eggnog flavor without compromise.
- Naturally sweet and balanced – apple juice adds body and gentle sweetness, not a thin aftertaste.
- Family-friendly and inclusive – perfect for kids, non-drinkers, and anyone avoiding eggs, with zero “second-best” vibes.
Ingredients and substitutes
- The combination of milk and heavy cream provides a rich and velvety base, giving the eggnog its signature creamy texture. For those who are lactose intolerant, almond milk or oat milk can be substituted to achieve a similar consistency.
- As for the sweetness, a touch of sugar adds just the right amount to balance the flavors. However, if you prefer a healthier option, you can replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Cornstarch is crucial in thickening the eggnog, giving it that luscious, custard-like consistency. Not only does it add body to the drink, but it also helps bind all the flavors together. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as substitutes.
- To infuse the eggnog with a delightful fragrance, vanilla extract is necessary.
- But what really brings this eggless eggnog to life are the warm spices and nutmeg. Combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a symphony of comforting and nostalgic flavors.
Step-by-step: Homemade eggless eggnog recipe
- Step 1: Gather all the ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and milk. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture is heated and the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to keep it from boiling.
- Step 3: Next, add the cornstarch slurry and cook on medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the eggnog thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the eggnog cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a pitcher or individual serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Serve – When ready to serve, pour into individual serving glasses. Top with more whipped cream (optional)
- Garnish – Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon powder.
- Enjoy!
Variations
- Eggless Chocolate Eggnog – Replace the cornstarch in the recipe with a hot cocoa mix (use my homemade recipe). Proceed with the recipe as above.
- Eggless Rich Chocolate Eggnog – Reduce cornstarch by half and add. Add 4 oz (100 grams) of chocolate pieces to the hot mixture and stir until smooth. Chill, then serve. Add milk to bring it to the desired consistency if it is too thick.
- Eggless Maple Eggnog – Sugar-free Eggnog – Replace sugar in the recipe with half a cup of maple syrup or honey. Proceed with the recipe as above.
Tips for Success
- Firstly, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Since this eggless eggnog relies on the creaminess of dairy and the richness of spices, using fresh and flavorful ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Additionally, make sure to whisk the ingredients thoroughly at each step. This will create a smooth and velvety texture, ensuring that every sip of your eggless eggnog is delightful. Take your time and whisk carefully, ensuring no lumps or clumps in your mixture.
- While the recipe already includes a recommended chilling time of at least 4 hours, don’t be afraid to let your eggnog sit in the refrigerator overnight. This extra time will allow the flavors to fully develop and mingle, resulting in a more complex and delicious taste.
- Lastly, consider getting creative with your presentation when serving your eggless eggnog. Whether you garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cinnamon stick, these little touches can elevate the overall experience and make your homemade eggnog feel even more special.
- Eggnog cake or cupcakes, or pancakes
- Yule log cake or Buche the Noël, Eggnog Buttercream
- Christmas Wreath Cake
- Christmas Pavlova,
- Marzipan Cake
- Homemade Caramel Eggnog, Homemade Rich Chocolate Eggnog
- Homemade Rich Cherry Eggnog, Homemade Hot Cocoa Eggnog
- Easiest Recipe for Eggnog (Classic with egg yolks)
Frequently asked questions
This eggless nog will keep in the fridge for 5 to 6 days.
Absolutely! One of the beauties of homemade eggless eggnog is its flexibility. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can swap out regular milk for almond, coconut, or any other plant-based milk that suits your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
Without eggs, achieving a velvety smooth texture may seem like a challenge. However, there are a few tricks you can try. First, make sure to whisk the ingredients well to blend them thoroughly. Additionally, a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder can help thicken the mixture and create a creamy consistency.
Absolutely! In fact, making eggless eggnog ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious drink. Prepare the eggnog as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well-distributed.
Of course! The beauty of making your eggless eggnog is that you have complete control over the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can increase the amount of sugar or sweetener in the recipe. On the other hand, if you prefer a less sweet variation, reduce the amount of sugar or sweetener accordingly.
Absolutely! In fact, spices like nutmeg and cinnamon are essential in elevating traditional eggnog’s flavor profile. Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon into your eggless eggnog mixture or even garnish individual servings with a dash of these warming spices.
Traditionally, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger are very common. You can also use pumpkin spice, gingerbread spice, or even a sprinkle of garam masala.
Rum, brandy, or bourbon are very commonly used in classic eggnogs.
Eggnog is not just a drink. You can add it as a flavor to so many things. For example, try:
Eggnog Yule Log Cake or Eggnog Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream
Homemade Eggless Eggnog
Celebrate Christmas Eve with delicious eggnog. This eggless eggnog is just as delicious as the classic eggnog. Rich, creamy, custardy, and flavored with nutmeg and cinnamon. Have it with or without alcohol, or try different flavors like eggless chocolate eggnog, eggless hot cocoa eggnog, or eggless sugar-free eggnog.
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cup (470 ml) Whole Milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy cream
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) Rum or Brandy optional
- ⅓ cup (65 g) Sugar
- 4 tbsp (30 g) Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ¼ tsp Freshly grated Nutmeg + more for garnish
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon powder or your choice of spices
- 1 tsp Cinnamon stick for garnish
Method
- Step 1: Gather all the ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and milk. Set aside.4 tbsp Cornstarch
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture is heated and the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to keep it from boiling.2 cup Whole Milk, 1 cup Heavy cream, ⅓ cup Sugar, 2 tsp Vanilla Extract, ¼ tsp Cinnamon powder , ¼ tsp Freshly grated Nutmeg
- Step 3: Add the cornstarch slurry and cook on medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the eggnog thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the eggnog cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a pitcher or individual serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully. If you are adding alcohol, add it to the eggnog now.
- Serve – When ready to serve – pour into individual serving glasses. Top with more whipped cream (optional)
- Garnish – Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon powder.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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I made this last week and it was a HUGE hit with everyone who tried it! My two grown-up sons claimed it was the best they had ever tasted. I used a mix of brandy and spiced rum (yum) and ground nutmeg instead of fresh. I made the 6 servings recipe (which calls for 6T cornstarch) but needed to add quite a bit of extra milk because it was almost pudding-thick. Maybe the cornstarch should be cut back for larger batches? Next time (and there definitely will be a next time!) I will use only 4T. Thanks for the great recipe.
Thank you, Lorel for the lovely feedback. Happy to hear you and your family enjoyed this recipe.
Making it now! Doesn’t ll you when to add the cream in though?!
Hey Danielle. Sorry. The milk and cream go in together in the first step. Thanks.
I never thought we could make eggnog at home. This is an interesting recipe. Would love to try it this Christmas.
Thank you, Gunjan
Wow – six different eggnog recipes! That does seem like a lot, haha. I don’t think I’ve ever even tried eggnog before but with all that heavy cream and sugar I am sure it’s DELICIOUS!
Thank you, Julie. Yes, we love eggnog keep trying different flavors
This looks like eggnog perfection! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Tayler
Well done, this is the PERFECT Christmas Drink, especially for a cold climate!! I love everything about the recipe (especially the brandy and rum!) . Cheers
Absolutely!! especially for the cold climate.
I think it’s great that you are embracing the title of “eggnog lady”.
Thanks Emily
I agree. Emily.
This is the first time I have seen eggless eggnog, I was always afraid to make my own because of the eggs. Will have to try this recipe.
Oh, this is so easy Luci. You must try.
The perfect drink for the holidays!
Thank you Ellen.