Eggnog is like the festive Swiss army knife of the culinary world. Having such a distinctive flavor and singularly rich texture, it may seem like anything but a versatile multitasker, but there’s a world of possibilities lying just beneath the nutmeg-speckled surface.
Spiced Liquid Gold
Think about it: The base components for conventional eggnog are, of course, eggs, heavy cream, and sugar. What else starts from this foundation? Pretty much any dessert you can think of. While I wouldn’t be so bold as to claim that all vegan versions are created equal, they do reasonably approximate that same essential composition with a thickener/stabilizer, non-dairy equivalent, and sweetener. Just like that, you have a ready-made liquid custard in a carton.
Easy Eggnog Upgrades
Before we even get into the formal recipes, there are scores of treats you can make with zero measuring and minimal effort.
- French toast: Simply use eggnog to soak sturdy slices of bread and griddle to crispy, custard-y perfection.
- Bread pudding: Toss cubes of stale bread with eggnog, let it soak until saturated, then bake until golden and set.
- Ice cream: Pour eggnog straight into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the best results, add a splash of brandy or bourbon, both for flavor and a creamier, less icy texture.
- Overnight oats: Mix with oats, a pinch of salt, and maybe some dried fruits and nuts. Wake up to an easy breakfast indulgence.
- Coffee creamer: A splash in your morning brew turns it into a holiday latte without the syrupy sweetness of store-bought options.
- Pancake or waffle batter: Replace the liquid in your mix with eggnog. Add an extra pinch of nutmeg to further the theme.
- Cake glaze: Whisk with powdered sugar until smooth, then drizzle over pound cake or cinnamon rolls.
Honestly, I could go on, but it would become tiresome to read a laundry list of every cream-based option that could be converted to use this holiday staple.
Stock Up and Start Cooking
I always buy extra vegan eggnog, because it’s delicious, yes, but also because the leftovers are invaluable. Make sure you stock up early so you can make a few of my favorite nog treats. If you play your cards right, you can bask in the afterglow of holiday joy well into January.
8 Best Recipes With Vegan Eggnog
Don't knock eggnog as just a holiday drink! It's an incredibly versatile ingredient for cooking and baking all sorts of festive treats. Here are just a few of the best treats for using up a surplus of the decadent Christmas staple.
Holiday Nog Scones
Lightly sweetened breakfast biscuits with an extra measure of holiday cheer, scones are not only an excellent way of using up some extra nog, but are also ideal for harried bakers who must soon accommodate hungry family members for Christmas breakfasts and brunches. A fine sprinkling of turbinado sugar seals the deal, providing that lightly crunchy but readily yielding crunch, adding addictive textural contrast to the whole affair.
Deviled Eggnog Jello Shots
A playful twist on a holiday classic, these vegan Deviled Eggnog Jello Shots look like deviled eggs but taste like spiked, creamy eggnog; sweet, boozy, and irresistibly festive.
Nog Truffles
Convert the essential essences of eggnog into a bite-sized sweet treat for foolproof success in gift giving and holiday snacking.
VeganEgg Nog
Thick and silky smooth, this easy eggless nog features notes of vanilla with the spirited warmth of bourbon.
Christmas Rice Pudding
This is not your average rice pudding! Made with leftover eggnog, it's creamy, sweet, and with a touch of warming spice. Each bowlful is like experiencing Christmas day all over again, whenever you want.
Nog Panna Cotta
When you're feeling festive, quickly whip up a silky, festive panna cotta infused with rich eggnog flavors and warm spices. This creamy dessert is smooth and indulgent, making it the perfect holiday treat to serve chilled and garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Not-Nog Cupcakes
Paging through a Christmas-oriented baking catalog during the holiday season, I found one recipe in particular that held my interest: eggnog bread. As I scanned the ingredients, it occurred to me how incredibly non-vegan this concoction was. The dense loaf was saturated with eggs, milk, butter, and of course eggnog. Converting this into an unlikely vegan variant was a challenge I simply could not turn down! A few failed batches later, the original quick bread was converted into cupcakes, and my kitchen was filled with a veritable army of lightly spiced, sweet holiday gifts. The resulting recipe was made to bring to a large holiday party, so it does make a whole lot of little cakes, but I am sure you won't have any difficulty finishing them off!
Nog Flip
Want a brighter, bolder take on eggnog? This eggless flip cocktail is what you're looking for! Get the party started sooner with this spirit-forward mix that tastes like the holiday spirit in a glass.