Description
Looking for a festive showstopper dessert? This Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards is a smooth, custard-style tart infused with rich, spiced eggnog, nestled in a crisp buttery crust, and topped with beautiful golden caramel shards for texture and elegance. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this easy recipe is a must for lovers of creamy desserts and seasonal flavors. It’s a perfect fit for holiday baking, dinner ideas, and sweet food ideas that impress without stress.
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
Pinch salt
2 cups eggnog
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch cinnamon (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
Optional: 1 drop lemon juice or corn syrup
Instructions
1. In a bowl or food processor, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water just until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough, fit into tart pan, prick base with fork, line with parchment and weights. Bake 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake another 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
3. In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly whisk in eggnog and cream. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until thickened. Stir in vanilla and nutmeg. Strain and cool slightly.
4. Pour custard into cooled shell, smooth top, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
5. Line baking sheet with parchment. Heat sugar and water over medium heat (no stirring). Swirl until deep amber. Pour on parchment, let cool, then break into shards.
6. Just before serving, decorate tart with caramel shards. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Always strain the custard for a silky finish before pouring into the tart shell.
Wait until serving time to add caramel shards to keep them crisp.
Let the tart set in the fridge for at least 4 hours for clean slices and best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg