This Eggnog Brulee Pie is a festive treat that brings together creamy eggnog filling and a crunchy caramelized topping. It’s perfect for the holidays!
Whipping up this pie is fun! I love the moment when I crack the crunchy top to reveal that creamy goodness inside. It’s like magic! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or make your own with flour, butter, and water. I personally love a homemade crust for the flaky texture, but don’t hesitate to grab a pre-made one if you’re short on time!
Sugar: Sugar is vital for sweetness and achieving that crunchy brulee top. If you’re looking to cut sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit, but note that the texture may slightly change.
Evaporated Milk: This ingredient adds creaminess. If you’re after a dairy-free version, coconut milk or almond milk can work, but choose unsweetened to control the sweetness level.
Eggnog: For eggnog, homemade is delightful, but store-bought works well too, especially during busy seasons. If you’re avoiding alcohol, there are non-alcoholic options available as well.
Spices: Nutmeg and cinnamon give that classic holiday flavor. You can adjust the amounts according to your preference, or even use a pumpkin pie spice mix for a twist!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Brulee Top?
The key to a great brulee topping lies in the even caramelization of sugar. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use granulated sugar for the best results. It melts evenly under the heat.
- Sprinkle the sugar evenly across the surface of the cooled pie.
- Keep your torch moving in small circles while caramelizing to avoid burning any spots.
- If you don’t have a torch, broil the pie in the oven on high for a couple of minutes, watching it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Let the top cool and harden for a minute before cutting the pie. This creates that satisfying crack when you slice into it!
Eggnog Brulee Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Eggnog Brulee Pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 45-50 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack and then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set. The caramelizing step just takes a few minutes right before serving. It’s a bit of a wait, but totally worth it for this festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your unbaked pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. If you’re feeling creative, you can crimp the edges to make it look pretty!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the granulated sugar with the eggs. Whisk them together until everything is well combined and slightly frothy—this will take about 1-2 minutes. Next, gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if you like. Make sure it’s all mixed well for a creamy filling!
3. Fill the Pie Crust:
Carefully pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. Don’t worry about overfilling; it should sit nicely!
4. Bake the Pie:
Pop the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You want the edges to be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, but it’s okay if there’s a little wiggle!
5. Chill:
Once baked, carefully take the pie out of the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Then, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step is super important for the filling to set just right!
6. Brulee the Top:
Before serving, take the pie out of the fridge and sprinkle the top evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. This is where the magic happens! Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame in small circles until the sugar melts and turns a beautiful golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the pie under the broiler for just a couple of minutes—watch it closely! You want a crunchy layer without burning it!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the sugar topping to harden for a minute, then slice your pie and enjoy! Each bite will be a delightful mix of creamy eggnog filling and a satisfying brulee crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you want to treat yourself!
Enjoy this delicious eggnog-infused custard pie with a crispy caramelized sugar topping—a true festive delight!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before bruleeing the top. Just wait to caramelize the sugar until right before you’re ready to serve, to keep that crisp texture!
What Can I Substitute for Eggnog?
If you’re in a pinch or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the eggnog with a combination of milk and a bit of vanilla extract, along with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon for that festive flavor. Aim for about 1 cup of milk with those spices mixed in!
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the brulee crust is best enjoyed fresh, so if you expect to have leftovers, consider saving that step for when you serve slices later.
Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk. You could also try using non-dairy options like almond or coconut milk, but make sure to choose unsweetened varieties for better flavor control.
