Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with something festive, creamy, and totally unforgettable, then the Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe is an absolute dream come true. This luscious tart combines the smooth, custardy richness of classic eggnog with a perfectly crisp golden shortcrust shell, crowned by dramatic, glossy caramel shards that add the perfect crunch and sparkle. Every bite brings together cozy holiday spices and a hint of warmth from dark rum, making it a standout dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether for Christmas dinner or a winter celebration, this tart is sure to be your new seasonal favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing its part in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color in your Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe. From the buttery tart shell to the spiced, creamy filling and the sparkling caramel shard topping, every item on the list builds toward a truly spectacular dessert.

• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation for a tender, flaky tart shell that holds everything beautifully.
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (½ cup): Adds richness and creates that irresistible buttery crumb in the crust.
• Granulated sugar: Used in both the shell and filling, it provides the perfect sweet balance and helps caramelize the shards.
• Large egg yolk: Binds the crust ingredients and enriches the custard filling for that luscious texture.
• Ice-cold water (1–2 tablespoons): Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, ensuring flakiness.
• Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Whole milk (2 cups) and heavy cream (½ cup): These create the creamy base for your eggnog-flavored custard filling.
• Cornstarch and all-purpose flour (2 tbsp total): Work together to thicken the filling to a silky, custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the eggnog crème.
• Ground nutmeg and cinnamon: The secret holiday spices that give this tart its unmistakable eggnog flavor.
• Dark rum or bourbon (1 tbsp, optional): Brings a gentle boozy warmth that complements the spices perfectly.
• Sugar, water, and lemon juice for caramel shards: These simple ingredients turn into dazzling shards that give a beautiful crunch and shine.

How to Make Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Tart Shell

Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold butter and work it in with your fingertips until it forms coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and just enough ice-cold water so the dough comes together without being sticky. Wrap this dough disc in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes—this resting step is crucial for a tender crust that bakes up golden and crisp.

Step 2: Roll, Line, and Blind Bake

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough evenly, trim edges, then prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. For the blind baking, line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans—this helps the crust hold its shape. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and paper, then bake another 10–12 minutes until beautifully golden. Let it cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Create the Eggnog Crème Filling

Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour in a saucepan until smooth, then gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly. Over medium heat, cook the mixture while whisking until thickened and just bubbling (around 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and optional dark rum for that extra comforting kick. For an ultra-smooth custard, strain the mixture before pouring it into the tart shell.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Pour the warm custard into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the surface. Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours to let the eggnog crème filling set into that perfect silky texture you’re craving. Patience here pays off, so try not to rush this step.

Step 5: Make the Stunning Caramel Shards

For the show-stopping topping, line a baking sheet with parchment. Combine sugar, water, and a few drops of lemon juice in a small pan over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves, raise the heat and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber. Quickly pour it onto the parchment and tilt to spread thin. Let it cool completely, then break into shards—these will add that magical crunch and sparkle on top!

Step 6: Assemble and Impress

Just before serving, artfully arrange the caramel shards over the chilled tart. This final flourish adds drama and texture, turning your Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe into a centerpiece sure to dazzle every guest.

How to Serve Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top complements the eggnog filling beautifully. Add a few whole spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise around the serving plate for a festive touch. The caramel shards themselves become the star garnish, giving both flavor and eye-catching appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve this tart alongside a light, fresh fruit salad featuring winter citrus like blood orange or pomegranate seeds to contrast the richness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream flavored with vanilla or a hint of brandy pairs wonderfully and adds an airy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, serve individual slices with a tiny mint sprig or edible gold leaf to elevate the festive vibe. Alternatively, plate mini versions of the tart in ramekins for personal servings, each topped with miniature caramel shards for wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, keep your Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. It tastes best within 2-3 days.

Freezing

This tart is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the tart shell separately to prepare in advance. Freeze wrapped tightly and thaw before filling and baking. Avoid freezing the filled tart as the custard may change texture upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently at room temperature or serve chilled. If you want to bring the crust’s crispness back, briefly place slices under a broiler for 1-2 minutes before adding caramel shards and serving—but be careful not to melt the topping!

FAQs

Can I make the tart shell ahead of time?

Absolutely! The tart shell can be blind baked and stored in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. This makes the final assembly quick and stress-free.

Is the rum necessary in this recipe?

Nope! The rum or bourbon is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can omit it entirely for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free version—and the tart will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the caramel shards from getting sticky?

Add the caramel shards just before serving to keep them crisp. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature away from humidity, ensuring they stay crunchy and beautiful.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for the filling?

Yes, using good-quality store-bought eggnog can save time and works well. Just adjust the sugar a bit if your eggnog is already sweetened to avoid over-sweetening.

What if my custard doesn’t thicken?

If your filling isn’t thickening, make sure to cook it long enough while whisking continuously. You can also double-check your cornstarch and flour measurements—they’re key to achieving that perfect custard texture.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe is a decadent holiday treasure that’s as delightful to make as it is to share. The creamy custard, crisp shell, and sparkling caramel shards come together as a stunning tribute to classic festive flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and add a dazzling centerpiece to your celebration table this season!

Print