Are you dreaming of creamy, dreamy desserts that capture the essence of the holiday season? Look no further! This eggnog pie recipe is your ticket to a delicious, homemade treat that will impress your family and friends. Forget those store-bought pies; this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers an explosion of warm spices and creamy eggnog flavor in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's dive in and create some holiday magic!
Ingredients:
For the Eggnog Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
Making the Pie Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. You can blind bake the crust (bake it with pie weights for 15 minutes at 375°F) for a crispier crust, or skip this step for a softer crust.
Making the Eggnog Filling:
- Whisk eggs and sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy.
- Add dry ingredients: Whisk in the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth.
- Stir in eggnog and cream: Gradually whisk in the eggnog and heavy cream until well combined.
- Pour into crust: Pour the eggnog filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy pie.
Tips for the Best Eggnog Pie:
- Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs will give you a richer, creamier filling.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to chill completely ensures a firm, sliceable pie.
- Homemade eggnog: For an extra special touch, consider making your own eggnog!
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg: A light dusting of nutmeg on top before serving adds a beautiful visual touch and enhances the spice flavor.
- Garnish with whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and extra creaminess.
- Use a different crust: Feel free to experiment with a graham cracker crust or a pre-made pie crust for convenience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
This delicious eggnog pie is a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. It’s a delightful blend of easy preparation and impressive results. Enjoy this healthy, homemade creation, and happy baking!