Christmas Eggnog Ice Cream
- Makes 1.5 quarts
- Prep 2 hours
- Cook 50 minutes
- Total 2 hours 50 minutes
If you're a fan of the quintessential yuletide drink- eggnog, you will love this ice cream. If you are not a fan of eggnog, you will still love this ice cream! Because who doesn't love ice cream? This Christmas Eggnog Ice Cream is creamy, rich, and warmly spiced with hints of nutmeg and vanilla, and makes the solid festive treat.
Tis the season again, where eggnog starts to line the dairy section of our supermarkets. If you ever shied away from this seasonal drink, we hear you. It's not our favorite drink- to well- drink! But we love to use it in the kitchen (hello eggnog waffles).
This Christmas eggnog ice cream does require an ice cream maker, but it's well worth it. There is no cooking required, and no dealing with egg yolks, so it is a breeze to make. Bonus- it uses store-bought eggnog, so all the fancy work has been done for you.
Ingredient notes
Here is what you will need to make eggnog ice cream.
- Eggnog: read the labels of your eggnog. Prepared eggnog often has added sugars and sometimes alcohol. If you can get your hands on fresh eggnog, or eggnog without too many additives, that is your best bet. Look for all-natural varieties in your local grocery store. If you have a favorite eggnog recipe, you can use it here. For convenience, the store-bought stuff is fine. If you have leftovers, you can always make our good Eggnog Waffles or this chai eggnog latte!
- Condensed milk: This is where the ice cream will get its sweetness from.
- Heavy cream: Combined with the condensed milk, this will give the ice cream a rich and creamy feel.
- Nutmeg: we like to go heavy on the nutmeg. We feel it drives home that eggnog taste. Freshly grated nutmeg will work best, but you can certainly use ground nutmeg.
- Dark rum: we used Gosling's, but any dark rum will do. You can also omit the rum if you are staying clear of any alcohol. The alcohol also helps to keep the ice cream creamy when removed from the freezer.
- Vanilla: a hint of pure vanilla extract ties it all together.
- Gingersnaps: Optional, but we love to crush gingersnaps over the top or serve them whole.
Special equipment
You will need an ice cream maker for this recipe. We love this one by Cuisinart. We've also made this ice cream using the ice cream bowl attachment for our Kitchen Aid mixer.
Instructions for Christmas eggnog ice cream
This holiday ice cream is simple to make. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 (mix, pour, churn)! See below for step-by-step directions.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk thoroughly until combined. Refrigerate for 2 hours
Add the ice cream mixture to an ice cream maker and churn for 50-60 minutes or as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Remove the ice cream from the ice cream maker. At this point, it will be soft-serve consistency. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.
Expert tips
- Ingredient list matters Pay attention to your ingredients in your eggnog. Some will contain added sugars and/or alcohol. This will affect your final result.
- Read the directions on your ice cream maker Not all ice cream makers are created equal. pay attention to your model's instructions for the solid timing and consistency. If using a mixer with the freeze bowl attachment, don't forget to freeze that bowl!
Serving suggestions
Feel free to serve your eggnog ice cream plain or try some of these festive serving suggestions.
- Gingersnaps Serve with whole or crushed gingersnaps, or gingerbread cookies.
- Make a full-on dessert with our cranberry gingerbread loaf and finish it off with a scoop of the eggnog ice cream.
- Serve with cinnamon sticks a dash of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg.
- Candied ginger Sprinkle with candied/crystallized ginger.
- Garnish with cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Drizzle a little maple syrup over the top.
- Whipped cream We can't forget about this classic ice cream pairing.
Keeping leftovers
Eggnog ice cream can be stored in the freezer, in an air-tight container, for up to 3 months.
If you make homemade ice cream often (and we think you should), it may be worth it to invest in an ice cream storage container such as this one. We love ours, plus it looks so pretty to scoop and serve out of!
Kitchen questions
Where can we find eggnog?Eggnog is a seasonal drink that is sold in most supermarkets from late October through December. You can find it in the dairy section.
What does eggnog taste like?Eggnog has a rich and creamy taste. It is thick, almost like a melted custard. Eggnog has warm notes thanks to the nutmeg, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla.
Looking for other holiday ideas?
Try these!
Ingredients
Makes 1.5 quarts
- 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or fresh (no alcohol, look for less additives))
- 1 10 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tbsp dark rum (such as Goslings)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 8-10 gingersnaps, crushed or whole (optional)
Equipment
- Ice cream maker
Method
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Add mixture to ice cream maker and churn as per manufacturer's directions (ours takes 50 minutes). Serve immediately for soft serve- or freeze until firm.
Top with whole or crushed gingersnaps.
Kitchen notes
Makes 1.5 quarts. Freeze immediately after serving.
