Name: Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 large egg yolks; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 ½ cups eggnog; ½ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup brown sugar (for shards); 2 tablespoons water (for shards)

Silky, spiced, and kissed with golden caramel, this Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards is everything festive desserts aspire to be. With its buttery graham cracker crust, creamy eggnog filling, and glossy caramel drips topped with delicate shards of amber candy, it’s a showstopper that looks straight from a patisserie window.

Perfect for the holidays but welcome any time cozy cravings strike, this tart layers nostalgic flavors in a modern, elegant format. It’s surprisingly simple to make but delivers that “wow” moment at first slice. Whether you’re serving it after a holiday roast or at a winter brunch, it holds its own on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Crème Tart

If you love the warm, spiced comfort of a good glass of eggnog, this tart transforms it into a creamy dream. The filling is rich yet not too heavy, with a whisper of nutmeg and vanilla dancing through every bite. The buttery crust gives it structure and just the right amount of salt to balance the sweetness.

What really sets it apart, though, is the caramel shards. They’re crunchy, slightly bitter, and bring contrast both visually and in texture. It’s a dessert that combines cozy and classy in one perfect slice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, take a moment to gather the essentials. This tart isn’t fussy, but it does benefit from the right tools:

Tart Pan with Removable Bottom: Ensures a crisp crust and easy release.
Medium Saucepan: Crucial for tempering the eggnog filling and making caramel.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining crust ingredients and preparing the custard.
Whisk: Helps evenly incorporate the egg yolks and sugar into the custard base.
Candy Thermometer (optional): Useful when making caramel for precision.
Baking Sheet: For cooling caramel shards and assembling the tart.

Each tool plays a role in keeping the process smooth and the results bakery-worthy. Now that you’re set up, let’s move on to ingredients and how to bring it all together.

Ingredients for the Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards

Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the crisp, buttery base of the tart, giving each bite a comforting crunch.
Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds a rich, creamy undertone.
Egg Yolks: Essential for the custard’s smooth, luxurious texture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the richness of the eggnog and supports the custard structure.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling without making it overly dense.
Eggnog: The star ingredient, bringing creamy, spiced holiday flavor.
Whole Milk: Lightens the eggnog and improves the consistency of the filling.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
Ground Nutmeg: Classic eggnog spice that warms up the entire tart.
Caramel (Homemade or Store-bought): For drizzling and making shards.
Brown Sugar + Water: For creating glossy caramel shards with a deep, toasty flavor.

How To Make the Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the base and sides of a tart pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Custard

In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Slowly add in eggnog and whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and nutmeg.

Step 3: Fill the Tart Shell

Pour the warm custard into the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Shards

In a clean saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Heat without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. Pour the caramel onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool until hardened. Break into shards.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top the chilled tart with caramel shards and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or nutmeg if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

How to Serve and Store This Eggnog Crème Tart

Serve this tart chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The creamy eggnog filling holds its shape best when cold, and the contrast with the crisp caramel shards is most delightful at this temperature. Slice using a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean edges, and garnish each slice with extra caramel drizzle or a dusting of nutmeg for a festive finish.

To store, cover the tart loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add caramel shards just before serving to prevent them from softening in the fridge. This tart is not recommended for freezing due to the custard filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of eggnog should I use?

Use full-fat, traditional eggnog for the richest flavor and best custard texture. Store-bought or homemade eggnog both work beautifully.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the tart and chill it up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the caramel shards until right before serving.

Is the caramel difficult to make?

Not at all. With just brown sugar and water, it comes together quickly. Watch closely as it changes color, and use a candy thermometer if you’re unsure.

Can I substitute the crust?

Absolutely. A vanilla wafer or shortbread crust would also pair well with the eggnog custard if you want something a bit sweeter.

How can I keep the caramel shards crunchy?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and only add them to the tart just before serving to prevent moisture from softening them.

Can I add other toppings?

Certainly! Try whipped cream, white chocolate curls, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little twist.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If this Eggnog Crème Tart got you in the mood for cozy, seasonal treats, here are a few more delicious options you can try:

Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for a nostalgic creamy classic.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake that swirls sweet spice into every bite.
Winter Brittle if you want to make a batch of crunchy candy perfection.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for an indulgent loaf with layers of flavor.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s quick to whip up for last-minute dessert cravings.