If you’ve been following me for years, you know I grew up in a vegetarian household in India. While some families avoided even store-bought cakes with eggs, ours wasn’t as strict—we occasionally indulged in them.
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In 2008, at 28, I discovered my passion for baking. Baking without eggs became essential, and over the past 16 years, what started as a hobby has grown into much more.
Unsurprisingly, I’ve never tried traditional eggnog. The idea of drinking raw eggs has never appealed to me—no matter how tasty it might be—and the risks of raw eggs made it even less tempting. This Christmas, my family and I wondered what eggnog tastes like and if we could make it egg-free.
A quick Google search led me to various eggless eggnog recipes and vegan eggnogs. Most eggnog recipes without eggs used similar ingredients: instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, extracts, and spices, with only slight variations. Vegan recipes, however, offered more variety compared to basic eggless nog.
I decided to start with an easy eggless eggnog recipe, see how it turns out, and then explore vegan eggnog.
Why This Eggless Eggnog Recipe?
This eggless eggnog recipe is everything you need for the holidays—simple, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! It’s made with basic ingredients like instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and cozy spices, so there’s no need to hunt for anything fancy. The pudding mix gives it that rich, thick texture you’d expect from traditional eggnog, but without the eggs (or the worry about raw eggs!). Plus, it’s super customizable. Want a little extra cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg? Go for it! Prefer almond milk or coconut cream? Easy swap.
Now, while we’re a non-alcoholic family and didn’t add any booze, you absolutely can! A splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy can give it that festive kick if that’s your thing. The best part? It’s safe for everyone to enjoy, from the kids to the grown-ups. Whether you’re new to eggnog or just looking for a fun twist, this recipe has you covered. Trust me—it’s as cozy and festive as it gets!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
This is the star ingredient that gives the eggless eggnog its signature creamy and rich texture without needing eggs. You can also use French vanilla pudding mix for a slightly different flavor profile. Note that Jell-O instant vanilla pudding is vegan, making it a great choice if you’re aiming for a plant-based version. - Whole Milk
A classic choice for a smooth and luscious base. For a dairy-free version, substitute with oat milk, coconut cream, or homemade nut milk. Keep in mind that store-bought nut milk and coconut milk may lack the thick consistency needed for a rich and creamy eggnog, so homemade options are ideal. - Vanilla Extract & Almond Extract
Many recipes rely solely on vanilla extract, while some suggest rum extract. For this egg-free eggnog recipe, I opted for a combination of vanilla extract and almond extract. The vanilla extract provides the classic eggnog flavor, while almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness, elevating the overall flavor and making this recipe truly indulgent. - Pumpkin Pie Spice
While many recipes use individual spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, I chose to use pumpkin pie spice, which combines all these warm spices into one convenient mix. This blend infuses the drink with festive holiday vibes, creating a cozy and special treat. - Cinnamon
For an extra layer of warmth and depth, I added a touch of ground cinnamon. This simple addition perfectly complements the pumpkin pie spice and enhances the overall flavor. - Whipped Cream and Colored Sprinkles (Optional)
To make the eggless nog extra special, you can top it off with whipped cream and sprinkles. For a simpler option, just dust some cinnamon on top for a festive touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Empty the pudding mix in a blender jar. To it add the extracts, spices and 2 cups of milk.
2. Blend it for about a minute or so until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Smooth and creamy-texture mix is ready.
4. Empty the contents to a medium-sized bowl.
5. Now add the remaining 3 cups of milk to the pudding mixture.
6. Mix it thoroughly using a whisk.
7. Cover and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or so for the flavors to set.
8. When it is ready to serve, pour it in fancy cups and top it with whipped cream and sprinkles, if using.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, French vanilla pudding mix is a great alternative and adds a slightly different flavor. If you’re looking for a vegan option, Jell-O instant vanilla pudding is a suitable choice.
You can substitute whole milk with oat milk, coconut cream, or homemade nut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that store-bought nut milk and coconut milk may lack the thick consistency required for creamy eggnog, so homemade options are ideal.
Certainly! Rum extract is another popular choice in eggnog recipes and can give a more traditional flavor. However, the combination of vanilla extract and almond extract used in this recipe adds a unique and indulgent twist.
This recipe uses pumpkin pie spice, which combines ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more for a warm, festive flavor. Additional ground cinnamon adds extra depth. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Yes, it can! Use a vegan instant pudding mix (such as Jell-O instant vanilla pudding) and substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream. This will give you a delicious vegan version of the recipe.
Yes, you can! Alcohol like rum, bourbon, or brandy is commonly added to traditional eggnog for a festive touch. Simply stir in your preferred choice after preparing the eggless eggnog. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
While traditional eggnog relies on eggs for its richness, this recipe uses instant vanilla pudding mix to achieve a creamy texture. It’s a delicious alternative with none of the risks associated with consuming raw eggs.
Yes, you can prepare the eggless eggnog a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Give it a good stir before serving, as the spices may settle at the bottom.
Recipe
Easy Eggless Eggnog
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix Jello, 1 packet
- 5 cups whole milk
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- As Needed whipped cream or colored sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Empty the pudding mix in a blender jar. To it add the extracts, spices and 2 cups of milk.
- Blend it for about a minute or so until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Empty the contents to a medium size bowl. Now add the remaining 3 cups of milk to the pudding mixture and mix it thoroughly using a whisk.
- Cover and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or so for the flavors to set.
- When it is ready to serve, pour it in fancy cups and top it with whipped cream and sprinkles, if using.
My Notes
Taste & Texture
Nutrition
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