Capture the cozy essence of the holidays in a jar with this delightful Homemade Eggnog Jam. This recipe transforms the classic creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog into a smooth, spreadable treat perfect for toast, scones, or as a unique holiday gift. If you’ve been searching for a new festive tradition, you’ve found it. This jam is simple to make and fills your kitchen with the warm scents of cinnamon and nutmeg.
We’ll walk you through every step, from preparing your ingredients to canning the jam safely. Get ready to create a new holiday favorite that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
What Exactly Is Eggnog Jam?
Eggnog jam is a sweet, creamy preserve that tastes just like traditional holiday eggnog. It’s made by cooking down egg yolks, sugar, and milk with classic eggnog spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. A bit of butter and a touch of rum extract (optional, of course!) give it a rich, authentic flavor. Unlike fruit jams, it has a custard-like consistency, making it a decadent dessert topping or a luxurious spread.
Why You’ll Adore This Homemade Eggnog Jam Recipe
- Incredibly Festive: It’s the perfect way to bottle up the holiday spirit. The flavor is pure Christmas nostalgia.
- Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet taste, the process is straightforward and uses common pantry staples.
- Perfect for Gifting: Poured into charming jars with a ribbon, this jam makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
- Wonderfully Versatile: Don’t just stop at toast! Use it as a filling for pastries, a topping for ice cream, or a swirl in your morning yogurt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients to create its signature creamy texture and spiced flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Egg Yolks: This is the foundation of our custard-like jam, providing richness and color.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the jam set properly.
- Whole Milk: Creates the creamy base. For the best results, avoid using low-fat milk.
- Heavy Cream: Adds an extra layer of richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the jam a smooth, glossy finish.
- Spices: A classic combination of ground nutmeg and cinnamon brings the iconic eggnog flavor to life.
- Rum Extract: A splash of rum extract adds that traditional boozy note without the alcohol. You can omit it if you prefer.
- Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Essential Equipment for Jam Making
You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make this jam, but a few key items will make the process much smoother. A heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial to prevent the custard from scorching. You’ll also need a whisk for smooth stirring, and if you plan on canning, you’ll require sterilized jars, lids, and a large pot for a water bath.
How to Make Homemade Eggnog Jam (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly smooth and flavorful Homemade Eggnog Jam.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until they are pale yellow and well combined.
- Add Dairy and Spices: Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom and corners of the pot. The mixture will slowly thicken. Do not let it boil, or the eggs will scramble.
- Check for Thickness: Continue cooking for about 15-20 minutes, or until the jam has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. When you run your finger through the jam on the spoon, the line should hold its shape.
- Finish with Butter and Extract: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cubed unsalted butter until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Add the rum extract and stir to combine.
- Jar the Jam: Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Canning and Storage Instructions
For long-term storage, you can process the jam in a water bath. Place the sealed jars in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring they are covered by at least one inch of water. Process for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them cool on a towel for 24 hours. The lids should seal (you’ll hear a ‘pop’). If a jar doesn’t seal, store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Creative Ways to Use Your Eggnog Jam
This festive spread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spread it on warm, fluffy popovers or fresh toast.
- Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or classic crepes.
- Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or pancakes.
- Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a festive twist.
- Layer it in a parfait with granola and whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is formulated to be made from scratch with milk, cream, and eggs to achieve the right consistency. We do not recommend using store-bought eggnog, as the stabilizers and thickness can affect the final texture of the jam.
If properly canned in a water bath, sealed jars of eggnog jam can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, or if not canned, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 weeks.
Yes, but it’s crucial to follow instructions carefully. Because it is a low-acid, dairy-based product, it must be stored correctly. For long-term shelf stability, water bath canning is necessary. If you are unsure, storing the jam in the refrigerator is the safest option.
Eggnog jam is incredibly versatile! It’s delicious on toast, scones, biscuits, popovers, and crepes. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, yogurt, or as a filling for thumbprint cookies and pastries.
Unlike fruit jams that use pectin, this jam’s thickness comes from the slow cooking of the egg yolks, similar to a custard or curd. If your jam is too thin, it likely wasn’t cooked long enough. You must cook it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and a line holds its shape.
More Holiday Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved making this Homemade Eggnog Jam, continue the festive baking with some of our other favorite holiday treats. Try our delicious eggnog sugar cookies for a perfect pairing. For a classic nutty delight, you can’t go wrong with these pecan pie bars. And for a truly traditional experience, bake a heartwarming classic mincemeat pie (coming soon).
Share Your Festive Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Homemade Eggnog Jam recipe! It’s a truly special treat that we hope becomes part of your holiday tradition. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite holiday board on Pinterest!
Homemade Eggnog Jam
Homemade Eggnog Jam: A Festive Holiday Spread
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until pale and well combined.
- Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Stir in the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 15-20 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cubed butter until melted, then add the rum extract. Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- For long-term storage, process the sealed jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool for 24 hours to ensure they seal properly.
Notes
Constant stirring is key to prevent the egg yolks from scrambling and to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum extract.
