Imagine capturing the cozy, spiced flavor of your favorite holiday beverage in a jar. This homemade eggnog jam recipe does exactly that. It transforms the classic taste of eggnog into a rich, creamy, and spreadable treat that’s perfect for the festive season. Whether you’re slathering it on toast on a chilly morning or gifting it to loved ones, this jam is a delightful and unique way to celebrate.
We’ve developed a simple, step-by-step guide to creating this luscious spread right in your own kitchen. It’s easier than you think and the result is a truly special condiment you’ll want to make year after year.
What Exactly is Eggnog Jam?
Eggnog jam is a sweet, custard-like preserve that tastes just like traditional eggnog. It combines eggs, sugar, milk, and cream with the signature holiday spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. Unlike fruit-based jams, its texture is smooth and creamy, almost like a lemon curd, making it a versatile spread for a wide variety of foods.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Eggnog Jam Recipe
- Incredibly Festive: It’s the taste of the holidays in a jar! The warm spices and creamy texture are pure comfort.
- Simple to Make: With clear instructions and basic ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for beginner jam makers.
- Perfect for Gifting: Poured into a beautiful jar with a ribbon, homemade eggnog jam makes a thoughtful and delicious edible gift for friends, family, and neighbors.
- Surprisingly Versatile: Don’t just stop at toast! This jam is amazing on scones, swirled into yogurt, or even as a topping for desserts. For a truly festive breakfast, try it on these delightful Reindeer Pancakes.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of what you need already in your pantry and refrigerator.
For the Jam:
- Egg Yolks: This is the key to the rich, custard-like consistency.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the jam set.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Creates the signature creamy, luscious base.
- Ground Nutmeg: The essential spice for that classic eggnog flavor. A fresh grating is always best!
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a gentle, warm spice flavor throughout the jam.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of aromatic sweetness.
- Butter: A small amount at the end gives the jam a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Powdered Pectin: Our setting agent to ensure a perfectly spreadable, jam-like consistency.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need any highly specialized tools to make this jam, but a few key pieces of equipment will make the process much smoother.
- Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan: Prevents the bottom from scorching, which is crucial for a milk and egg-based recipe.
- Whisk: Essential for smoothly incorporating the eggs and preventing lumps.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve: To strain the custard base for an ultra-smooth final product.
- Glass Jars with Lids: For storing your delicious jam. Ensure they are sterilized if you plan on canning.
How to Make Homemade Eggnog Jam: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly smooth and creamy homemade eggnog jam. The key is to be patient and keep the heat gentle.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In your saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and powdered pectin until they are fully combined. This prevents the pectin from clumping.
- Create the Custard Base: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly frothy. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until you have a smooth mixture.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the saucepan with the sugar and pectin, whisking constantly. Add the cinnamon stick.
- Cook the Jam: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil, or the eggs will curdle. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Strain and Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any potential lumps. Stir in the freshly grated nutmeg, vanilla extract, and butter until the butter is completely melted and the jam is glossy.
- Jar the Jam: Carefully pour the warm jam into your prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal with lids.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Texture
Achieving a silky-smooth texture is the goal for this jam. Here are a few expert tips to ensure success.
- Low and Slow is Key: The number one rule for any custard-based recipe is to avoid high heat. Cooking the jam gently prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Don’t Stop Stirring: Constant stirring ensures even cooking and helps prevent a skin from forming or the bottom from catching.
- Always Strain It: Even the most careful cook can get a tiny bit of cooked egg. Straining the jam is a foolproof way to guarantee a perfectly smooth result.
Creative Ways to Use Your Eggnog Jam
This festive spread is more versatile than you might think! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Spread on toast, croissants, or warm scones.
- A delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Swirl it into oatmeal or plain yogurt for a festive breakfast.
- Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or festive bars, like these amazing Pecan Pie Bars.
- Serve alongside a cheese board; it pairs wonderfully with Brie or cream cheese.
- Warm it slightly and drizzle it over ice cream or a simple pound cake. For a perfect pairing, try it with eggnog-flavored sugar cookies.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage is essential. Because this jam contains eggs and dairy, it must be refrigerated. Let the jars cool completely on the counter before moving them to the refrigerator.
Your homemade eggnog jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. As this specific recipe is not tested for long-term water-bath canning due to the egg and dairy content, we recommend making it in small batches to be enjoyed fresh during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggnog Jam
While we have not tested a dairy-free version, you could likely experiment with full-fat oat milk or a blend of coconut cream and almond milk as a substitute for the milk and cream. The texture and flavor may vary.
Yes, powdered pectin is essential for this recipe to achieve the proper jam-like, spreadable consistency. Without it, the mixture would be more like a thin pudding or sauce.
Because this recipe contains eggs and dairy, it must be stored in the refrigerator. In a sealed jar, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. This recipe is not suitable for long-term canning.
It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it on toast, scones, pancakes, or waffles. You can also swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal, use it as a cookie filling, or even serve it with a cheese board.
Eggnog jam tastes exactly like a sweet, creamy, and spreadable version of traditional eggnog. It has a rich custard flavor with prominent notes of warm spices, primarily nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon.
Enjoy Your Homemade Holiday Treat!
There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a delicious holiday treat from scratch. This Homemade Eggnog Jam is a simple luxury that brings festive cheer to any meal. We hope you enjoy making and sharing it!
If you loved this recipe, we’d be thrilled if you shared it on Pinterest or left a comment below!
Homemade Eggnog Jam Recipe
Homemade Eggnog Jam: The Ultimate Creamy Holiday Spread
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and powdered pectin until fully combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the sugar, whisking constantly. Add the cinnamon stick. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-12 minutes). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in the nutmeg, vanilla extract, and cubed butter until the butter is melted and the jam is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the warm jam into clean glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal with lids, let cool to room temperature, and then store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Storage: This jam is for refrigeration only and will last up to 2 weeks. It is not suitable for water-bath canning.
