Description
Creamy holiday magic dances through this no-bake eggnog pie, blending rich seasonal flavors with silky smooth elegance. Winter celebrations become sweeter when you savor each spiced, chilled slice of festive delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters / 12 fluid ounces) eggnog
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) heavy whipping cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Stabilizing and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 envelope (about 2 ½ teaspoons / 7 grams) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) cold water
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation for the pie by pulverizing graham crackers and blending them with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles damp sand.
- Firmly compress the cracker mixture into a pie dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom and sides, then chill in the refrigerator to solidify the crust’s structure.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, transform cream cheese and sugar into a silky, uniform consistency using an electric mixer.
- Infuse the cream cheese blend with eggnog, introducing warm notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon, whisking until the ingredients harmonize completely.
- Activate the gelatin by sprinkling it over cool water, allowing it to bloom and absorb liquid for several minutes.
- Gently warm the gelatin mixture, stirring until it dissolves seamlessly without reaching a boiling point, then integrate it into the eggnog base.
- Whip heavy cream to a luxurious, peaked texture that holds its shape when the whisk is lifted.
- Delicately fold the whipped cream into the eggnog mixture, creating a light, airy filling with a uniform appearance.
- Transfer the creamy filling into the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to eliminate any air pockets.
- Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of four hours, allowing the filling to set and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
- Before serving, garnish with a billowing layer of whipped cream and a delicate dusting of warming spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.
Notes
- Select graham crackers with minimal added sugar to control the overall sweetness of the pie.
- Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs for a smooth, consistent crust that holds together perfectly.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
- Replace traditional eggnog with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter, more diet-friendly version.
- Dissolve gelatin carefully to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, stable pie texture.
- Whip cream just until stiff peaks form to maintain its structural integrity and prevent over-beating.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the filling to set completely and develop rich, complex flavors.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a light dusting of cinnamon for an extra aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg