Creamy Eggnog Jam Recipe - Emma's Cake Studio

When the holiday season wraps around us like a warm blanket, there’s nothing quite like the joy of creating something truly special in the kitchen. One afternoon, as a hint of winter chilled the air, I found myself longing for a dessert that could capture the festive spirit. That’s when I stumbled upon this delightful Creamy Eggnog Jam recipe—a sweet discovery that transforms the rich flavors of classic eggnog into a luscious, spreadable treat.

Imagine hosting friends and family, sharing a jar of this luscious jam that adds a festive twist to everything from pancakes to cookies. With its creamy consistency and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, this jam isn’t just delicious—it’s a nostalgic reminder of holiday gatherings and heartwarming moments. Whether you’re an experienced chef or someone who just wants to escape the fast food routine, this easy-to-make recipe will become a treasured addition to your holiday repertoire. Get ready to spread joy and flavor with this indulgent Creamy Eggnog Jam!

Why will you love this Creamy Eggnog Jam Recipe?

Joyful Experience: Creating this Creamy Eggnog Jam is not only easy but also a delightful way to infuse your kitchen with holiday spirit.
Versatile Delight: Spread it on pancakes, toast, or even cookies for a festive twist.
Luscious Texture: Its creamy consistency makes each bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
Flavorful Aroma: The blend of nutmeg and cinnamon transports you to cozy holiday gatherings.
Perfect Gift: Share joy by gifting jars to friends and family—it’s a personal touch that they’ll adore!
Crowd-Pleasing: This jam appeals to everyone, making it an excellent addition to any gathering.

Creamy Eggnog Jam Ingredients

• For the Jam Base

Eggnog – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade eggnog for a festive flavor.
Sugar – A touch of sweetness that balances the creamy eggnog flavor; feel free to replace with a low-sugar alternative if desired.
Cornstarch – This helps thicken the jam, giving it that perfect spreadable consistency.

• For Flavoring

Nutmeg – Adds a warm, holiday spice that embodies the essence of traditional eggnog.
Cinnamon – Just a pinch brings extra warmth and depth to your Creamy Eggnog Jam.
Vanilla Extract – For a hint of sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• For Preservation

Lemon Juice – Adds acidity, helping to balance the sweetness and preserves freshness.
Butter – A small amount at the end adds richness and a smooth texture to the jam.

How to Make Creamy Eggnog Jam

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together eggnog, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat until well blended, about 2-3 minutes.
Heat Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll notice it starting to thicken—this should take around 5-7 minutes.
Add Spices: Once thickened, add nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Lemon Juice & Butter: Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and butter for extra creaminess. Stir until the butter melts completely.
Cool and Store: Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring it into sterilized jars. Seal and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Enjoy: Use your Creamy Eggnog Jam on your favorite breakfast items like pancakes or toast, or as a festive topping for holiday cookies!

Optional: For a richer flavor, add a splash of rum extract.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Creamy Eggnog Jam?

Indulging in the decadence of creamy eggnog jam opens up a world of delightful pairings to elevate your holiday spread.

Warm Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti perfectly contrasts the creamy jam, making for a delightful dipping experience. These Italian treats bring an elegant touch when paired with eggnog jam.
Fluffy Pancakes: Serve fluffy pancakes drizzled with this luscious jam for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug. The rich eggnog flavor enhances the pancakes’ sweetness, turning an ordinary morning into a festive feast.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies beautifully harmonize with the creamy sweetness of the jam. This duo transports you straight to holiday parties with its nostalgic essence.
Toasted Bagels with Cream Cheese: A toasted bagel smeared with cream cheese and topped with eggnog jam creates a delightful breakfast or snack. The smooth creaminess balances perfectly with the softness of the bagel.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with your eggnog jam for an unforgettable charcuterie board. The creaminess of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet, spiced notes of the jam.
Hot Apple Cider: Serve this creamy eggnog jam alongside a steaming cup of spiced apple cider. The warm spices in both enhance the holiday experience, leaving everyone feeling cozy.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with creamy eggnog jam transforms a simple dessert into a festive delight. The contrasting temperatures create a heavenly treat to savor.
Spiced Muffins: Pair your jam with freshly baked spiced muffins for an enticing combination that celebrates festive flavors. Each bite will remind you of holiday gatherings filled with love and warmth.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Eggnog Jam creations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday preparations! You can prepare the jam base up to 3 days in advance; simply follow the initial steps of combining ingredients and cooking until thickened. After that, cool and refrigerate it in a sealed container to maintain its delightful texture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, just warm it gently on the stove and stir in the lemon juice and butter before serving to ensure creaminess. This little advance prep allows you to savor the festive spirit without stress, making your holiday gatherings all the more joyful!

Creamy Eggnog Jam Variations

Customize your Creamy Eggnog Jam to suit your taste and make it even more special this holiday season.

Dairy-Free: Opt for almond milk eggnog or any non-dairy eggnog to create a luscious vegan version. Your guests won’t miss the dairy with this creamy substitute!
Spice Up: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for an extra layer of festive flavor that enhances the comforting aroma of your jam.
Flavor Fusions: Mix in a splash of maple syrup for an earthy sweetness, or a touch of bourbon for a grown-up version that embodies holiday cheer.
Fruit Twist: Stir in finely chopped fruits like cranberries or pears to add delightful texture and a burst of freshness. This twist pairs beautifully with the spiced notes!
Nutty Delight: Incorporate a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and rich flavor, giving your jam an enticing blend of textures.
Citrus Burst: A splash of orange juice or zest brightens up the flavor, perfectly balancing the sweetness and making every bite feel zesty and new.
No Sugar: Try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a low-calorie alternative, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious spread.
Sweet Swirls: For an extra indulgent treat, fold in a spoonful of cream cheese after cooking for a rich and creamy spread perfect for holiday bagels or scones.

Tips for the Best Creamy Eggnog Jam

Choose Quality Eggnog: Use high-quality, rich eggnog for a more flavorful jam. Homemade eggnog can elevate your Creamy Eggnog Jam even further.
Avoid Overheating: Stir constantly while heating to prevent scorching. This helps maintain the smooth, creamy texture you desire.
Thickening Time: Be patient when thickening; it may take a few more minutes depending on your stove. Check consistently to avoid burning.
Cool Completely: Allow the jam to cool fully before transferring to jars for proper sealing and preservation. This ensures the best flavor and consistency.
Customize Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste—experimenting can yield delightful flavor variations in your jam!

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Eggnog Jam

Room Temperature: Store freshly made jam in a cool, dark place for up to 1 week before refrigerating.

Fridge: Keep your Creamy Eggnog Jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain its luscious texture.

Freezer: To store longer, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: If desired, gently reheat the jam in a saucepan over low heat to restore its creamy consistency before serving.

Creamy Eggnog Jam Recipe FAQs

What type of eggnog is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality, rich eggnog—store-bought or homemade works wonderfully. The creaminess of your eggnog will directly influence the texture and taste of your jam, making it more indulgent and satisfying.

How long can I store the Creamy Eggnog Jam?
You can store freshly made jam in a cool, dark place for up to 1 week before refrigerating it. Once refrigerated, keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to ensure its luscious texture and flavor remain intact.

Can I freeze Creamy Eggnog Jam?
Very! To prolong the shelf life, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to avoid condensation. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and if desired, gently reheat it over low heat to restore its creamy consistency.

What should I do if my jam doesn’t thicken properly?
If your jam isn’t thickening as expected, don’t worry—sometimes it just needs a little longer! Keep it on the heat, stirring constantly for an additional 3-5 minutes. If it still doesn’t thicken, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and add it to the simmering mixture. This should help you achieve that perfect spreadable jam consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Creamy Eggnog Jam gluten-free by using gluten-free cornstarch. Additionally, feel free to substitute with low-sugar alternatives for the sugar and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version. Just ensure all ingredients comply with the dietary requirements you’re catering to.

How should I serve Creamy Eggnog Jam?
I often love to spread this jam on pancakes and toast, or use it as a delightful topping for holiday cookies! It pairs deliciously with a warm beverage, making it a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia it brings!