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Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

This Eggnog Crème Tart is a luxurious holiday dessert featuring a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with a rich, creamy eggnog-flavored custard. Topped with homemade caramel shards for a delightful crunch, this tart combines classic festive spices like nutmeg and cinnamon with a hint of rum or bourbon, perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

FOR THE TART SHELL:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1–2 tablespoons ice-cold water
  • Pinch of salt

FOR THE EGGNOG CRÈME FILLING:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon dark rum or bourbon (optional)

FOR THE CARAMEL SHARDS:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • A few drops of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Make the Tart Shell: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  2. Add Yolk and Water: Stir in the egg yolk and one tablespoon of ice-cold water. Gently knead the mixture just until it forms a dough, adding the remaining water if necessary. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Roll and Line Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
  4. Blind Bake: Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
  5. Make the Eggnog Crème Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, preventing lumps from forming.
  6. Cook Custard: Place the saucepan on medium heat and cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens and starts to bubble, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to avoid curdling.
  7. Flavor the Custard: Stir in vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and the optional dark rum or bourbon. For a silky-smooth texture, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve.
  8. Fill and Chill: Pour the warm custard into the cooled tart shell and smooth the surface. Refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours, or until the custard is fully set.
  9. Make the Caramel Shards: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and a few drops of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
  10. Form Shards: Immediately pour the hot caramel onto the prepared parchment paper and tilt the pan to spread it thinly. Let the caramel cool completely, then break it into shards using your hands or the back of a spoon.
  11. Assemble and Serve: Just before serving, arrange the caramel shards on top of the chilled tart for decoration. Serve the tart cold or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is very cold when making the tart shell to achieve a flaky crust.
  • Chilling the dough before baking prevents shrinking and helps maintain the tart shape.
  • Whisk constantly while cooking the custard to avoid lumps and prevent curdling.
  • The optional rum or bourbon adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Caramel shards should be handled carefully as they are brittle and sharp.
  • This tart is best served within 2 days; keep refrigerated until serving.

Keywords: eggnog tart, holiday dessert, custard tart, caramel shards, festive dessert, Christmas tart

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/eggnog-creme-tart-with-caramel-shards-recipe/