Description
Eggnog Crème Tart with Caramel Shards is the kind of dessert that makes people pause after the first bite. It has a buttery crumb crust, a smooth and creamy eggnog filling, and a glossy caramel finish topped with crisp golden shards for extra drama. This is an easy dessert that feels bakery-worthy, perfect for holiday dessert tables, special occasions, dinner parties, and make-ahead entertaining. If you love festive sweets, creamy tart recipes, easy dessert ideas, holiday baking, and elegant food ideas for gatherings, this one checks every box beautifully.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup eggnog
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/3 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan across the bottom and up the sides.
2. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggnog, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt. Beat until the filling is creamy and lump-free.
4. Spoon the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
5. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup water over medium heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
6. Carefully pour the caramel onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate in a thin layer. Let it cool completely until hard. Break into shards.
7. Drizzle the chilled tart with caramel sauce and top with caramel shards just before serving.
Notes
Do not add the caramel shards too early, because the moisture from the chilled filling can make them sticky and soften their crisp snap.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked and Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 456
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
Keywords: eggnog tart, caramel tart, holiday dessert, easy dessert, creamy tart, festive dessert, make-ahead dessert, caramel shards