Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

Creamy eggnog and classic pumpkin come together in this Eggnog Pumpkin Pie with a rich, silky spiced pumpkin custard filling and flaky, buttery crust. It's a festive twist on classic pumpkin pie that's perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

Time for a mash-up of two favorite holiday classics!  Eggnog and Pumpkin Pie!  Classic pumpkin pie gets a holiday upgrade by swapping traditional evaporated milk for rich, creamy eggnog. The result is an extra creamy, custard-like pumpkin filling flavored with warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and just a hint of rum extract to bring out that signature eggnog flavor.

It's still everything you love about traditional pumpkin pie, but with an extra rich and festive twist that makes it just as perfect for Christmas as it is for Thanksgiving. The addition of eggnog transforms the texture and flavor to a rich, creamy, decadent, custard-like filling. It's much lighter, yet much creamier, than your average pumpkin pie and combines the heavy nutmeg flavor of eggnog with cinnamon and classic pumpkin spice.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream for an easy holiday dessert.

Why You'll Love This Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

• Two holiday favorites in one. Classic pumpkin pie meets rich, creamy eggnog for the ultimate holiday mash-up.
• Extra creamy filling. Eggnog gives the pumpkin custard a smooth, rich texture.
• Warm holiday spices. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves complement both the pumpkin and eggnog flavors.
• Easy to make. The filling comes together simply by whisking the ingredients together before pouring it into the crust.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The pumpkin makes it right at home on the Thanksgiving table, while the eggnog gives it a festive Christmas twist.
• Make-ahead friendly. Pumpkin pie needs time to cool and set anyway, making it an easy dessert to prepare before a holiday gathering.

Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. You can use canned pumpkin puree or roast and puree your own pie pumpkin.

Be sure you're not grabbing pumpkin pie filling by mistake. Canned pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices, which will make this pie too sweet and change the intended flavor.

What Kind of Pie Crust Should I Use?

I use my classic homemade pie crust for Eggnog Pumpkin Pie. It's flaky, buttery, and a delicious contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling.

A store-bought unbaked pie crust will also work if you're looking to save some time during the busy holiday season.

For a fun variation, you can also try a gingersnap crust. The warm, spicy ginger flavor pairs beautifully with both pumpkin and eggnog. You can make if you substitute gingersnap crumbs in this recipe.

Why Should I Use Rum Extract?

While the recipe says it's optional, I do highly recommend it. The signature flavor that most people know and love about the store-bought eggnog you're familiar with is nutmeg and rum or rum extract. So using the rum extract will really boost the eggnog flavor of the whole pie.

Can I Use Homemade Eggnog?

This recipe has only been tested with store bought eggnog. The main difference between store-bought and homemade eggnog is that store-bought usually does not contain actual eggs, whereas homemade does. This difference is huge in baking, as eggs can change texture, baking time, rise, etc.

Tips & Variations

• Use store-bought eggnog. This recipe has been tested with store-bought eggnog. Homemade eggnog often contains eggs, which can change the texture and baking time of the filling.
• Don't skip the rum extract. It's technically optional, but I highly recommend using it. Rum flavor combined with nutmeg is part of that signature classic eggnog flavor, so a small amount of rum extract helps the eggnog really stand out in the finished pie.
• Protect the crust edges. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield about halfway through baking.
• Don't overbake. The center should still jiggle slightly when the pie comes out of the oven. It will continue setting as it cools.
• Try a gingersnap crust. Substitute gingersnap crumbs for the graham cracker crumbs in my Oreo crust recipe for an extra-spiced holiday variation.
• Add whipped cream. Top individual slices with homemade whipped cream just before serving. For an extra festive finish, sprinkle a little nutmeg or cinnamon on top.
• Use the leftover filling. Depending on the depth of your pie dish, you may have some filling left after filling the crust. Pour extra filling into small oven-safe ramekins and bake alongside the pie for little crustless pumpkin custards. Start checking them early since they'll bake faster than the full pie.

How to Serve Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

Eggnog Pumpkin Pie can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Just like classic pumpkin pie, I think it's best with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream. Add a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon on top to play up the cozy eggnog flavor.

Because of its combination of pumpkin and eggnog, this pie works especially well for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert tables.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Directions

Make Ahead: Eggnog Pumpkin Pie is a great make-ahead holiday dessert because it needs several hours to cool and set before serving. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend making it 1 to 2 days ahead, however it can be made up to 4 days ahead. Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Storage: Because the filling contains eggs and dairy, Eggnog Pumpkin Pie should be refrigerated. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

More Pie Recipes You'll Love

• Best Old Fashioned Apple Pie - fresh apples baked into a buttery crust that's all doused in a spiced brown sugar sauce to create a perfect classic apple pie.
• Southern Pecan Pie - this pie is an all-time family favorite with a gooey, sweet brown sugar filling and crunchy pecans in a buttery, flaky crust.
• Southern Sweet Potato Pie - a spiced sweet potato filling topped with the most perfect crispy brown sugar topping.
• French Silk Pie - one of my all time favorite pies. This chocolate French silk pie features a super rich, decadent, silky chocolate filling topped with whipped cream.
• S'mores Pie - a super rich chocolate filling topped with toasted gooey marshmallow in a classic graham cracker crust.

Eggnog Pumpkin Pie Video

UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in November 2015. It was updated with new pictures, tips, and video, and republished in November 2023.