This Easy Homemade Eggnog Ice Cream is creamy and rich, perfect for the holiday season! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this festive treat in no time.
The best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker! Just mix, freeze, and enjoy. I love it with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top—can you say yum? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggnog: You can use store-bought eggnog for convenience, or make your own if you have the time! If you prefer a non-dairy option, try using coconut eggnog or almond milk-based eggnog to keep it festive.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture may be less creamy. I find that the heavy cream gives the best rich flavor!
Granulated Sugar: If you want to reduce sugar intake, you can use alternatives like agave syrup or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on sweetness levels.
Spices: Ground nutmeg and cinnamon are classic, but feel free to add other spices like ginger or allspice for a twist. For an extra flavor kick, try using fresh nutmeg if you have it!
Alcohol: The optional rum or bourbon adds a nice touch, but you can totally skip it or use a non-alcoholic rum essence if you want to keep it kid-friendly.
How Can I Get the Creamiest Ice Cream Texture?
Achieving that perfect creamy texture requires a few useful techniques. Here’s how to make it smooth:
- Whisk the mixture well to dissolve all the sugar. This ensures a smooth base before churning.
- Keep your ice cream maker bowl fully frozen before pouring in the mixture. This helps speed up the freezing process.
- Don’t rush the churning process! Let the ice cream maker do its job until you get that soft-serve consistency.
- After churning, make sure to freeze it in an airtight container for a few hours to allow it to firm up properly.
Following these steps will help you achieve a silky, luscious ice cream that everyone will love!
Easy Homemade Eggnog Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons rum or bourbon (if desired for flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus a 20-25 minute churning time in the ice cream maker. After that, you’ll need to freeze the mixture for at least 4 hours to let the ice cream firm up. So overall, you’re looking at nearly 5 hours from start to finish, but most of that time is just waiting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggnog, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This is the base for your ice cream!
2. Add Flavor (Optional):
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon for that extra holiday spirit. Mix it in gently to combine.
3. Churn the Ice Cream:
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn until the mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, so keep an eye on it as it thickens!
4. Freeze to Firm Up:
Once churning is done, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm and scoopable.
5. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready to indulge, scoop the eggnog ice cream into bowls or glasses. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle a little extra ground nutmeg on top and add a cinnamon stick for garnish if you like. It looks and tastes festive!
6. Enjoy!
This creamy, homemade eggnog ice cream is a delicious treat for the holidays or any time you’re craving something cozy and sweet. Store any leftovers in the freezer for later. Enjoy every scoop!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Eggnog Ice Cream
Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog is a great option for convenience. Just make sure to choose a brand you enjoy as it will impact the flavor of your ice cream.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream without one. Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up the ice crystals, until it reaches the desired consistency. This will take about 4-6 hours.
How Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store leftover eggnog ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for up to 2 weeks. If it becomes too hard, let it sit out for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping to soften.
Can I Make This Ice Cream Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can easily omit the rum or bourbon without affecting the overall recipe! The ice cream will still be delicious and festive with the other flavors.
