Name: Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup full fat eggnog; 1 1/4 tsp chai spices (see Notes); 4 large egg yolks; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; Extra granulated sugar, for brûléeing the top (about 2-3 tablespoons); 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cardamom; 2 tsp ground cloves; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp ground allspice; 1 tsp ground white pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 79 reviews

If you are craving a dessert that combines the cozy warmth of chai spices with the creamy indulgence of eggnog, you are in for a treat with this Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe. This recipe elevates the classic French custard by infusing it with the rich, aromatic spices of chai and the festive touch of full-fat eggnog. The result is a silky smooth, luxuriously creamy custard topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that cracks delightfully with each spoonful. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a special occasion, this dessert brings comfort and a little touch of magic to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image set shows a step-by-step baking preparation with four parts: top left shows a glass jar filled with a brown powdered spice mix, some powder spilled on a white marbled surface beside a small wooden spoon; top right shows a white enamel baking dish filled with a light beige batter that has bubbles on the surface, placed on a white marbled background with a whisk in a bowl and a white bottle labeled

Creating this dessert is easier than you might think, and the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the luscious texture and bold flavors that make the Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe so irresistible.

Heavy whipping cream: Provides the rich creaminess that forms the custard’s base and luxurious mouthfeel.
Full fat eggnog: Adds festive sweetness and a subtle spice backdrop while enhancing the custard’s creaminess.
Chai spices: A blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves that give the custard its signature aromatic flavor.
Large egg yolks: The natural thickener that makes the custard silky and smooth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and forms the delectable brûlée topping when caramelized.

How to Make Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and boil water in a kettle to use later for the water bath. Get a large baking dish ready with a tea towel inside — this cushion keeps the custard dish stable as it bakes gently surrounded by hot water, ensuring a perfectly even cook.

Step 2: Warm the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, eggnog, and chai spices. Heat over medium until the mixture starts steaming but isn’t boiling—around 160°F is perfect. This warming step helps infuse the chai spices right into the custard base for that signature flavor punch.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

While the cream mixture cools a bit, whisk together the egg yolks with 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and smooth. This aerates the yolks, preparing them for slow incorporation of the cream, which helps avoid ending up with scrambled eggs.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Very slowly drizzle about 1/4 cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolk mix while whisking constantly. Gradually add more cream until fully combined. This gentle process ensures the eggs heat up without curdling, preserving that beautiful custard texture.

Step 5: Transfer and Set Up the Water Bath

Place your custard mixture in a gratin dish sitting inside the tea towel-lined baking dish. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the gratin dish. This water bath creates a moist, even cooking environment essential for silky custard.

Step 6: Bake to Silky Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This texture ensures the custard remains creamy and smooth once fully chilled. Avoid baking it hard; the gentle wobble is the key to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Remove the gratin dish from the water bath and let it cool on a wire rack for a couple of hours. Then chill in the refrigerator to fully set. Be sure the custard is cold before covering to keep the surface pristine and avoid condensation.

Step 8: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the custard. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar fully, creating a glossy, crackly crust—a hallmark of the classic crème brûlée that adds delightful texture contrast.

How to Serve Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe

The image shows a white oval dish with a glossy caramelized brown sugar crust on top of a creamy yellow layer of custard, typical of crème brûlée. The top layer has uneven bubbles and darker burnt spots as a woman's hand holds a small blowtorch, caramelizing the sugar further. To the side on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl filled with brown spice powder and a wooden spoon resting inside. Nearby, a light striped cloth with golden spoons and a knife complete the arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick tucked beside the crème brûlée adds visual appeal and a fragrant hint that complements the chai spices beautifully. A few whole star anise pods can also serve as charming, aromatic accents.

Side Dishes

The rich creaminess of this custard pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like juicy persimmons, tart cranberries, or candied orange peel, cutting through the sweetness and adding a burst of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or use mini oak barrels or thick glass bowls for a rustic vibe. A delicate dusting of edible gold leaf takes this festive dessert to a whole new level of celebration perfect for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crème brûlée keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered tightly with plastic wrap. The custard stays creamy and the sugar crust can be re-torched for a fresh crackly topping if needed.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this custard as the delicate texture can be compromised. The freeze-thaw cycle may cause the custard to become grainy once thawed, losing that signature smooth silkiness.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled. If you want to warm it slightly, avoid microwaving the custard itself; simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. You can always re-caramelize the sugar topping right before serving for that fresh crisp finish.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chai spice blend instead of making my own?

Absolutely! A quality pre-made chai spice mix works well and saves time, but homemade blends allow you to customize the balance of spices to your taste, making your Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe truly unique.

What happens if I bake the custard too long?

Overbaking can cause the custard to become firm and rubbery instead of silky and smooth. Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it to ensure perfect texture after chilling.

Can I prepare this dessert in individual ramekins?

Yes! Using ramekins is a fantastic way to portion and serve this recipe. Just adjust the baking time slightly, usually 30-35 minutes, depending on the size.

Is it necessary to use full-fat eggnog?

For the creamiest results, full-fat eggnog is best. It adds richness and body that low-fat versions lack, which helps achieve that luscious custard you expect from crème brûlée.

What can I use if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a torch, you can carefully broil the sugar topping in your oven. Watch it closely because the sugar can burn quickly. Keep the oven rack close to the broiler so the sugar melts and caramelizes evenly.

Final Thoughts

Making the Chai Eggnog Creme Brûlée Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a festive twist to a classic dessert that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a spoonful. The layering of cozy chai spices with rich eggnog cream creates a comforting yet elegant treat you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your torch and get ready to delight your friends and family with this warm, spiced custard extravaganza!