Eggnog Eclair Cake

Eggnog Eclair Cake is a delightful holiday dessert that combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the light, airy texture of an eclair crust. This no-bake dessert features layers of eggnog-flavored pudding, cream cheese filling, and fluffy homemade whipped cream, all topped with festive crushed candy canes. It’s a perfect treat for holiday gatherings and celebrations, offering a unique twist on traditional eclair cake with a seasonal flavor.

Ingredients

For the Eclair Crust:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 (5.1 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding
• 2 cups Promised Land Dairy Old Fashioned Eggnog
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• Crushed candy canes (about 2-3)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking pan.

1. Make the Eclair Crust:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter in the water and bring to a boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in the flour until fully combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing completely before adding the next.
• Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the pudding mix and eggnog with a hand mixer until well combined.
• Add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
• Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it into an even layer.

1. Make the Whipped Cream:

• In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
• Spread the whipped cream over the pudding mixture.

1. Add the Topping:

• Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top of the whipped cream layer.

1. Chill and Serve:

• Chill the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Cut into squares and serve.

Tips

• Crust Tips: Make sure to mix the eggs into the dough one at a time to achieve the best consistency for the eclair crust.
• Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Whipped Cream: For the best results, chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before whipping the cream.
• Topping Variations: If you’re not a fan of candy canes, you can top the cake with grated nutmeg, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for a different festive touch.
• Serving: This dessert is best served chilled, so make sure to keep it refrigerated until just before serving.

Eggnog Eclair Cake is an easy yet impressive dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy layers and the festive crunch of candy canes in every bite!