Healthy Dairy-Free Eggnog that’s made with Eggs!

It seems everywhere you look on the internet, vegan nog masquerades as dairy-free eggnog. In fact, you can’t buy real dairy-free eggnog in the U.S. that I’ve found. But you can make it! This particular recipe is for healthy dairy-free eggnog. It is free of refined sweeteners and made a bit lighter than the classic holiday version. But it is still made traditionally, perfectly rich, and seasoned with our favorite holiday spices.

This Healthy Dairy-Free Eggnog is Any Day Approved

This healthy dairy-free eggnog recipe was shared with us by the chefs and dieticians at Dole. They craft healthier versions of everyday favorites, while still retaining some indulgence. This recipe is great for dairy-free needs, but it’s also a perfect pick if you find classic eggnog a little too rich and sweet. I’ve included some additional information and options in the FAQs below.

Which Milk Alternative is Best to Use?

The main things to consider are taste, consistency, and how it heats. First, choose one that you like the taste of. Most types meld well with the other ingredients, but I prefer nut milk or coconut milk beverage for that touch of nuttiness and richness. Finally, using a type and brand that you know heats well is helpful. Some will separate or thicken strangely when heated. If this happens, all is not lost. Just blend it well to make it smooth again.

Aren’t Eggs Dairy?

You’re in luck, they are not! Eggs are a naturally dairy-free food. To better understand the confusion, see this post: Are Eggs Dairy Free?

How Can I Make this Recipe Banana Free?

This recipe was created by Dole, hence the clever use off fruit. But if need, you can omit the banana, increase the liquid by about 2/3 cup, and add more sweetener, to taste. I might use 2/3 cup coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk instead of more milk alternative, to add more richness to the finished egg nog drink.

Can I Use a Different Sweetener?

You certainly can! You can use your favorite sweetener to taste. Both liquid and granulated sweeteners should work just fine. Just keep the flavor of your sweetener in mind. It can affect the taste of the end result.

How Can I Make it Thicker?

If you want a richer, thicker finish for your Christmas and New Year celebrations, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk, cashew cream, or a store-bought dairy-free heavy cream, like Silk or Country Crock, for part of the milk alternative. I might use 1 cup. Another option is to use a richer type of milk alternative, like coconut milk beverage, or an unsweetened half and half alternative, like Ripple, instead of milk alternative.

Special Diet Notes: Healthy Dairy-Free Eggnog

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, gluten-free, grain-free, optionally nut-free, optionally soy-free, optionally paleo, and vegetarian.

Dole Foods

Healthy Dairy-Free Eggnog

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Bananas and maple syrup add natural sweetness and a little body to this semi traditional eggnog without making it too heavy. The eggs emulsify to create naturally dairy-free richness. Please note that the Prep time is hands-on time only. This is a great make ahead recipe since the eggnog needs an hour or two to cool.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 14 minutes mins

Servings: 6 Servings

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 135

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 cups unsweetened dairy-free milk alternative see Milk Note below
• 3 eggs
• 2 ripe bananas
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Freshly ground nutmeg for serving (optional)

Method

 

1. Pour the milk alternative into medium saucepan, and place the pan over medium heat. Heat just until the dairy-free milk reaches a boil.
2. Put the eggs, bananas, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon in your blender, and blend until smooth. With the motor running, gradually and carefully pour some of the boiling milk (about ½ cup) into the chute.
3. Stop the machine, add the remaining milk alternative, cover completely (including the chute), and blend until egg mixture is thick and smooth.
4. Chill the dairy-free eggnog in your refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours.
5. Pour into glasses and sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired.
6. It is best enjoyed fresh. But you can store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. There will be some light browning from the bananas.

Nutrition

Serving: 3/4 cupCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 21.9gProtein: 4gFat: 3.7gSaturated Fat: 0.8gSodium: 127mgFiber: 1.1gSugar: 15.6g

Notes

Frothy Version: If you use pasteurized eggs and aren’t concerned about cooking the eggs, you separate the eggs and create the classic froth. Use the egg yolks as you would in the recipe above. But beat the egg whites until creamy and thick, like shaving cream in appearance (you aren't looking for stiff peaks). Once the eggnog is cool, fold the egg whites into the drink, and serve immediately.

Milk Note: This recipe was tested with almond milk. Cashew milk, macadamia milk, or coconut milk would also taste delicious. You can use soymilk or rice milk for nut free. Or use your favorite milk alternative. Just make sure it is one that will boil well. See tips in the post above for more details.

Spiked Option: You can stir in your choice of white rum, dark rum, spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon, to taste. I would start with ½ cup for the full batch. Taste, and add more, if desired. Or you can serve it un-spiked, and allow guests to whisk in their choice of alcohol, if they wish.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

You’ll also love my Dairy-Free Coquito Recipe!