If you’re craving a cozy holiday classic without any dairy or eggs, this Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Creamy, rich, and infused with warming spices, this plant-based twist captures everything we love about traditional eggnog but with wholesome oat magic and a velvety touch of almond butter. Whether you’re serving it at your festive gathering or curling up with a cup by the fire, this recipe is incredibly simple to make and utterly satisfying. Trust me, one sip, and you’ll never miss the original version!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, plant-based ingredients is all it takes to achieve the perfect balance of creamy, spiced, and just-sweet-enough flavor in this Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe. Each component has a role in enriching the texture, layering the taste, and adding that inviting color we all associate with this holiday staple.
- 200 ml oat milk: The smooth liquid base that gives oat nog its characteristic creaminess and mild sweetness.
- 360 ml evaporated oat milk: Concentrated oat milk that thickens the nog and boosts richness without heaviness.
- 200 g condensed oat milk: Sweet and creamy, this ingredient adds depth and a lovely sugary touch naturally.
- 50 g smooth almond butter (or cashew butter): Adds a luscious, buttery mouthfeel and subtle nutty flavor to elevate the nog.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warming spice that makes eggnog so festive.
- 1 vanilla pod (or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste): Delivers fragrant, sweet vanilla notes that mingle perfectly with the other spices.
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: The secret spice of eggnog, adding warmth and complexity in every sip.
- 100 ml dark rum, bourbon, or Cognac (optional): For those who want a little holiday cheer in their cup; omit or substitute with oat milk for alcohol-free nog.
How to Make Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Start by adding the oat milk, evaporated oat milk, condensed oat milk, almond butter, sea salt, and ground cinnamon into a medium saucepan. Carefully slice your vanilla pod lengthwise and use the back of a knife to scrape out all those tiny fragrant seeds. Toss both seeds and pod into the pan; they will infuse the mixture with a delicate, heady sweetness as it warms.
Step 2: Simmer with Gentle Whisking
Place your saucepan over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is crucial to fully blend the almond butter and spices with the milks. Keep whisking constantly for about 3 minutes to avoid any sticking or scorching. You’ll notice the texture thickening and the warm aromas filling your kitchen—a sign that the magic is happening!
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in your choice of dark rum, bourbon, or Cognac, if using. Then stir in freshly grated nutmeg for that iconic eggnog flavor boost. The alcohol gently melds with the warm spices, creating a rich complexity even those new to nog will adore.
Step 4: Cool and Store Properly
Allow the nog to cool at room temperature for around 20 minutes, giving time for all those flavors to harmonize. Then transfer the eggnog into sterilized airtight jars or bottles. Pop them in the fridge to chill thoroughly before serving. For an extra boost of vanilla flavor, leave the vanilla pod nestled inside the container.
Step 5: Shake Before Serving
Because of the natural ingredients, your Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe may separate in the fridge. Just give your jar or bottle a good shake before pouring to bring back its luscious, creamy texture every time.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick stirred into each glass instantly elevates the visual and taste appeal of your oat nog. For an extra touch of festivity, try a twist of orange peel or a few star anise pods; these little additions delight the senses and make serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This eggnog pairs wonderfully with classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced biscotti, or vegan pumpkin pie. The creamy richness of the oat nog complements sweet, spiced desserts perfectly, making your gathering truly memorable and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe in elegant mugs dusted with cinnamon sugar, or try chilled glasses with a rim dipped in crushed candy canes for a holiday vibe. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder also brings an unexpected and festive flair to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your oat nog stays fresh and tasty in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping the vanilla pod inside the jar helps maintain that delightful vanilla aroma and flavor throughout storage. Just remember to shake well before each serving as the ingredients naturally separate.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it with this recipe as the texture can change once thawed. The creamy oat butter and milk components may separate and become grainy, diminishing the smoothness that makes this Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe so special.
Reheating
If you prefer your nog warm, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking constantly until warmed through. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors and creaminess. If your nog has separated after chilling, whisk vigorously to restore the silky consistency before heating.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the rum, bourbon, or Cognac and replace the liquid with extra oat milk. The result will still be beautifully creamy and full of cozy spice, perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Is almond butter necessary, or can I substitute it?
Almond butter adds richness and a mild nuttiness that enhances the texture. You can substitute with cashew butter or any smooth nut/seed butter you prefer, but keep it smooth to blend seamlessly into the nog.
How do I get fresh vanilla if I don’t have a vanilla pod?
If fresh vanilla pods aren’t available, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste or high-quality vanilla extract instead. These alternatives still provide that lovely pure vanilla aroma that is essential to the recipe.
Will this recipe work with other plant milks?
While oat milk is preferred for its natural sweetness and creaminess, you can try this recipe with other milks like soy or cashew. Just note that the flavor and thickness may vary slightly.
How should I serve this Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe to a crowd?
Make a large batch ahead of time and chill it well in big, sealable containers. Offer festive garnishes on the side and set up a little “nog bar” with nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and optional spirits so guests can customize their drinks.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like sipping a glass of this silky, spice-laden Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe to usher in the holidays. Its plant-based goodness and effortless preparation make it a crowd-pleaser for every celebration. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find that this comforting and delicious eggnog becomes your go-to festive treat year after year.
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Easy Vegan Eggnog (Oat Nog) Recipe
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy vegan eggnog recipe, also known as oat nog, offers a creamy and spiced holiday beverage made with oat milk and natural ingredients. Perfectly flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of dark rum or bourbon, this dairy-free alternative is quick to prepare and can be enjoyed either with or without alcohol.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 200 ml oat milk
- 360 ml evaporated oat milk
- 200 g condensed oat milk
- 100 ml dark rum or bourbon or Cognac (or extra oat milk for alcohol-free)
Other Ingredients
- 50 g smooth almond butter (or cashew butter)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 vanilla pod (or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste)
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the oat milk, evaporated oat milk, condensed oat milk, almond butter, sea salt, and cinnamon into a saucepan. Slice the vanilla pod in half, scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife, and add both the seeds and the pod into the saucepan with the other ingredients.
- Heat Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3 minutes while constantly whisking to ensure all ingredients are well blended and the almond butter is fully incorporated.
- Add Alcohol and Nutmeg: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the dark rum, bourbon, Cognac, or extra oat milk if making an alcohol-free version. Then add the freshly grated nutmeg and mix well.
- Cool and Store: Allow the eggnog to cool to room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Transfer it into airtight sterilized storage jars or bottles and refrigerate immediately.
- Enjoy and Store Properly: Shake the jar or bottle well before serving as natural separation will occur. Keep the eggnog refrigerated for up to 5 days, leaving the vanilla pod inside the jar to continue infusing flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor.
- The vanilla pod can be left in the jar during storage for enhanced flavor over time.
- For a nut-free option, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or omit.
- Shake well before each serving as separation is natural.
- Alcohol is optional; substitute with extra oat milk for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free version.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
