Winter Spice Vanilla Pudding with Brandy-Infused Whipped Cream Recipe
Introduction
Winter Spice Vanilla Pudding is a comforting and aromatic dessert that brings warm holiday flavors to your table. Infused with seasonal spices and topped with brandied whipped cream, it’s perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for infusion)
- Peel of 1 orange
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 2 anise pods
- 4 allspice berries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 tsp brandy or bourbon
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream)
- 2 tsp powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp brandy
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup heavy cream with orange peel, cloves, cinnamon stick, anise pods, and allspice berries. Bring to a simmer, then immediately remove from heat and let cool to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk while whisking to incorporate.
- Step 3: Strain the infused cream into the milk mixture, whisking to combine.
- Step 4: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding begins to boil. Switch between whisk and spatula to prevent sticking and lumps.
- Step 5: Once boiling, remove from heat and strain the pudding into a bowl. Whisk in butter, vanilla paste, and brandy. Pour into serving dishes and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Step 6: For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream, salt, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Whisk in brandy to taste. Serve a dollop on top of the cooled pudding.
Tips & Variations
- Use vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor, or substitute with pure vanilla extract.
- Try bourbon instead of brandy for a different whiskey note in both pudding and whipped cream.
- Make the pudding a day ahead; flavors deepen and it thickens beautifully overnight in the fridge.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit brandy and add a splash of vanilla or almond extract instead.
Storage
Store the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep whipped cream separate and add fresh when serving for best texture. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Why do I strain the pudding after cooking?
Straining removes any lumps or cooked egg bits, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in your final pudding.
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Winter Spice Vanilla Pudding with Brandy-Infused Whipped Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Winter Spice Vanilla Pudding is a luscious, creamy dessert infused with aromatic winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, anise, and allspice. This comforting pudding is enhanced with orange peel and a hint of brandy, topped with a smooth brandied whipped cream, making it perfect for cozy cold-weather indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Spiced Pudding:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Peel of 1 orange
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 2 anise pods
- 4 allspice berries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 2 tsp brandy, or bourbon
For the Brandied Whipped Cream:
- 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp powdered sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1 tsp brandy
Instructions
- Infuse the Cream: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon stick, anise pods, and allspice berries. Bring to a simmer and immediately remove from the heat. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking continuously to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Infused Cream and Milk Mixture: Once the infused cream has cooled, strain it directly into the saucepan with the milk and egg yolk mixture, whisking everything together to incorporate the spiced cream evenly.
- Cook the Pudding: Place the mixture over medium-low heat and cook while stirring constantly. Use a whisk and silicone spatula to scrape the pan’s bottom to prevent lumps or burning. When the pudding begins to bubble and thicken, immediately remove it from the heat.
- Strain and Flavor the Pudding: Strain the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to catch any lumps. Whisk in the softened butter, vanilla bean paste, and brandy until smooth. Pour the pudding into serving dishes. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled as preferred.
- Make the Brandied Whipped Cream: Using electric beaters or a whisk, whip the heavy cream, pinch of salt, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the brandy to taste for a boozy finish.
- Serve: Add a generous dollop of the brandied whipped cream atop the cooled pudding before serving to complement the spiced vanilla flavor beautifully.
Notes
- Infusing the cream with spices and orange peel adds a deep, warming flavor that defines this pudding.
- Constant stirring while cooking is crucial to avoid lumps and burning in the pudding.
- Straining the pudding after cooking ensures an ultra-smooth texture.
- The brandy in both the pudding and whipped cream adds complexity and slight warmth—substitute with bourbon if preferred.
- This pudding can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
- Whip the cream just until soft peaks form to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: winter spice pudding, vanilla pudding, spiced dessert, brandied whipped cream, holiday dessert, winter dessert
