Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale yellow. Set aside.
Heat milk, cream, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan until a light simmer. Remove from heat.
Gradually whisk hot milk into egg mixture to temper, then return to saucepan and whisk until combined. Go slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs!
Strain to remove any solids. Cool.