Ultimate Eggnog Cake Recipe for Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, the warmth of festive traditions fills the air, and one delicious staple that often takes center stage is eggnog. This rich, creamy beverage, made from a blend of milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, flavored with nutmeg and vanilla, has been cherished for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, where it was enjoyed as a luxurious drink during celebrations. Over time, eggnog has evolved, becoming a beloved symbol of holiday cheer across the globe, featuring prominently in gatherings, parties, and family dinners.

In this article, we invite you to explore the delightful world of eggnog cake—a scrumptious dessert that marries the indulgent flavors of traditional eggnog with the comforting familiarity of cake. From an in-depth look at the history and characteristics of eggnog cake to a step-by-step recipe, we’ll equip you with everything you need to create this festive treat. Plus, discover helpful tips, nutritional information, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your eggnog cake turns out perfectly every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping dessert that embodies the spirit of the holidays!

What is Eggnog Cake?

Eggnog cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the traditional holiday beverage in a soft, tender cake. Its origins are deeply rooted in the same historical traditions that give significance to eggnog itself. The drink, which has been enjoyed for centuries, may have traveled from medieval England to our modern holiday tables, evolving along the way. Traditionally served as a rich, creamy drink during festive gatherings, eggnog has inspired this delicious cake, embodying the same rich flavors and festive spirit that families have cherished over generations.

Historically, eggnog was a drink for the elite, often made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. As time passed, this luxurious drink became more accessible, and its flavors found their way into various culinary forms, including cake. Eggnog cake maintains the comforting and festive flavor profile present in the drink; it’s often enhanced with nutmeg and vanilla, giving it a warm, inviting taste that’s synonymous with the holiday season.

When it comes to its characteristics, eggnog cake typically features a moist crumb and a rich, buttery flavor. The addition of eggnog lends it a creamy texture and depth, while spices such as nutmeg sprinkle in hints of warmth and coziness. The cake is often adorned with festive frostings, making it visually appealing for holiday gatherings and celebrations. With layers of rich flavor and a comfortingly soft texture, eggnog cake is a perfect representation of the festive spirit.

Why You Should Make Eggnog Cake This Holiday Season

This holiday season, eggnog cake is more than just a delicious dessert; it’s a beautiful addition to your festive celebrations. Perfect for family gatherings, office parties, and holiday dinners, this cake enhances any festive menu and serves as a delightful centerpiece. Its rich flavors resonate well with other holiday treats, making it a memorable choice that friends and family will rave about long after the plates are cleared.

Beyond its festive appeal, one of the best reasons to make eggnog cake is its versatility. You can customize the recipe for dietary needs—think gluten-free or dairy-free variations—to accommodate all of your guests. For those who prefer a lighter dessert, source vegan eggnog and make substitutions to create a cake that everyone can enjoy without compromising on flavor. This adaptability allows eggnog cake to shine in various contexts, ensuring that no one feels left out during the holiday festivities.

In conclusion, baking an eggnog cake not only enhances the joy of the season; it also creates an opportunity for togetherness as we gather to enjoy this flavorful dessert. With its rich history and comforting flavors, eggnog cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, adding warmth and a touch of indulgence to your celebrations.

Ingredients You Need for Eggnog Cake

To create a delightful eggnog cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used for this cake to provide a soft texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar will sweeten the cake and contribute to its moistness.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and richness, use large eggs for best results.
• Eggnog: The star ingredient that brings the classic holiday flavor—buy store-bought or homemade.
• Butter: Unsalted butter will add creaminess and enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
• Nutmeg and vanilla extract: These spices will elevate the cake’s flavor, creating that festive aroma.
• Optional decorations: Consider frosting, whipped cream, or festive sprinkles for a beautiful presentation.

Step-by-Step Eggnog Cake Recipe

4.1 Preparation Time and Yield

Preparation Time: This eggnog cake takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30-35 minutes for baking.

Yield: The recipe will yield a 9-inch round cake, serving about 8-10 people, depending on portion size.

4.2 Directions

Follow these steps to bake your eggnog cake:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
3. Creaming method: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup (one stick) of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs and eggnog: Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 cup of eggnog and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour into pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling: Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4.3 Pro Tips for Making the Best Eggnog Cake

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your eggnog cake is a success:

• Prevent a dry cake: Be careful not to overbake your cake, as this can lead to dryness. Start checking for doneness 5 minutes before the suggested baking time.
• Flavor enhancement: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to your batter if appropriate for your guests.
• Storage suggestions: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Frosting and Decorating Your Eggnog Cake

Now that your eggnog cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to frost and decorate it!

Frosting Options

For an indulgent touch, consider using a cream cheese frosting. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Instructions: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy and fluffy.

Decorating Ideas

Here are a few festive decoration ideas for your eggnog cake:

• Dust with extra nutmeg or cinnamon for a seasonal touch.
• Top with seasonal fruit, like cranberries or sliced oranges.
• Decorate with edible holiday decorations, such as mini ornaments or sprinkles.

Presentation Tips

To present your cake beautifully during holiday gatherings:

• Serve on a decorative cake stand for visual appeal.
• Consider surrounding the cake with festive decorations like pine sprigs or ornaments for a cheerful holiday display.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving of eggnog cake:

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per slice.
• Fat: 15 grams, primarily from butter and eggs.
• Sugar: 25 grams, providing sweetness.
• Protein: 5 grams, contributed by eggs and milk.

Though delicious, enjoy your eggnog cake in moderation, as it can be rich in calories and sugars. Adjust ingredients to lower the calorie count, such as using lower-fat substitutes or reducing sugar content, if desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions related to baking and enjoying eggnog cake:

• Can I use store-bought eggnog for the cake? Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and saves time.
• Is it possible to make eggnog cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
• How do I make eggnog cake gluten-free? Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
• Can I substitute any ingredients? Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives for milk and butter, as well as plant-based options for eggs, to make the cake suitable for vegan diets.

Further Variations and Add-ons

If you want to experiment with your eggnog cake, consider the following variations:

• Alternative flavors: Add chocolate chips for a chocolate-egg nog combination or fold in dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
• Spice up your cake: Try incorporating different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
• Perfect pairings: Enjoy your eggnog cake with a glass of spiced cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Conclusion

With its rich flavor profile and comforting texture, eggnog cake is a festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Embrace the joy of baking this delightful dessert and share it with loved ones to elevate your holiday celebrations!

eggnog cake

This eggnog cake is a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. It combines the rich flavors of eggnog with a moist and tender cake, topped with a creamy eggnog frosting that will delight your guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 electric mixer or whisk
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• 1 baking paper
• 1 cooling rack
• 1 spatula
• 1 measuring scale (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter Softened
• 1 cup eggnog
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting) Softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup eggnog (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• ground nutmeg (for garnish) Optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with baking paper.
• In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and eggnog.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the frosting, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
• Pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined and fluffy.
• Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
• Optionally, sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for garnish before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add bourbon or rum to the batter or frosting for an adult version of eggnog cake.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

This cake can be made in advance and frozen; simply wrap it well before freezing.