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Eggnog Cake is a show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. This layered beauty features a moist, spiced cake infused with creamy eggnog, topped with velvety eggnog buttercream frosting.
Decorated with toasted pecans and a festive touch, this cake is the epitome of holiday indulgence.
Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear slice by slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: Warm spices and rich eggnog bring classic holiday flavors to life.
- Elegant Presentation: A beautifully decorated cake that looks as good as it tastes.
- Moist and Tender: The cake’s soft texture melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Large enough to serve a crowd at holiday parties or family dinners.
- Customizable Toppings: Add toasted nuts, edible glitter, or cranberries for your festive twist.
What to Serve with Eggnog Cake
- Hot Cocoa: A warm, chocolatey pairing for a cozy dessert experience.
- Eggnog Latte: Double the eggnog flavor with a creamy coffee companion.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced oranges or pomegranate seeds for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Add an extra dollop for an indulgent touch.
- Mulled Wine: A spiced drink to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Easy Eggnog Cake
A moist, spiced cake infused with eggnog and topped with creamy eggnog buttercream frosting. Perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups eggnog
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Toasted pecans
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Frost the sides and top of the cake.
- Decorate the cake with toasted pecans around the edges and sprinkle edible glitter or holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Slice and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
- Eggnog Substitute: If you don’t have eggnog, use a mix of milk and heavy cream with a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add-Ins: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Frost and decorate on the day of serving.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade frosting adds a richer eggnog flavor.
Can I make this into a sheet cake?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Wrapping it up
Eggnog Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. With its warm spices, creamy frosting, and festive decorations, this cake will impress your guests and bring the holiday spirit to life.
Bake it for your next celebration and enjoy a slice of holiday cheer!