Name: Best Eggnog Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, room temperature, divided; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided; 3 large eggs, divided; 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ginger; 1 1/3 cups eggnog, divided; 2 cups powdered sugar; Remaining butter (from the 1 cup total); Remaining eggnog (from the 1 1/3 cups total); Remaining vanilla extract (from the 1 1/2 teaspoons total)

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If you are looking for a seasonal treat that perfectly blends creamy richness with warm spices, look no further than the Best Eggnog Cake Recipe. This delightful cake captures the essence of holiday cheer by infusing eggnog into both the batter and the luscious icing, giving each bite a moist, flavorful punch that will have your friends and family asking for seconds. The combination of traditional holiday spices, a velvety texture, and a subtly sweet finish makes this cake a standout dessert for any festive gathering or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several small white bowls and a few eggs are placed on a white marbled surface. From left to right, the first bowl contains white powdered sugar, next a square white bowl with yellow butter slices, a round white bowl with white sugar, and another square white bowl with more yellow butter pieces. There is a large round white bowl filled with white flour at the top right, a small square white bowl with brown spices and white powder below it, and a round white bowl with smooth cream-like batter on the far right. At the bottom left, there is a round white bowl with a beige liquid, next to it a small square bowl with a pale yellow liquid. In the middle bottom, there are three brown eggs close together, and on the bottom right is a small round white bowl with a light brown liquid. The scene is neatly arranged and well lit. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward making the Best Eggnog Cake Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, moisture, and spice to create a cake that’s both comforting and exciting.

1 cup butter, room temperature, divided: Provides creamy richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
1 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping it brown beautifully during baking.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided: Enhances the flavor complexity and adds warmth.
3 large eggs, divided: Adds structure and moisture for a perfectly fluffy texture.
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives the cake its body and crumb.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises to a light, airy height.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings that classic holiday spice note that complements eggnog wonderfully.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty spice that deepens the cake’s flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ginger: Introduces a gentle warmth without overpowering the other spices.
1 1/3 cups eggnog, divided: The star ingredient, adding both liquid moisture and that signature eggnog flavor.
2 cups powdered sugar: Used for the silky, sweet eggnog icing that perfectly crowns the cake.

How to Make Best Eggnog Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter or cooking spray to keep the cake from sticking, laying the foundation for a flawless release later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat 3/4 cup of room temperature butter and white sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pale. This step is essential for creating the tender, moist crumb that elevates this Best Eggnog Cake Recipe.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with one egg to start, blending thoroughly to integrate air and create a soft, homogeneous batter. Then add the remaining eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a silky texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Slowly incorporate these into your wet mixture at low speed, careful not to overmix, preserving air bubbles that make your cake light.

Step 5: Stir in Eggnog

Add the eggnog in two halves—1/2 cup at a time—blending gently after each addition. This gradual mixing ensures the perfect balance of liquid for moistness without compromising the batter’s consistency.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Let it rest for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully turning it out onto a cooling rack so the cake can cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Icing

While the cake cools, whip together powdered sugar, remaining butter, leftover eggnog, and the last 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. This icing is the creamy counterpart that crowns the cake in festive flavor.

Step 8: Ice the Cake

Once your cake is fully cooled, generously spoon the icing over the top. Use the back of your spoon to coax the icing down the sides, creating those irresistible drips that make it as gorgeous as it is delicious.

How to Serve Best Eggnog Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake sits in the center of a white plate with light speckles. The cake has a warm golden brown color and is topped with a thick layer of white frosting that is unevenly spread, creating soft peaks and valleys around the edges and the center hole. To the left of the plate, there is a small white bowl holding a light brown powder with a small wooden spoon beside it on a white marbled surface. To the right, there is a stack of two light gray plates with two silver forks resting on top of them. In the bottom right corner, a cup filled with a light brown drink is partially visible. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon over the icing to highlight the warm spices. You could also toss some chopped toasted pecans or a handful of dried cranberries to add texture and a pop of color, elevating your presentation to festive perfection.

Side Dishes

This eggnog cake pairs beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of eggnog for a full holiday experience. Consider serving alongside a bowl of fresh berries or whipped cream for a refreshing contrast that balances the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake on a decorative platter surrounded by pine branches or cinnamon sticks for a cozy holiday vibe. For an indulgent twist, slice and layer it with whipped cream and fresh fruit to create a cake trifle that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers fresh by storing the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Covering the cake helps maintain its moist crumb and prevents the icing from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either plain or iced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to recapture that freshly baked charm.

Reheating

Warm a slice gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive the cake’s soft texture. Avoid prolonged heating to prevent drying out or melting the icing completely, preserving that luscious, creamy finish you love.

FAQs

Can I use homemade eggnog for this cake?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully and can add an extra layer of richness and personalization to the Best Eggnog Cake Recipe. Just replace the store-bought eggnog with your homemade version in equal parts.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, with a few substitutions. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and eggnog made from almond, coconut, or oat milk. These swaps keep the flavors festive while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes instead of a bundt cake?

Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to around 18-22 minutes and fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. The cake batter is versatile and holds up well in smaller portions for individual servings.

How long will the Best Eggnog Cake Recipe keep at room temperature?

Because this cake contains eggnog and buttercream icing, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days if left at room temperature. For longer freshness, refrigeration is recommended.

What can I do if my cake turns out dry?

To rescue a dry cake, serve it with a generous drizzle of warm vanilla sauce, a side of whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. Also, make sure not to overbake next time and measure your flour carefully to keep the cake moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing the Best Eggnog Cake Recipe during the holiday season or any cozy celebration. Its unique blend of spices, creamy eggnog flavor, and moist texture make it a standout dessert that warmly invites everyone to the table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.