If you cherish the rich, creamy taste of eggnog during the holiday season, prepare to fall in love with this incredible Eggnog Cake recipe. We’ve perfectly captured the beloved flavors of this classic festive drink and infused them into a beautifully moist and tender pound cake. This delightful treat is not just a dessert; it’s an instant family classic, guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table year after year.

Imagine the cozy aroma of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of rum filling your kitchen, setting the perfect festive mood. This cake is designed to be straightforward yet spectacular, making it achievable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas dinner or simply looking for a special treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this Eggnog Cake is the answer to your holiday baking dreams.

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If you live for eggnog season, you are going to go wild for this Eggnog Cake recipe. Bring the best flavors of the season into a pound cake and you will have a holiday treat that will instantly become a family classic.

Ingredients

To create this irresistible Eggnog Cake, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and classic holiday spices. The combination of these ingredients ensures a rich flavor and a wonderfully moist texture that embodies the spirit of the season.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon rum flavored extract (or real rum for an adult version)
• 3/4 cup milk (or eggnog for an even richer flavor)
• For the Glaze (Optional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons eggnog or milk
• 1/4 teaspoon rum extract (optional)
• Pinch of ground nutmeg for garnish

Directions

Follow these simple steps to bake a perfectly spiced and moist Eggnog Cake that will impress all your holiday guests. Pay attention to detail for the best results!

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Thoroughly grease and flour an 8×4 inch loaf pan. Greasing prevents sticking, and flouring creates a non-stick barrier, especially important for pound cakes. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Sifting removes lumps and aerates the dry ingredients, leading to a lighter cake. Set this mixture aside.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, softened butter, and shortening. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the rum-flavored extract. If you’re using real rum, this is the time to add it.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the sifted flour mixture alternately with the milk (or eggnog). Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough cake. The batter should be smooth but not overworked. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured loaf pan.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 65 to 70 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and re-test. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.
5. Optional Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare a simple eggnog glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog (or milk), and rum extract (if using) until smooth and pourable. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg for an extra touch of festive flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Cake

Achieving a bakery-quality Eggnog Cake is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk (or eggnog) are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a more emulsified batter and a lighter, more uniform cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dry, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and no dry streaks of flour are visible.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour (spoon it into the cup and level it off, don’t scoop directly from the bag).
• Pan Preparation is Key: Properly greasing and flouring your loaf pan prevents sticking and ensures a clean release of your beautifully baked cake.
• Oven Calibration: Ovens can vary. If you suspect your oven runs hot or cold, use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C).
• Cooling Patience: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for the recommended time before inverting. This helps the cake set and prevents it from crumbling. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing or frosting.
• Fresh Spices: Ground nutmeg and ginger lose their potency over time. Use fresh spices for the best, most vibrant flavor. A quick grate of fresh nutmeg elevates this cake even further!

Variations and Customizations

This Eggnog Cake recipe is wonderful as is, but here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Boozy Kick: For an adult-only version, use a tablespoon of dark rum, brandy, or bourbon in place of the rum extract. You can also brush the warm cake with a rum simple syrup for extra moisture and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a simple glaze, top your cooled cake with a rich cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of eggnog or rum extract.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for an even deeper, more complex holiday spice profile.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful textural contrast.
• Eggnog Swap: For an even more intense eggnog flavor, substitute some or all of the milk with actual eggnog in the batter.

Serving and Storage

This Eggnog Cake is perfect for holiday brunches, Christmas dessert tables, or as a cozy treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. For a truly decadent experience, a slice of this cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm mug of, you guessed it, eggnog!

Store leftover Eggnog Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors often deepen and improve on the second day! You can also freeze slices of the cake (without glaze) for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Every Bite

When I first discovered this Eggnog Cake recipe, I was absolutely thrilled. Eggnog season is something I eagerly anticipate, and the thought of capturing its delicious essence in a cake felt like a festive revelation. The process of gathering ingredients, the comforting scent of spices filling my kitchen – it all added to the magic of holiday baking.

From the first slice, I knew this cake was something special. The moist crumb, the delicate balance of spices, and that unmistakable hint of eggnog, all perfectly complemented by a sweet, creamy glaze. It truly embodies the warmth, joy, and coziness of the holiday season.

This isn’t just a cake; it’s a celebration of tradition, a moment of shared happiness. I encourage you to try this Eggnog Cake recipe this holiday season. It’s bound to become a new favorite, creating cherished memories and delighting everyone who tastes it. Happy baking!