Eggnog Cake: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Guide (Recipe, Variations & Storage Tips)

Eggnog cake is one of the most beloved holiday desserts, combining the rich, creamy flavor of traditional eggnog with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a winter gathering, this moist eggnog cake delivers comfort, nostalgia, and festive indulgence in every bite.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn what eggnog cake is, how to make it perfectly, popular variations, storage tips, and answers to the most common questions people ask online.

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What Is Eggnog Cake?

Eggnog cake is a seasonal cake made using eggnog instead of milk or cream, giving it a rich texture and signature holiday flavor. Eggnog itself is a creamy beverage made from milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, sometimes blended with rum or brandy.

Why Eggnog Cake Is So Popular During the Holidays

• Uses classic Christmas flavors

• Rich, comforting, and festive

• Perfect for gifting and entertaining

• Pairs well with coffee and holiday drinks

Compared to traditional vanilla or spice cakes, eggnog cake has a deeper, creamier taste and a softer crumb thanks to the fat content in eggnog.

What Does Eggnog Cake Taste Like?

Eggnog cake tastes sweet, creamy, and warmly spiced. The flavor profile typically includes:

• Nutmeg (the dominant note)

• Cinnamon

• Vanilla

• A subtle custard-like richness

If alcohol-based eggnog or rum extract is used, the cake has a gentle warmth, not an overpowering alcohol flavor.

Eggnog Cake Ingredients

Classic Eggnog Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Eggnog

• Unsalted butter or oil

• Baking powder & baking soda

• Nutmeg and cinnamon

• Vanilla extract

Best Eggnog to Use for Eggnog Cake

• Store-bought eggnog works well and is consistent

• Homemade eggnog offers deeper flavor but varies in thickness

• Avoid low-fat eggnog if you want a moist cake

Alcohol vs Non-Alcoholic Eggnog

Eggnog cake can be made completely alcohol-free, making it safe for kids. Alcohol is optional and usually added via rum extract or a small amount of liquor.

How to Make Eggnog Cake (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

4. Combine dry ingredients separately.

5. Alternate adding eggnog and dry ingredients.

6. Pour batter into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool completely before frosting.

Tips for a Moist Eggnog Cake

• Do not overmix the batter

• Measure flour accurately

• Use full-fat eggnog

• Avoid overbaking

Easy Eggnog Cake Recipe Variations

Eggnog Bundt Cake

Dense, moist, and ideal for glazing instead of frosting.

Eggnog Pound Cake

Richer texture, perfect for slicing and serving with coffee.

Eggnog Layer Cake

Best for celebrations with eggnog buttercream frosting.

Eggnog Cake Using Cake Mix

A quick option: replace water or milk with eggnog and add spices.

Eggnog Cake Frosting & Toppings

Best Frosting for Eggnog Cake

• Eggnog buttercream

• Cream cheese frosting

• Whipped cream frosting

Simple Topping Ideas

• Powdered sugar dusting

• Nutmeg garnish

• Vanilla glaze

• Caramel drizzle

Dietary & Special Eggnog Cake Options

• Alcohol-free eggnog cake for families

• Gluten-free eggnog cake using 1:1 flour

• Vegan eggnog cake with plant-based eggnog

• Dairy-free eggnog cake using almond or oat eggnog

• Low-sugar eggnog cake using sugar alternatives

How to Store Eggnog Cake Properly

How Long Does Eggnog Cake Last?

• Room temperature: 1–2 days

• Refrigerator: 4–5 days

• Freezer: up to 3 months

Refrigerating Eggnog Cake

Always refrigerate if the cake has cream cheese or eggnog frosting.

Can You Freeze Eggnog Cake?

Yes. Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can You Make Eggnog Cake Ahead of Time?

Eggnog cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, many bakers find the flavor improves after resting overnight.

Best practice:

• Bake the cake 1 day ahead

• Frost on the day of serving

• Store chilled until ready to serve

Serving Suggestions for Eggnog Cake

• Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature

• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea

• Garnish with fresh nutmeg for presentation

Eggnog Cake Nutrition Overview

While eggnog cake is indulgent, portion control matters:

• Calories vary by recipe and frosting

• High in carbs and fat

• Can be lightened with oil substitutions or reduced sugar

Common Eggnog Cake Problems (And Fixes)

Why Is My Eggnog Cake Dry?

• Overbaking

• Too much flour

• Low-fat eggnog

Why Is My Eggnog Cake Dense?

• Overmixing

• Cold ingredients

• Incorrect leavening ratio

Eggnog Cake FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is eggnog cake made of?
Eggnog cake is made with eggnog, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and warm spices.

Can you bake with eggnog instead of milk?
Yes. Eggnog can replace milk for richer flavor and moisture.

Does eggnog cake contain alcohol?
Only if alcoholic eggnog or liquor is added. Most recipes are alcohol-free.

Can kids eat eggnog cake?
Yes, as long as no alcohol is included.

Can eggnog cake be frozen?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted cake for best results.

Conclusion

Eggnog cake is more than a seasonal dessert it’s a holiday tradition. With its creamy texture, warm spices, and endless variations, it’s easy to see why this cake appears on so many Christmas tables year after year.

Whether you’re baking from scratch or using a shortcut recipe, mastering eggnog cake ensures you’ll always have a crowd-pleasing winter dessert ready for any celebration.