Eggnog cake is the kind of dessert that instantly signals holiday comfort. Rich, buttery, warmly spiced, and finished with a silky glaze, this cake captures everything we love about classic eggnog—without being overly sweet or heavy. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or simply craving a cozy winter treat, this Eggnog Cake recipe is guaranteed to impress.
This 1500-word SEO-optimized eggnog cake recipe article will guide you step by step through the process, share expert baking tips, flavor variations, storage advice, and answer the most common questions people ask about baking with eggnog.
Why This Eggnog Cake Recipe Works
This isn’t just any cake flavored with eggnog. This recipe is carefully balanced to ensure:
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Ultra-moist crumb thanks to real eggnog and butter
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Warm holiday spice profile (nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla)
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Perfect bundt or loaf structure that slices cleanly
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Crowd-pleasing glaze that soaks slightly into the cake
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No dry texture, no overpowering sweetness
It’s the kind of cake that tastes even better the next day.
What Is Eggnog Cake?
Eggnog cake is a buttery vanilla-based cake made with traditional eggnog, which typically contains milk, cream, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, and vanilla. When baked into a cake, eggnog adds richness, moisture, and that unmistakable holiday flavor.
Unlike fruit-heavy or chocolate desserts, eggnog cake feels lightly spiced and elegant, making it perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients for Eggnog Cake
For the Cake
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1¼ cups eggnog (full-fat recommended)
For the Eggnog Glaze
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons eggnog
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: pinch of nutmeg
