Eggnog Cake Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious treats! This year, impress your loved ones with a moist and flavorful eggnog cake. This recipe combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the comforting warmth of spices, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. This recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners alike, offering a step-by-step guide to ensure success. Get ready to bake up some holiday cheer!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can easily whip up this delicious cake.
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) eggnog
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for a perfectly baked eggnog cake.
1. Preparing the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir 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. Do not overmix.
2. Baking the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Making the Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Frosting and Decorating:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar are all great options.
Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let the cakes cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
Serving Suggestions:
This delightful eggnog cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
This recipe provides a wonderfully moist and flavorful eggnog cake, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Enjoy!
