Dessert

Irresistible Eggnog Cake Recipe

ByMarina Montclair December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Introduction

This Irresistible Eggnog Cake is a festive treat that captures the warm flavors of the holiday season. Moist and tender, it combines traditional spices with creamy eggnog for a delightful dessert that’s perfect any time of year.

A white plate holds a two-layer round cake with light yellow sponge layers and a thick creamy filling of pale yellow between each layer. The outside is covered in smooth, light yellow frosting, with piped rosettes made of the same frosting arranged around the edge of the top. The top is dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the cakes with a simple glaze made from the confectioners’ sugar and a little eggnog.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of dark rum or bourbon to the batter or glaze.
Use homemade eggnog for a richer taste, or choose your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, add confectioners’ sugar gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg over the glaze for a pretty finishing touch.

Storage

Store the eggnog cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy, bring it to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The glaze is best added fresh before serving.

How to Serve

A tall, round cake on a white plate with three thick layers of soft, light yellow sponge separated by creamy pale yellow filling. The outside is smooth with pale yellow frosting, decorated on top with piped cream swirls around the edge and a light dusting of powdered sugar in the center. The cake sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy milk eggnog with a plant-based version and use a dairy-free butter or oil if needed. The texture may vary slightly but it will still taste delicious.

How do I make the eggnog glaze?

Simply mix the 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar with a few tablespoons of eggnog until smooth and pourable. Adjust the liquid amount to achieve your desired thickness before drizzling over the cooled cake.