If you adore the festive flavors of the holidays, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe. It’s a cozy, tender cake bursting with classic eggnog spices like nutmeg and vanilla, making every bite taste like a warm holiday hug. The rich eggnog frosting draped over the top adds the perfect creamy sweetness, elevating this bundt cake to a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re serving it as a delightful dessert or enjoying it alongside your afternoon coffee, this cake brings joyful flavors and inviting aromas to your kitchen and table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe takes a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that combine in such a way to create magical holiday flavors and perfect textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender crumb the butter and eggs provide to the spicy warmth from the nutmeg.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moistness, ensuring a tender crumb in the cake base.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the butter cream up to that light, fluffy texture we love in bundt cakes.
- 4 large eggs: Give structure while adding moisture and richness.
- 1 cup eggnog: Infuses the batter with authentic eggnog flavor and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors for a deeper, more rounded taste.
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds the classic warm spice essential to eggnog’s signature flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft foundation of the cake’s structure.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps the bundt cake rise beautifully and becomes light and airy.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting, creating the perfect delicate glaze.
- 2-4 tbsp eggnog: Added to the frosting for creaminess and to echo that festive flavor.
How to Make Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Then grease a bundt pan well—that’s key to ensuring your cake comes out in one beautiful, perfect piece. You want that cake release to be smooth and effortless.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter together with the granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. This step is crucial because you’re adding air into the mix, which brings out the light, fluffy texture your bundt cake deserves. Take your time here and don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition so everything comes together seamlessly. Then stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and that lovely ground nutmeg. These flavors unify at this stage and promise the festive taste that makes this cake so charming.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together—this prevents any lumps and evenly distributes the leavening so your cake rises uniformly.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender and soft rather than tough.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. Test it for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool inside the pan for about 10 minutes—this slight cool-down helps it firm up enough to release without breaking. Then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Eggnog Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Add the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, blending until you have a luscious, spreadable frosting. You can adjust the consistency by adding more eggnog if needed.
Step 9: Frost Your Cake
Drizzle the frosting generously over the cooled bundt cake. The frosting will pool deliciously in the crevices, making this already stunning cake even more irresistible.
How to Serve Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly festive look, sprinkle a touch of additional ground nutmeg or cinnamon over the frosting. You can also scatter a few toasted pecans or slivered almonds around the base for a little crunch and visual appeal. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a magical snowy effect that perfectly suits the holiday vibe.
Side Dishes
This Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or hot spiced cider. It’s also a lovely companion to fresh fruit like cranberries or pomegranate seeds, which add a burst of tartness that compliments the cake’s sweet and spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of the cake on individual dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant touch. You can also place the whole bundt on a decorative cake stand surrounded by pinecones or festive ornaments for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate it and bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either before or after frosting. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you’d like to revitalize leftover slices, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating so you don’t melt the frosting entirely, but a little warmth brings back that fresh-baked feeling beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the eggnog with milk?
While milk can be used in a pinch, it won’t provide the distinct holiday flavor that eggnog does, nor the richness that eggnog imparts. For the true festive taste this Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe promises, stick with eggnog if you can.
What type of bundt pan works best?
A classic 10 to 12-cup bundt pan is ideal for this recipe. Make sure it’s well-greased and floured or use a non-stick baking spray to ensure easy release of your beautifully baked cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup in recipes. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture, so your cake remains tender and moist.
How long can I keep the frosted cake before it dries out?
When covered airtight and stored in the fridge, the frosted cake stays delicious for up to 4 days. Beyond that, the texture might begin to change and the frosting can become less creamy.
Can this cake be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and choose a dairy-free eggnog alternative, usually made from almond or coconut milk. Adjusting the vanilla and nutmeg to taste will keep the flavors festive and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe that makes it a treasure to bake and share, especially when the holiday spirit is in full swing. Rich, flavorful, and adorned with creamy frosting, it’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on classic seasonal desserts. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your friends and family will thank you for every slice!
Print
Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting is a festive and moist dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. Infused with warm spices like nutmeg and rich eggnog, this cake is topped with a creamy eggnog frosting that enhances its seasonal flavors. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, it’s a delightful treat for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–4 tbsp eggnog
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to aerate the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Then stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg for a festive flavor base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy using a mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, mixing until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional eggnog if needed.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the eggnog frosting evenly over the top of the bundt cake for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or frosting for extra warmth and flavor.
- For a stronger eggnog flavor, consider brushing the cooled cake lightly with eggnog before frosting.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
