If you’re craving something cozy and festive that brings all those warm holiday vibes into one irresistible dessert, the Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. This cake is a delicious celebration of classic eggnog flavors baked into a tender, moist cake, then lavishly topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly spiked with a hint of bourbon. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just want to surprise your family with a truly special treat, this recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful dessert. Each component plays a crucial role: flour and leaveners build structure, butter and sugar provide richness and sweetness, eggs add tenderness and moisture, while the Southern Comfort Eggnog infuses the cake with its signature holiday cheer.
- 3 cups flour: The base that gives the cake its sturdy yet tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to create a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness without extra salt.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly while encouraging a lovely golden crust.
- 4 large eggs: Bring structure and moisture for a tender crumb.
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the eggnog notes.
- 1 ¼ cups Southern Comfort Eggnog: Infuses the cake with authentic eggnog flavor and a subtle boozy warmth.
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened: Creates the frosting’s luscious, tangy foundation.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and body to the frosting.
- ¼ cup Southern Comfort Eggnog (plus more if needed): Lightens the frosting while continuing that signature eggnog flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
- 2 teaspoons bourbon: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the frosting.
How to Make Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is essential for a cake that rises beautifully and bakes evenly. Taking this small step seriously helps guarantee a perfect texture in the final product.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, creating a finer crumb in your Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Don’t rush this step—you want that silky, lighter texture to shine through in every bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow up by mixing in the vanilla extract. These steps build the base of flavor while maintaining a smooth batter, setting the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Eggnog
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of Southern Comfort Eggnog. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mixing carefully until just combined keeps the cake tender and moist, with no risk of overworking the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into a greased and floured cake pan (or pans if layering). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point will definitely have you eager to start frosting!
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools completely, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined, then stir in the bourbon and the ¼ cup of Southern Comfort Eggnog. If the frosting feels too thick, add more eggnog a teaspoon at a time until it’s just right for spreading.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Whether you go for a smooth finish or a rustic, textured look, the frosting will add a rich tangy contrast to the sweet and spiced cake underneath.
How to Serve Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg over the frosted cake just before serving. Toasted pecans or slivered almonds on top add delightful crunch and warmth. Even a few holly sprigs or cranberries make for beautiful, holiday-inspired decoration that you can feel proud of.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream. For a beverage pairing, consider warm mulled cider or a small glass of eggnog to double down on those comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into elegant rectangles and serve on vintage china for holiday gatherings, or package single slices in clear boxes tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can also layer the cake and frosting in a trifle dish with chunks of spiced fruit for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Once thawed completely, prepare and spread the cream cheese frosting just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a frosted cake, avoid microwaving the whole dessert. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature. If you freeze cake slices, thaw them overnight in the fridge and enjoy without reheating to preserve the delicate cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I make this eggnog cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the Southern Comfort Eggnog with an equal amount of non-alcoholic eggnog, or make your own homemade version. The flavor will remain wonderfully festive and moist.
What kind of cake pan works best for this recipe?
A 9×13 inch rectangular pan or two 9-inch round pans work perfectly. Just be sure to grease and flour them well to prevent sticking and achieve even baking.
Can I use regular eggnog instead of Southern Comfort Eggnog?
Yes, regular eggnog works well too. Southern Comfort adds a subtle hint of warmth and flavor, but the cake is still delicious with plain eggnog.
Is there a way to make this vegan or dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and use a plant-based egg replacer. For eggnog, use a non-dairy version such as almond or coconut milk-based eggnog. Keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly.
How long does the cream cheese frosting keep?
The cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading if needed.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe always feels like passing on a bit of holiday magic to my friends and family. It’s genuinely one of those desserts that brings people together, warming hearts with its richness and festive flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some sweet memories around your own table!
Print
Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Eggnog Cake Recipe combines the rich, creamy flavors of traditional eggnog with a moist, tender cake perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings. Featuring a buttery cake infused with Southern Comfort Eggnog and topped with a smooth cream cheese bourbon frosting, this dessert is a festive treat that captures the warmth of the season.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups Southern Comfort Eggnog
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup Southern Comfort Eggnog (plus more if needed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons bourbon
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture alternating with the Southern Comfort Eggnog, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined to create a smooth batter.
- Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until combined. Beat in the bourbon and Southern Comfort Eggnog, adding a little more eggnog if necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, apply the cream cheese bourbon frosting evenly over the cake using a spatula. For a polished look, you can pipe the frosting or smoothly spread it for a rustic finish. Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it as a festive dessert, perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a holiday cocktail. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Southern Comfort Eggnog gives the cake a unique boozy flavor; substitute with regular eggnog for a non-alcoholic version.
- Make sure all the dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for best results.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for extra holiday flair.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
