Eggnog Bundt Cake Recipe
The Eggnog Bundt Cake is a festive masterpiece that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays in every moist, spiced bite. Imagine a cake so tender and flavorful, infused with creamy eggnog and fragrant nutmeg and cinnamon, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your table, whether for a holiday celebration or a simple cozy night in. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat and elegant enough to impress your guests, making the Eggnog Bundt Cake a true seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Eggnog Bundt Cake is simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting its wonderful texture and rich taste. From the warm spices to the creamy eggnog, every element works together to create a cake that’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with holiday flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect base that provides structure and a tender crumb to your cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- 1 cup eggnog: The star ingredient, infusing the cake with creamy, custard-like richness.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Brings a warm, cozy spice note that’s essential for a true holiday flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to complement the nutmeg.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft without overpowering the flavor.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle floral and sweet notes.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): To create a simple, sweet glaze that adds a lovely finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Eggnog Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your bundt pan thoroughly ensures a smooth release of your cake, keeping all that beautiful texture intact without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agent, so your cake will have consistent flavor and rise evenly.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggnog, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The eggnog adds a creamy richness that brightens every bite.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and just combine everything; overmixing can make the cake dense rather than luxuriously light.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will start to fill your home with the sweet essence of the season—it’s wonderfully inviting!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze Your Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with eggnog over the top. This adds a subtle sweetness with a delightful glossy finish.
How to Serve Eggnog Bundt Cake
Garnishes
To elevate your Eggnog Bundt Cake, consider dusting it with extra powdered sugar or even sprinkling on some freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon. A few edible gold sprinkles or festive sugar pearls also add a touch of holiday glamour.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. For drinks, a cup of rich coffee, a warm mug of spiced tea, or a glass of chilled eggnog enhances the cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra festive touch, serve slices on a bed of fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds to add a burst of color and tartness. You can also layer mini slices with whipped cream and berry compote for a cake parfait that delights the eyes and palate alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Eggnog Bundt Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It should stay delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week refrigerated.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this eggnog-spiced cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and kept in a freezer bag. When properly stored, it will maintain quality for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy holiday flavors anytime you want.
Reheating
For the best experience, warm your cake slices briefly in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through. This brings back that soft, comforting texture as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to your Eggnog Bundt Cake. Just be sure it’s well chilled and measured accurately for the best results.
What pan size is best for this cake?
A standard 10 to 12-cup bundt pan is ideal. It gives the cake enough depth and shape, allowing for beautiful presentation and even baking throughout.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Keep in mind that butter may make the cake slightly denser, but it’s delicious either way!
Is it okay to add raisins or nuts to the batter?
Of course! Adding plump raisins or chopped nuts like pecans can bring a wonderful texture and make the cake even more festive and hearty.
How long should I wait before glazing the cake?
It’s best to let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures it sets nicely on top for that pretty finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Eggnog Bundt Cake that brings holiday cheer with every bite. It’s easy to make, full of cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s your first time baking it or a seasonal tradition, this cake has a way of making moments feel extra special. I hope you try it soon and create some sweet memories around your own table.
