A holiday season isn’t complete without the rich, creamy taste of eggnog, and what better way to enjoy it than in a cake? This eggnog cake recipe using cake mix is your shortcut to a festive, flavorful dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into making this holiday favorite!
Why This Recipe Works
- It combines the convenience of cake mix with the festive flavor of eggnog, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
- The addition of eggnog and spices transforms a simple cake mix into a holiday masterpiece.
- Perfect for those who love eggnog but want to enjoy it in a new, delicious form.
- Great for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a special treat for your family.
- Easy to customize with toppings and variations to suit any taste.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
- 2 tbsp eggnog (for glaze, optional)
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures your cake will come out easily after baking. Tip: For extra flavor, you can dust the greased pan with a mixture of flour and nutmeg.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggnog, eggs, vegetable oil, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or whisk vigorously by hand until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden, and the cake will spring back when lightly touched.
Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. If desired, whisk together powdered sugar and eggnog to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the slightly warm cake for an extra touch of sweetness and eggnog flavor. Tip: For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add more eggnog.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the cake has cooled completely, cut into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their eggnog cake, consider these advanced tips. First, toasting the spices before adding them to the batter can intensify their flavors. Simply heat the nutmeg and cinnamon in a dry pan over low heat for a minute or two until fragrant. Second, substituting half the eggnog with rum or bourbon can add an adult twist to the cake, perfect for holiday parties. Lastly, for a denser, more pound cake-like texture, add an extra egg to the batter. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final product.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Eggnog Cake: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
- Eggnog Cupcakes: Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes for individual servings.
- Spiced Eggnog Cake: Increase the cinnamon to 1 tsp and add 1/2 tsp of ground cloves for extra warmth.
- Eggnog Cheesecake Swirl: Swirl in a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and eggnog before baking for a creamy surprise.
- Vegan Eggnog Cake: Use a vegan cake mix, substitute eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan eggnog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog can be used in place of store-bought for this recipe. Just ensure it’s of a similar consistency to the commercial versions to maintain the right batter texture. Homemade eggnog may also offer a richer flavor, depending on your recipe.
How can I make this cake alcohol-free?
Most store-bought eggnogs are alcohol-free, but always check the label if you’re unsure. If you’re using a recipe that includes alcohol or want to ensure the cake is completely alcohol-free, simply omit any alcoholic ingredients or use a non-alcoholic eggnog variety.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, this eggnog cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Summary
This eggnog cake recipe using cake mix is a festive, easy-to-make dessert that brings the beloved holiday flavor of eggnog into a moist, delicious cake. Perfect for any holiday gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
