Eggnog, a beloved holiday beverage, brings warmth and a touch of nostalgia to the festive season. Turning this classic drink into a delicious cake creates a moist, flavorful dessert that’s ideal for holiday gatherings. This Eggnog Cake, featuring a creamy frosting and a decadent ganache drip, is sure to impress and quickly become a seasonal favorite.
How to Make This Eggnog Cake
Crafting an Eggnog Cake means infusing traditional cake batter with the rich flavors of eggnog and warming spices. Topped with cream cheese frosting for extra creaminess and an elegant ganache drip, this cake is a show-stopper for any holiday celebration.
Ganache Drip
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 ounce heavy whipping cream or eggnog
Instructions:
- Place the chopped white chocolate and cream (or eggnog) in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir to combine.
- Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 10-second intervals, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and silky.
- Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Note: If the ganache is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream until it reaches the desired consistency.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, full fat, room temperature
- 4½ cups powdered sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and ground nutmeg, and beat until light and fluffy, around 3 minutes.
Note: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy frosting.
Eggnog Cake
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups eggnog, room temperature
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch round cake pans, and line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth. Add the granulated and brown sugars, and beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, around 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Reduce speed to low, then add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and eggnog to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour (three additions of flour and two of eggnog). Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool: Place cakes on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto the rack to cool completely.
Note: For a taller cake, you can use two 8-inch pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Assembly
- Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if needed to create even layers.
- Apply Frosting: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake for about 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting: Apply a thicker layer of frosting over the chilled cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula for a polished look.
- Add Ganache Drip: Once the ganache has cooled to a pourable consistency, gently pour it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Decorate: Optionally, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of ground nutmeg or add festive decorative elements as desired.
Watch How to Make Eggnog Cake
In the video “How to Make Eggnog Cake,” you’ll discover a step-by-step guide to creating a deliciously moist and festive eggnog cake perfect for the holiday season. The tutorial covers everything from mixing the rich eggnog batter to baking the layers to perfection. You’ll also learn how to whip up a creamy frosting infused with nutmeg and vanilla, along with tips for decorating the cake beautifully. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, this video is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to impress their guests with a delightful holiday treat!
This Eggnog Cake, with its soft layers, smooth cream cheese frosting, and luxurious ganache drip, makes a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table. Its warm, spiced flavors capture the essence of the season, creating a memorable treat for family and friends. Enjoy the holiday spirit in every bite!
