Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season, this Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe is exactly what you need. Moist, dense, and bursting with the festive flavors of nutmeg and vanilla, it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug in cake form. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, this cake brings that luscious eggnog richness right to your holiday table with every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to bake this Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, classic ingredients that work together beautifully to create its luscious texture and festive flavor. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that unmistakable holiday warmth.

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create that tender crumb we all love in pound cakes.
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with a light, airy texture.
  • 4 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds moisture, giving the cake its dense yet soft structure.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, it gives it shape and body.
  • 1 cup eggnog: Infuses the cake with creamy holiday flavor and adds moisture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
  • ½ tsp nutmeg: Brings holiday spice and a subtle warmth to the cake.
  • ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the richness of the spices.

How to Make Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a loaf or bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking—this small prep step ensures your cake comes out cleanly and beautifully shaped.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air, which helps give the cake a pleasant lift and soft texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Next, add the eggs one at a time while continuing to beat the mixture. Adding them gradually ensures they incorporate fully and your batter remains smooth and creamy—no lumps here!

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, followed by the eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt. The result should be a thick but smooth batter that promises all the mouthwatering flavors of the holiday season in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be patient—this slow bake helps develop the cake’s beautiful crumb and deep flavor.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Allow your Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe to cool completely before slicing. Cooling is key to letting the cake set properly so that every slice holds together perfectly without crumbling.

How to Serve Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your cake presentation, consider dusting powdered sugar or adding a light glaze made from eggnog and powdered sugar. Fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add festive color and a bit of zing to each slice, making it look as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pound cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a small serving of spiced fruit compote. These sides enhance the cake’s warmth and add a refreshing contrast that makes every bite exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into fingers and serving it alongside mugs of hot cider or coffee for a holiday party platter. Or stack slices with layers of whipped cream and berries for an impromptu trifle that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the leftover Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and delicious, ready for sneaky midnight slices or a surprise after-dinner treat.

Freezing

If you want to save this cake for longer, slice it and freeze the pieces individually in airtight bags. This method preserves the flavor and texture beautifully for up to 3 months and makes it easy to thaw single servings as you need them.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. This brings back that just-baked feel and the aromatic holiday spices that make this pound cake so unforgettable.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and makes this recipe quick and hassle-free, without sacrificing any of the rich, seasonal flavor.

What pan works best for this Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe?

A 9×5 inch loaf pan or a bundt pan works wonderfully. Just make sure to grease it well so your cake comes out easily.

Can I substitute the nutmeg with other spices?

Feel free to experiment with cinnamon, cloves, or allspice, but be cautious — nutmeg provides a uniquely warm, festive note that defines this cake’s profile.

Is this cake suitable for freezing and thawing?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing for easy portioning and thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

How long will the cake stay fresh if refrigerated?

While the cake can be refrigerated in an airtight container, it’s best enjoyed within 4 to 5 days to maintain its moist and tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe is a true holiday gem that brings warmth and festive cheer to any gathering. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved tradition that friends and family will look forward to year after year. Believe me, once you taste this cozy, flavorful cake, it’ll earn a permanent place at your dessert table.

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Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe

Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake with Holiday Spices Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Christmas Eggnog Pound Cake is a rich and moist holiday dessert bursting with classic seasonal spices like nutmeg. Perfect for festive occasions, it combines creamy eggnog with a buttery, tender crumb that makes it a standout choice for dessert tables during the Christmas season.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a loaf pan or bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air which helps in giving the cake a tender texture.
  3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter and maintain a smooth texture.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Additions: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, followed by the eggnog, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
  6. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing. This ensures the cake holds its shape and the flavors settle.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
  • Check for doneness starting at 60 minutes to prevent overbaking.
  • Eggnog can be spiced or plain, but traditional eggnog enhances the holiday flavor.
  • Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for extra festivity.

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