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

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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

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.