Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece this holiday season, look no further than this Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting. Moist, buttery, and scented with warm spices and velvety eggnog, it’s an irresistible treat that radiates festive cheer. Each tender crumb carries comforting notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the glossy eggnog glaze is the perfect finishing touch—creamy, sweet, and laced with just a hint of holiday magic. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or savoring a slice by the fire, this cake brings joy to every gathering.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its impressive bakery-worthy appearance, the ingredient list for Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting is refreshingly simple. Every item here serves a purpose—ensuring the cake is plush, flavorful, and crowned with a dreamy eggnog glaze you’ll want on everything.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the cake its tender, sliceable texture.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These create lift, ensuring your Bundt cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
• Salt: Just a small amount dramatically enhances sweetness and brings out the complexity of the spices.
• Ground nutmeg & ground cinnamon: These classic holiday spices infuse every bite with warmth and nostalgia.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Responsible for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—use high-quality for best flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps aerate the batter when creamed with butter.
• Large eggs: The essential binders, creating structure and richness in the finished cake.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic layer that enhances all the other flavors.
• Full-fat eggnog: The holiday star—brings creaminess and a hint of spice straight into the cake and frosting.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt: Adds tang and ensures the cake stays incredibly moist, never dry.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates that silky-smooth finish for drizzling all over the cooled cake.
• Eggnog (for frosting): Blends with the sugar for a creamy glaze with unmistakable holiday flavor.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Pulls the frosting together and gives a subtle, fragrant note.
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, for frosting): A beautiful speckled look and extra festive flavor if you want it.

How to Make Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan. This step is key for an easy release—no one wants to leave half of their beautifully baked cake stuck in the pan! Make sure to reach every nook and cranny, especially if your Bundt has an intricate design.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures the spices are evenly distributed and all the leaveners are thoroughly mixed, prepping a flawless base for your Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another big bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This creaming process is what gives your cake its soft, tender crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as you go—that way, everything’s fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra aromatic boost.

Step 5: Mix the Eggnog and Sour Cream

In a small bowl, combine the full-fat eggnog and sour cream (or plain yogurt). This mixture infuses the cake with unbeatable moisture, tang, and a festive eggnog flavor that really sets this recipe apart.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the eggnog-sour cream blend (start and finish with dry ingredients). Mix gently after each addition, stopping as soon as everything’s combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense instead of light and airy!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the silky batter into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure holiday bliss!

Step 8: Cool and Release the Cake

Let the cake cool in its pan for 10 to 15 minutes—this lets it firm up a bit. Then, invert it carefully onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; wait until it’s fully cool before adding the eggnog frosting, so it drapes beautifully over every curve.

Step 9: Make the Eggnog Frosting

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons eggnog, vanilla, and that dash of nutmeg if using. You’re aiming for a pourable, glossy glaze, so add extra eggnog or powdered sugar as needed until you hit the perfect texture. Drizzle generously over your cooled cake.

How to Serve Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting

Garnishes

This cake practically begs for a bit of festive flair! Dust with a light shower of powdered sugar for snowy elegance, scatter sugared cranberries on top for glistening pops of color, or even add a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg over the frosting. Each finishing touch makes your Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting feel even more celebratory.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent cake with sides that keep things bright and lively. A fresh fruit salad, spiced poached pears, or simple berries will balance the richness, while hot coffee, chai, or mulled wine add warmth and round out your holiday table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting on a vintage cake stand, surrounded by candlelight for pure holiday magic. Individual slices can be plated with a swirl of whipped cream, or you can slice the cake into smaller pieces for a dainty dessert buffet. Tiny cake flags or edible gold leaf will also make your cake stand out at any party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays moist for several days! Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to three days. The frosting will set slightly but retain its luscious flavor and texture.

Freezing

Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap slices or the whole (unfrosted) cake well in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Frost right before serving for best results—just defrost completely at room temperature first.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can microwave slices for just 10-15 seconds, or pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. This freshens up both the crumb and the frosting without drying things out.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen after a day, making Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting an ideal make-ahead dessert. Just wrap tightly and add the frosting the day you plan to serve.

Can I substitute low-fat eggnog?

You can, but full-fat eggnog gives the cake a richer flavor and extra moisture. Low-fat will work in a pinch, but expect a slightly lighter texture and taste.

How do I prevent my Bundt cake from sticking to the pan?

Be thorough when greasing and flouring your pan, reaching into every detail of the Bundt shape. Using a baking spray with flour works beautifully, and letting the cake cool a bit before releasing helps too.

Is this recipe suitable for nut allergies?

No nuts are used in this recipe, so it’s generally safe for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check every ingredient label and be aware of potential cross-contamination if allergies are severe.

Can I use rum extract or add-ins for extra holiday flavor?

Yes! A little rum extract in either the batter or frosting will amp up the classic eggnog taste. You can also scatter finely chopped candied pecans or even white chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flair.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one festive treat to make this season, let it be the Eggnog Bundt Cake with Eggnog Frosting. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and a guaranteed holiday hit. Baking it is a joy, sharing it is even sweeter, and each bite is pure cheer—so gather your ingredients and get ready to wow friends and family alike!

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