Festive Eggnog Delight with Creamy Glaze

Unlock the secret to the most irresistible holiday dessert with our easy Eggnog Cake recipe! Crafted using simple shortcuts like cake mix and instant pudding, this festive Bundt cake delivers an incredible eggnog flavor without the fuss. Crowned with a luscious homemade eggnog glaze, it’s the ultimate showstopper for any Christmas party or holiday gathering. Get ready to impress your guests with this quick, elegant, and utterly delicious cake that captures the spirit of the season in every bite.

Effortless Eggnog Bundt Cake with Glaze: Your Go-To Holiday Recipe

As the holiday season draws near, our kitchen transforms into an eggnog wonderland! I admit, I may have gone a little overboard with my recent Costco run, stocking up on two family-sized containers of eggnog. But can you blame me? It’s a flavor that instantly brings warmth and joy, and I’ve been on a delightful mission to infuse it into as many festive recipes as possible. My husband has become the official taste-tester, and let’s just say, he’s not complaining about the daily parade of eggnog-inspired treats!

The holidays often have a way of sneaking up on us. One moment you’re enjoying autumn leaves, and the next, it’s Christmas week! This year, I was determined to be ahead of the curve, especially when it came to holiday preparations. With gifts mailed out well in advance, I could dedicate more time to what I truly love: experimenting in the kitchen. This newfound freedom allowed me to perfect this Eggnog Cake, a recipe that has quickly become a cherished favorite for holiday entertaining. It combines the nostalgic charm of a classic Bundt cake with the unmistakable flavor of creamy eggnog, making it an instant hit at any gathering.

This incredibly easy Eggnog Bundt Cake is designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor. By starting with a boxed cake mix and a packet of instant pudding, you’ll save precious time and effort, leaving you more moments to enjoy the festivities. The secret to its rich, moist texture and deep eggy flavor lies in swapping traditional milk for real eggnog within the cake batter, further enhanced by a hint of nutmeg and vanilla. And the crown jewel? A simple yet decadent eggnog glaze that drizzles beautifully over the cake, adding an extra layer of sweetness and holiday spice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises a perfect, stress-free holiday dessert that tastes homemade every time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Eggnog Cake

Creating this epic Eggnog Cake is surprisingly simple, thanks to a few pantry staples and a generous dose of holiday cheer. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to bring this festive dessert to life. The full recipe card with precise measurements and step-by-step instructions is available at the end of this post.

For the Moist Eggnog Cake:

• Vanilla Cake Mix: A French vanilla, yellow, or white cake mix all work wonderfully as the base for this recipe. Feel free to get creative! Imagine a chocolate eggnog cake for a unique twist. Using a cake mix saves you from measuring out individual dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It’s the ultimate shortcut to deliciousness.
• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: This is a game-changer! The instant pudding mix adds incredible moisture and richness to the cake, making it taste truly homemade. If vanilla isn’t available, a white chocolate pudding mix would be a delightful alternative, adding another layer of creamy flavor.
• Eggnog: The star of the show! Use good quality eggnog for the best flavor. This replaces milk or water in a traditional cake mix, infusing every bite with that classic holiday taste.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps ensure a tender crumb.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the cake’s structure and richness.
• Ground Nutmeg: A crucial spice that perfectly complements the eggnog flavor. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste if you love that warm, aromatic spice.
• Water: Balances the wet ingredients and contributes to the ideal batter consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors in the cake. You can also experiment with a hint of rum extract for a more traditional, boozy eggnog flavor without the alcohol content.

For the Decadent Eggnog Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Forms the base of our smooth, pourable glaze. You’ll adjust the quantity to achieve your desired thickness.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it provides richness and helps create a silky texture for the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla always elevates the sweetness.
• Eggnog: Adds the signature holiday flavor to the glaze, making it perfectly match the cake.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Eggnog Cake:

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Either a hand-held electric mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment will make quick work of combining the cake batter ingredients until smooth.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for mixing the cake batter. We love a glass batter bowl with a handle for stability and ease of pouring.
• Medium Bowl: For preparing the eggnog glaze.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining the glaze ingredients.
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Measuring Cups, Tablespoons, and Teaspoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Bundt Cake Pan: I personally love using an Analon Bundt Pan for its non-stick qualities, but any 10-12 cup Bundt pan will do. You can also adapt this recipe for regular round cake pans if preferred, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Eggnog Cake with Cake Mix

You’ll find detailed, printable instructions in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of how easy it is to bake this festive Bundt cake. Don’t forget to preheat your oven before you start mixing!

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, dry instant pudding mix, eggnog, large eggs, vegetable oil, ground nutmeg, water, and vanilla extract. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Mix Until Smooth. Using a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, beat the ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula a few times to ensure no dry pockets remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection. Pour the prepared eggnog cake batter evenly into a greased and floured Bundt pan. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake around the 40-minute mark to prevent over-baking. The edges should be beautifully golden.

Step 4: Cool and Unmold. Once baked, remove the Bundt pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-12 minutes. This crucial step helps the cake set and prevents it from sticking. After cooling slightly, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Crafting the Perfect Eggnog Glaze

No Eggnog Cake is complete without a luscious, creamy eggnog glaze! This simple glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish to your holiday dessert.

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best consistency.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually. Begin adding the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, whisking continuously. Start with 3 cups and add more until you reach your desired glaze consistency. For a thinner, pourable glaze, you’ll use less sugar; for a thicker, more opaque glaze, add more.

Step 3: Ensure Smoothness. Use your whisk and a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all the powdered sugar is incorporated and the glaze is perfectly smooth and lump-free.

Step 4: Glaze Your Cake. Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a cake platter or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Generously pour the eggnog glaze over the top, allowing it to slowly drip down the sides and pool around the base. If you’re serving the cake on a platter, the pooled glaze is wonderful for guests to scoop up with their slices! Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving.

Preparation and Storage Tips for Your Eggnog Cake

Planning ahead for holiday baking can save you stress. This Eggnog Cake is not only easy to make, but also perfect for preparing in advance and storing properly.

Make Ahead: For ultimate convenience, bake the Eggnog Cake a day or two before your event. You can prepare the cake and the glaze separately, then assemble and glaze it on the day of serving for optimal freshness and presentation. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing or glazing.

Storage: Due to the dairy content in both the cake and the glaze, it’s best to store your Eggnog Cake in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Stored correctly, it will remain fresh and delicious for about five days. This cake can be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge or allowed to come to room temperature for a softer texture.

Freezing: Eggnog Cake freezes beautifully for up to three months. To freeze, ensure the cake is completely cooled (and unglazed, if possible, for best results). Wrap the cake snugly in several layers of aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to protect against freezer burn. If freezing slices, wrap each slice individually.

How to Reheat/Thaw: To enjoy frozen Eggnog Cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can let it sit on your kitchen counter for a few hours if you’re in a hurry. Thawing slowly helps preserve the integrity of the cake and glaze (if already applied). Avoid microwaving, as this can alter the cake’s texture.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Adaptations

This Eggnog Cake recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for various substitutions and adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to customize it to make it your own!

• Cake Mix Substitutions: While vanilla cake mix is recommended, feel free to use a yellow or white cake mix. For a more adventurous twist, try a spice cake mix for extra warmth or even a chocolate cake mix for a unique “chocolate eggnog” dessert. The possibilities are truly endless!
• Pudding Mix Variations: If vanilla instant pudding isn’t available, a white chocolate pudding mix or even a cheesecake-flavored pudding would complement the eggnog beautifully, adding a creamy depth of flavor.
• Add a Hint of Rum Flavor: For a more traditional “spiked” eggnog taste without alcohol, add 1-2 teaspoons of rum extract to the cake batter. This enhances the classic holiday flavor profile.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: To make this Eggnog Cake plant-based, choose a vegan-friendly cake mix, ensuring it doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients. Opt for a vegan instant pudding mix (some store-bought puddings may contain gelatin). Crucially, replace traditional eggnog with a vegan alternative, such as almond milk eggnog or oat milk eggnog, which are widely available during the holiday season.
• Gluten-Free: Many eggnog brands are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for additives. To make this cake gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free vanilla cake mix and a gluten-free instant pudding mix. Ensure all other ingredients, including extracts, are also gluten-free.
• Alcohol-Free (as written): This recipe is naturally alcohol-free. However, for adults who enjoy a boozy kick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon, rum, or brandy to the eggnog glaze for an elevated flavor.
• Smaller Serving Size: To create individual portions or mini desserts, divide the batter among mini Bundt cake pans or a muffin tin (filling muffin cups about two-thirds full). Adjust baking time accordingly (muffins typically bake for 20-25 minutes).
• Larger Batches: The recipe as written yields one 16-serving cake. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients to make multiple cakes.
• Sugar-Free: For those managing sugar intake, use a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix. Sugar-free eggnog can be harder to find commercially, but homemade sugar-free eggnog recipes are readily available online and work perfectly.

Tips for the Best Eggnog Cake

Achieving a perfect Eggnog Cake is simple, especially with these expert tips:

• Achieve Your Ideal Glaze Consistency: For a thinner, more translucent glaze, use less powdered sugar or add a tiny bit more eggnog. For a thick, opaque frosting-like glaze, gradually add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Decorative Touches: While delicious on its own, you can elevate your Eggnog Cake with festive decorations. Consider a sprinkle of extra nutmeg, cinnamon, or even some sugared cranberries for a pop of color and an elegant touch.
• Layered Eggnog Cake: For a dramatic presentation, bake the batter in two smaller round cake pans. Once cooled, stack the layers with a generous dollop of eggnog icing or whipped cream between them for a stunning layered dessert.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake batter, mix until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense cake.
• Grease and Flour Your Pan Thoroughly: Especially with a Bundt pan, properly greasing and flouring (or using baking spray with flour) is crucial to ensure the cake releases easily and beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This classic holiday Bundt cake is a versatile treat that fits seamlessly into any wintertime feast. Whether it’s a festive brunch, an elegant dinner dessert, or a cozy coffee break, this Eggnog Cake is sure to delight.

Perfect Sides for Holiday Meals: Serve alongside savory breakfast items or as part of a larger dessert spread. Consider options like Cheddar Bay Sausage Biscuits, Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies, Cheesy Green Beans, or a festive Cranberry Salsa to complement its sweetness.

Main Dishes it Complements: This cake is a fantastic finish to holiday dinners featuring dishes like Crock Pot Ham, Bourbon Baked Ham, or even a Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams.

Dessert Table Companions: Create an unforgettable dessert spread by pairing this Eggnog Cake with other holiday favorites like Christmas Crack, Sugared Cranberries, or a delightful Hot Chocolate Dip.

Festive Drinks to Enjoy With: Enhance the holiday spirit by serving your Eggnog Cake with a warm beverage like Baileys Hot Chocolate, or a celebratory Cranberry Mimosa. For a classic pairing, a simple cup of coffee or tea is always perfect.

When to Serve This Delightful Cake

This versatile Eggnog Cake is perfect for almost any winter celebration:

• Holiday Gatherings
• Christmas Parties
• Festive Brunches
• Christmas Breakfasts (it makes a wonderful sweet addition!)
• Anytime you crave a taste of holiday cheer!

Explore More Eggnog Delights

If you love the flavor of eggnog as much as we do, be sure to check out these other fantastic eggnog recipes:

• Eggnog Cookies
• Eggnog French Toast
• Eggnog Whipped Cream
• Eggnog Mudslide Cocktail
• Eggnog Milkshake
• Bourbon Eggnog

And for more easy baking ideas, don’t miss our favorite Bundt cakes using cake mixes.

Do you love recipes? Check out our copy cat recipes, dessert recipes, and our Crock Pot Recipes.

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