Decadent Eggnog Cake Recipe for the Holidays

You have to try The Best Easy Eggnog Cake — a rich, festive cake bursting with eggnog flavor. Moist, tender layers and a creamy eggnog frosting make this an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings.

This eggnog cake is a holiday favorite: soft, flavorful, and simple to prepare. The sponge stays moist, and the frosting adds a smooth, indulgent finish. Serve it as a plated dessert or slice it for a party spread — guests always ask for seconds.

💜 Why You’ll Love This Easy Eggnog Cake Recipe

• Festive flavor — perfect for holiday celebrations
• Crowd-pleasing — impressive enough for parties and cozy enough for family dessert
• Simple to make — gluten- and dairy-free options make it accessible to more people

Ingredients Needed

• Dairy-free butter — room temperature for easier creaming
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Large eggs — bring to room temperature for best results
• Vanilla extract — check labels if avoiding gluten or dairy
• Dairy-free milk — almond milk (refrigerated or shelf-stable) works well
• Dairy-free eggnog — for the signature flavor
• Gluten-free cake flour — or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Confectioners’ sugar — for the frosting

Helpful Tools

Cake pans

Electric mixer

Measuring cups and spoons

Baking spray

Medium bowl

Angled offset spatula

How To Make The Eggnog Cake

Follow these steps to prepare the cake, frost it, and assemble for serving.

Make the cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray, dairy-free butter, and a dusting of gluten-free flour.
2. Place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to bring them to room temperature.
3. In a large bowl, cream the dairy-free butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dairy-free milk, dairy-free eggnog, and vanilla.
6. In another bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then add half the wet ingredients. Mix until combined, then repeat with the remaining dry and wet ingredients.
8. Mix just until combined; avoid over-mixing.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the frosting

1. Beat the dairy-free butter in a large bowl until creamy.
2. Add one-third of the confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of dairy-free eggnog, and the vanilla; mix until combined.
3. Add the next third of sugar and 2 more tablespoons of eggnog, mixing again.
4. Scrape the bowl sides and add the final third of sugar with the remaining eggnog. Beat on high until light and fluffy, about 4–5 minutes.
5. The frosting should be soft and spreadable when ready.

Assemble the cake

1. Place one cooled layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting over the top using an angled spatula.
2. Set the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
3. Create a rustic texture with an offset spatula or spoon if desired.
4. Slice and serve.

Recipe Variations

Bundt variation: Use a bundt pan for a different presentation; the same batter yields a festive eggnog bundt cake.

Make it boozy: Brush cooled cake layers lightly with your favorite liqueur for added depth and moisture — do this after the cake has fully cooled.

Tips & Tricks

• Frost a frozen cake layer to reduce crumbs — freeze layers briefly before icing if you have time.
• Use a stand or hand mixer to make creaming and frosting much easier and faster.

Storage

This cake stores well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped cake layers or whole cake for up to 3 months. Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. Leftover slices keep best in an airtight container.

FAQ

How should you decorate the festive eggnog cake?

Keep it simple with a rustic spread of frosting, or add a dusting of grated chocolate or nutmeg for seasonal flair. Fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary also make pretty, festive accents.

What should I serve with the eggnog cake?

Serve with a glass of eggnog or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an extra indulgent pairing.

Other Christmas recipes

• Christmas snack mix — a sweet and salty mix ideal for holiday snacking.
• Christmas Tree Brownies — fudgy brownies shaped for festive fun.
• Christmas Dessert Board — a variety of treats to share at parties.

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