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Festive Eggnog Cake with Creamy Frosting (Moist Holiday Layer Cake)

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3.9 from 157 reviews

Celebrate the holidays with this Festive Eggnog Cake featuring moist, spiced layers and a luscious creamy frosting. Enhanced with nutmeg and cinnamon, soaked in a rum-infused simple syrup, and topped with a smooth white chocolate ganache, this classic American dessert brings warmth and elegance to any festive table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, sifted
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder, must be fresh
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg, fresh nutmeg enhances aroma
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar, can partially replace with brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed when measuring
  • 4 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract, use real for best flavor
  • 1 cup Eggnog, room temperature

For the Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup Water, substitute with milk for added flavor
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Rum, optional

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, fully softened
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted

For the Ganache

  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream or Eggnog
  • 8 oz White Chocolate, high-quality

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour three 6-inch cake pans to ensure easy cake release after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add both granulated and light brown sugars and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and blend well.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternately add the flour mixture and eggnog to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently fold and mix until the batter is just combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare Simple Syrup: Heat water and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in optional rum. Let cool.
  9. Make Frosting: Beat the fully softened cream cheese (and butter if using) until fluffy. Gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  10. Make Ganache: Chop the white chocolate finely and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat heavy whipping cream or eggnog until hot but not boiling, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
  11. Assemble the Cake: If needed, trim the cooled cake layers for even stacking. Brush each layer generously with the simple syrup to add moisture and flavor. Spread frosting between the layers and then apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake. Chill briefly to set.
  12. Apply Ganache and Final Touches: Drizzle the white chocolate ganache along the edges, letting it drip down the sides. Smooth the top with a spatula. Chill again until the ganache is firm and set.

Notes

  • Use fresh nutmeg for a more aromatic and flavorful cake.
  • The rum in the simple syrup is optional but adds a deeper holiday flavor.
  • You can substitute milk for water in the simple syrup for a richer taste.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth, even batter.
  • Allow the cake to chill between frosting and ganache applications to ensure neat layers and a professional finish.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/festive-eggnog-cake-with-creamy-frosting-moist-holiday-layer-cake/