Eggnog Pound Cake: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Eggnog Pound Cake is a perfect dessert for the holiday season, offering a rich and decadent flavor profile that combines the creamy, spiced goodness of eggnog with the soft, dense texture of classic pound cake. The cake is topped with a luscious eggnog glaze, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy winter afternoon. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of making this delightful cake, provide tips for perfecting the recipe, and explore the reasons why this dessert is a must-have for your holiday celebrations.

The Magic of Eggnog in Baking

Eggnog is one of the signature beverages of the holiday season. Its creamy texture, spiced flavor, and sweet richness make it a holiday favorite. While many people enjoy eggnog straight from the glass, it also serves as an exceptional ingredient in baking, adding both moisture and flavor to cakes, cookies, and other treats.

Eggnog brings a distinctive flavor to baked goods, infusing them with a gentle nutmeg-spiced richness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The best part? You don’t need to drink it to enjoy its holiday magic; you can bake it right into your favorite recipes, such as pound cake.

Pound cake, with its dense, moist crumb, is the perfect base for an eggnog-flavored treat. By incorporating eggnog into both the batter and the icing, this eggnog pound cake becomes a delicious holiday dessert that’s both comforting and festive.

What You’ll Need for Eggnog Pound Cake

To make this scrumptious eggnog pound cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are all common pantry staples, with the standout ingredient being eggnog itself. Be sure to select a high-quality eggnog for the best flavor, as it will significantly influence the final product.

For the Pound Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cake, providing structure.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a bit of lift to the traditionally dense pound cake.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – This classic spice is essential for capturing the signature flavor of eggnog.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) – Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture.
• 4 large eggs (room temperature) – Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding structure.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – For a subtle, aromatic sweetness that complements the eggnog flavor.
• ¼ cup sour cream (room temperature) – Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup eggnog (room temperature) – The star ingredient that infuses the cake with its signature flavor.

For the Eggnog Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the icing and provides a smooth consistency.
• ¼ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons eggnog – Adds flavor and creates the perfect consistency for the glaze.
• Pinch of nutmeg – A sprinkle of nutmeg in the icing enhances the flavor and ties it together with the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Eggnog Pound Cake

Here’s a detailed guide to making eggnog pound cake, from start to finish.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is a slight overhang on two sides to help with easy removal after baking. Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the cake comes out smoothly after baking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside. The nutmeg is essential to capture the signature eggnog flavor, so be sure not to skip this ingredient.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter. Beat it on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. Add the 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar to the butter, and continue to beat for 4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for ensuring a light, airy texture in the pound cake.

4. Add the Eggs

Add the 4 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Allow each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Once all the eggs are added, mix in 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. The vanilla helps balance the spiced flavor of the eggnog.

5. Add the Sour Cream and Eggnog

Add ¼ cup of sour cream and ¼ cup of eggnog to the batter. The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, while the eggnog is the star of the show, bringing that signature creamy flavor. Mix until well combined. The batter may look slightly curdled at this point, but that’s completely normal.

6. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two or three increments. Mix gently until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser texture. Once combined, stop mixing.

7. Bake the Cake

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to ensure it bakes evenly. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 8 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If you want to be extra sure that it’s done, you can test in multiple spots of the cake to ensure the toothpick is clean.

Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for an additional 2 minutes. This helps the cake set and prevents it from collapsing.

8. Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out using the overhanging parchment paper. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

9. Make the Eggnog Icing

While the cake cools, prepare the eggnog icing. In a medium bowl, sift 2 cups of powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Gradually add ¼ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons of eggnog, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the icing to enhance the flavor and whisk again to combine.

10. Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a wire rack over parchment or plastic wrap to catch any excess glaze. Slowly drizzle the eggnog icing over the top of the cake, allowing it to coat evenly. If any glaze drips off, you can scoop it up and drizzle it back onto the cake. Ensure that the entire surface is covered in a thick layer of icing. Let the icing set for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making Perfect Eggnog Pound Cake

To ensure your eggnog pound cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and eggnog are at room temperature before you start. This allows for easier mixing and creates a smoother batter, ensuring a light texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined to ensure a moist, tender crumb.
• Use Fresh Nutmeg: For the most flavorful eggnog experience, use freshly grated nutmeg. Pre-ground nutmeg will work in a pinch, but freshly grated nutmeg provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Before glazing, be sure to let the cake cool completely. Glazing a warm cake can cause the icing to melt and run off, making it less visually appealing.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: You can prepare the eggnog pound cake a day in advance. Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Why You’ll Love Eggnog Pound Cake

Eggnog Pound Cake is more than just a delicious dessert—it’s a perfect blend of holiday flavors and textures. Here’s why it’s a must-have during the holiday season:

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of eggnog and nutmeg gives the cake a luxurious flavor, while the sour cream and eggnog ensure the cake remains moist and tender.
• Perfect for Entertaining: With its festive glaze and spiced flavor, eggnog pound cake is an elegant addition to any holiday table.
• A Comforting Treat: The dense, moist crumb of pound cake makes it the perfect comforting treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee during the colder months.
• Versatile: This cake can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, making it a versatile option for holiday gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Eggnog Pound Cake is a holiday dessert that beautifully captures the flavors and spirit of the season. With its creamy texture, spiced flavor, and rich eggnog icing, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a party, or a festive gathering, this cake is an easy yet impressive way to spread holiday cheer. Enjoy every slice of this holiday delight!