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To make the delicious eggnog cake, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 ½ cups eggnog, preferably homemade or store-bought - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon almond extract - 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) If you want to switch up the eggnog, here are some great options: - Use milk or cream mixed with a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon. - Try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Almond milk with spices can also work well. These alternatives still keep that festive feel. To bake this cake, you will need a few tools: - Mixing bowls (large and medium) - Electric mixer for creaming - Measuring cups and spoons - Spatula for mixing and spreading - 9x13 inch baking pan, greased or lined - Toothpick for checking doneness These tools make the process smooth and easy, allowing you to focus on the fun part—baking! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for our eggnog cake. A hot oven helps the cake rise and bake evenly. Next, prepare your 9x13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it with butter. Dust it with flour to help the cake release easily. If you prefer, use parchment paper instead. This makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mix adds warmth and spice to your cake. Set this bowl aside for later. In a larger bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, making it nice and soft. Now, add 4 large eggs. Do this one at a time. Mix well after each egg to keep everything smooth. Then, pour in 1 ½ cups of eggnog, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of almond extract. This brings rich flavors that make the cake special. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Alternate adding the flour mix and the eggnog. Start with some flour, add half the eggnog, then more flour, and finish with the rest of the eggnog. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense. Finally, pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean. Let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then move it to a wire rack. Enjoy your festive creation! You can find the full recipe to guide you through this delightful dessert. To get a soft and moist cake, use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs can make the batter heavy. Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. This adds air, making the cake light. Don't overmix the batter. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Even baking is key for cake success. Preheat your oven fully before putting in your cake. Place the pan in the center of the oven. This helps heat circulate. Avoid opening the oven door too soon. Opening it can drop the temperature. Check for doneness at 30 minutes with a toothpick. If you have allergies, there are easy swaps. For eggs, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water. This works well in baking. Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of eggnog for a dairy-free option. For nuts, leave out the walnuts or use seeds instead. This makes the cake safe for everyone. Feel free to explore the Full Recipe for more details on making this delightful dessert! {{image_4}} To make your eggnog cake even more special, try adding extra flavors. You can mix in a splash of rum or bourbon for a warm kick. A bit of orange zest brings a fresh twist. You can also try adding peppermint extract for a minty touch. All these flavors blend well with the eggnog. You can customize your eggnog cake by adding mix-ins. Chopped cranberries or dried fruits add a nice tartness. For a crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. Chocolate chips also work great if you love chocolate. These mix-ins can make your cake unique and fun. If you need a gluten-free option, it's easy to adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Make sure to check the baking powder for gluten-free labeling. This way, everyone can enjoy your delightful holiday cake without worry. You can still enjoy the same great taste! To keep your eggnog cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Place the cake at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a few days. If longer storage is needed, refrigerate it. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid fridge odors. Freezing eggnog cake is easy and keeps it tasty. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. Your cake can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat your eggnog cake, take a slice from the fridge or freezer. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place the slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 10-15 seconds. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back its soft texture. Enjoy your cake warm for a cozy treat! Yes, you can make eggnog cake ahead of time. I often bake it a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and fresh. You can store it at room temperature for a day. For longer storage, place it in the fridge. The best eggnog to use is the one you enjoy the most. You can use homemade or store-bought eggnog. If you make your own, you can control the flavors. I like using a rich, creamy eggnog for a fuller taste. Look for one with real dairy and spices for the best result. Absolutely! You can customize eggnog cake for any season. In spring, try adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. In summer, include berries for a fruity touch. For fall, you can boost the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. In winter, add peppermint extract for a festive flavor. Eggnog cake pairs well with many things. Here are some great options: - Fresh whipped cream - A scoop of vanilla ice cream - Spiced coffee or hot chocolate - Chopped nuts for added crunch - A drizzle of caramel sauce Each of these enhances the cake's rich flavor. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. This blog post covered everything you need to know about baking an eggnog cake. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips to improve your baking. I shared variations for flavor and how to store your cake properly. You can customize the recipe for any season, making it a versatile treat. With the right tools and techniques, you'll create a delicious eggnog cake everyone will love. Now, you’re ready to bake a perfect cake, impressing your family and friends. Happy baking!

Eggnog Cake

Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful Festive Eggnog Cake that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines rich flavors and warm spices, making it the perfect centerpiece for your festive gatherings. With step-by-step instructions, you'll bake a moist and fluffy cake infused with eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Click through to discover how to create this tasty treat and elevate your holiday dessert table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 ½ cups eggnog, preferably homemade or store-bought

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added texture)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter and dusting it with flour, or alternatively, line it with parchment paper for effortless removal after baking.

    In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined and set the bowl aside for later use.

      In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, taking about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter.

        Introduce the eggs to the mixture, adding them one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated and to keep the batter smooth.

          Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog. Start with a portion of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the eggnog, then another portion of dry ingredients, finishing with the remaining eggnog. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.

            Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. If using walnuts, fold them into the batter for a delightful crunch.

              Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean without any batter sticking to it.

                  Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

                    - Prep Time: 20 minutes

                      - Total Time: 1 hour

                        - Servings: 12

                          - Presentation Tips: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar. For an extra festive touch, serve slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional nutmeg. Present the cake slices on decorative holiday plates to evoke the spirit of the season!