Easy Eggnog Cake is a quick and festive holiday dessert made with cake mix, creamy eggnog, warm cinnamon, and a simple frosting drizzle that tastes homemade with minimal effort. This easy eggnog cake recipe works perfectly as a Christmas dessert or a cozy breakfast coffee cake and is ideal for holiday entertaining.
Easy Eggnog Cake is a fun and festive holiday cake that tastes like you spent hours baking, even though it comes together quickly thanks to a cake mix and a few pantry staples. This is one of those holiday dessert recipes that feels extra special but is incredibly easy to pull off, which is exactly what we all need during the busy Christmas season.
If you love eggnog as much as I do, this cake is going to be right up your alley. The eggnog adds a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and a buttery crumb topping. It’s cozy, comforting, and full of classic holiday flavor without being overly sweet.
One of my favorite things about this Easy Eggnog Cake is how versatile it is. It works just as well served warm for dessert as it does sliced up the next morning with a cup of coffee. Honestly, it makes a fantastic breakfast coffee cake, which is why I always recommend making two if you have guests staying over for the holidays.
This recipe keeps things simple with a yellow cake mix as the base, then layers in eggnog, cinnamon, and a crumb topping made from part of the mix, butter, and nuts. Once baked, it gets finished with a quick eggnog frosting drizzle that you can make as thick or thin as you like. It’s the kind of cake that disappears fast, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
What I Love About This Recipe
- This eggnog cake tastes like a from-scratch holiday dessert even though it starts with a cake mix, which saves so much time during busy holiday weeks.
- The crumb topping adds a buttery, slightly crunchy layer that pairs perfectly with the soft, moist cake underneath.
- It works double duty as both a Christmas dessert and a breakfast coffee cake, making it great for entertaining or holiday mornings.
- The frosting drizzle is completely customizable, so you can go light or heavy depending on how sweet you like your cake.
- It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have on hand during the holidays.
Equipment You May Need
- 8×8-Inch Baking Pan – For baking the cake evenly and achieving the perfect thickness.
- Mixing Bowls – One for the cake batter, one for the crumb topping, and one for the frosting drizzle.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk – Helps combine the batter quickly and evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Pastry Cutter – To cut the cold butter into the crumb topping.
Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix – The base of the cake that keeps this recipe quick and easy.
- Eggnog (Nonalcoholic) – Adds rich, creamy holiday flavor to both the cake and the frosting drizzle.
- Eggs – Help bind the cake and give it structure.
- Butter – Used both melted in the cake batter and cold in the crumb topping for texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon – Brings warm spice that pairs perfectly with eggnog.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Add crunch to the crumb topping, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Vanilla Frosting – Mixed with eggnog to create a simple drizzle for the finished cake.
How to Make Easy Eggnog Cake
Step One: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step Two: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of the cake mix, chopped nuts, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using two knives or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step Three: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, melted butter, eggnog, eggs, and remaining cinnamon. Mix just until combined, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Step Four: Bake the Cake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step Five: Add the Frosting Drizzle
Whisk together the frosting and eggnog until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake before slicing and serving.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh fruit on the side to balance the richness of the cake.
- Serve slightly warm with an extra drizzle of frosting for a cozy holiday dessert.
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a festive breakfast or brunch option.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting drizzle so it doesn’t melt into the cake.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes for the crumb topping to get the best texture.
- Adjust the frosting consistency by adding more or less eggnog based on your preference.
- Use a thick eggnog for the richest flavor in both the cake and the drizzle.
Easy Eggnog Cake FAQ
How should I store Easy Eggnog Cake?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze Easy Eggnog Cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well without the frosting drizzle. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then add the drizzle after thawing.
How long will Easy Eggnog Cake last?
The cake will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Substitutions?
You can swap walnuts for pecans, use milk instead of eggnog, or replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use reduced-fat frosting or milk instead of eggnog, but the texture and richness may vary.
What else can I add to this recipe?
A splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg, or white chocolate chips would all be delicious additions.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You would have to swap out quite a few ingredients, so I can’t guarantee results.
Vegetarian – The cake is vegetarian.
Low-Carb – You can omit the frosting drizzle for a little less carbs.
Gluten-Free – You can try a gluten-free cake mix and double-check the frosting.
Hope you enjoy this fun Easy Eggnog Cake! Might want to make some fun Cinnamon Roll Eggnog to go with it! If you’re a big eggnog fan, you may also like my Homemade Chocolate Eggnog, delish!
Easy Eggnog Cake Recipe
Ingredients
CRUMB TOPPING:
- 1 (15.25 oz.) Yellow Cake Mix divided
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon divided
- 1/4 cup cold butter
CAKE:
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2/3 eggnog (nonalcoholic)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
DRIZZLE:
- 1 cup Vanilla Frosting (from tub)
- 1/2 cup eggnog (nonalcoholic)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan.
- In a small bowl place 1 cup of cake mix, nuts, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix to combine. With two knives gently cut in 1/4 cup cold butter until crumb forms. Set aside.
- Place remaining cake mix in large bowl. Add 1/3 cup melted butter, 2/3 cup eggnog, eggs, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until just combined. Pour cake mix into prepared pan.
- Sprinkle crumb mixture on top of cake batter. Bake cake about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Cool completely.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together 1 cup frosting and remaining 1/2 cup of eggnog. Drizzle over top of cooled cake.
Notes
- Cool cake completely before drizzling frosting on top.
- Instead of cinnamon, you could use your favorite spice such as Pumpkin or Apple Pie spice.
- Instead of eggnog you could use milk.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
She she D. says
Thanks, it was easy and it saved plenty of time. I also added a little Jamaican rum to my eggnog mixture and it added a nice kick to the cake.
Lisa Huff says
Great idea to add a little rum! Happy to hear you enjoyed!
techlazy.com says
I’m going to finally try this recipe next week! So excited ?