Baking should always be a joyful experience, and I’m here to share a few of my well-loved tricks to ensure your Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake turns out absolutely perfect every time.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter, eggs, and eggnog are at room temperature before I start mixing. This ensures all the ingredients emulsify beautifully, giving you a smooth batter and a perfectly tender cake crumb. It truly makes a world of difference!

When you’re preparing the cake layers, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we’re aiming for that wonderfully light and fluffy texture that makes this Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake so special. A gentle hand is your best friend here!

For that irresistible cream cheese filling and buttercream, ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened, but not melted. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free frosting that’s easy to spread and looks absolutely delightful. Patience is key for the creamiest results!

And finally, don’t rush the chilling process after assembly. Allowing the Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake to chill in the refrigerator helps set the frosting and filling, making it easier to slice and enhancing those beautiful, melded holiday flavors. It’s worth the wait, I promise!

Fun Variations for Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake

One of the greatest joys of home baking is making a recipe truly your own! This Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with little twists that add even more magic.

Spice it Up

For an extra cozy kick, you could add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the cake batter alongside the nutmeg. My friend, Clara, always asks me to do this; she says it reminds her of her grandmother’s holiday spice blend. It truly deepens the festive flavor profile of this special cake.

A Touch of Citrus

A bright and unexpected twist? Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter. The citrusy notes will beautifully complement the rich eggnog flavor, adding a lovely freshness to your Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake. It’s a subtle touch that makes a delightful difference!

Boozy Boost

If you’re a fan of a little extra holiday cheer, consider a touch more dark rum in your eggnog soak, or even a splash in the buttercream. My sister loves when I use a spiced rum for an even more pronounced holiday essence. Just a little extra goes a long way to enhance the classic eggnog taste.

Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake

Celebrate the holidays with this festive Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake, featuring moist cake layers infused with rich eggnog, a creamy eggnog filling, and a luscious eggnog buttercream frosting. It’s the perfect showstopper for your Christmas table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 2 5

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Eggnog Cake Layers

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, softened
4 large eggs room temperature
1 cup eggnog full-fat, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

For the Eggnog Soak

1/2 cup eggnog
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp dark rum optional, or more eggnog

For the Cream Cheese Eggnog Filling

8 oz cream cheese softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
3 tbsp eggnog
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

For the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter 3 sticks, softened
6 cups powdered sugar sifted
1/2 cup eggnog chilled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
pinch salt

For Decoration (Optional)

1 tbsp ground nutmeg for dusting
1/4 cup white chocolate curls or festive sprinkles

Equipment

Three 8-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Stand mixer with paddle attachment
Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack
Offset spatula or butter knife

Method

Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the room temperature eggnog, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact time may vary by oven.
Let the cake layers cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Remove parchment paper.

Prepare the Eggnog Soak

While the cakes are cooling, combine the eggnog, granulated sugar, and optional dark rum in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Eggnog Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and freshly grated nutmeg until smooth. Be careful not to overmix, or the filling may become too thin.

Prepare the Eggnog Buttercream Frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 3-5 minutes.
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined, then increasing to medium-high. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the chilled eggnog, vanilla extract, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for another 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Brush generously with about 1/3 of the eggnog soak.
Spread half of the cream cheese eggnog filling evenly over the first cake layer, leaving a small border.
Place the second cake layer on top, brush with another 1/3 of the eggnog soak, and spread the remaining cream cheese filling.
Top with the final cake layer. Brush the top with the remaining eggnog soak.
Apply a thin crumb coat of the eggnog buttercream frosting all over the cake to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Once the crumb coat is set, apply the remaining eggnog buttercream frosting to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula or bench scraper for a neat finish.
Optionally, decorate the cake with a light dusting of ground nutmeg, white chocolate curls, or festive sprinkles around the edges.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. Enjoy your festive Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake!

Notes

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, eggs, eggnog) are at room temperature for the cake layers and filling. For the buttercream, the eggnog should be chilled to help maintain frosting consistency. This cake can be made a day in advance; store covered in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake

This Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake is a showstopper on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate it into an even more memorable dessert experience. I love making sure every sweet moment feels complete and inviting.

A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or a comforting mug of spiced chai tea is always a wonderful pairing. The subtle bitterness or warm spices in the beverages beautifully balance the rich sweetness of the cake, making each bite even more enjoyable. My mom always insists on hot cocoa during winter, and it’s a perfect match!

For a touch of elegance, a small scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream melts ever so slightly into the cake, creating a creamy contrast that’s simply divine. The coldness of the ice cream against the spiced cake is a delightful sensation.

And for those who appreciate a lighter touch, a scattering of fresh cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds both visual appeal and a hint of tartness or sweetness, making your Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake even more inviting.

How to Store Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake

After all the love and effort put into baking this delightful dessert, you want to make sure your leftover Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake stays as fresh and delicious as the day you made it. Proper storage is key to preserving its wonderful texture and flavor.

Fridge Storage

Because of the cream cheese frosting, this cake should always be stored in the refrigerator. I like to keep my leftover cake in an airtight cake carrier or wrapped loosely with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. This keeps it moist and the frosting perfectly set for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

If you’re looking to enjoy a slice of this festive treat later, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake. For slices, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. For a whole cake, freeze it unwrapped for about an hour to firm up the frosting, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating and Serving

While this Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake is delicious chilled, sometimes I like to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, especially if it’s been in the fridge. This allows the cake layers to soften slightly and the flavors to truly sing. My personal tip? If it’s been in the freezer, a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg just before serving brings back that homemade touch!

Nutritional Benefits

While this Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake is undoubtedly a delightful indulgence, it also offers some satisfying elements! The eggs contribute protein, and the dairy in the eggnog and cream cheese provides calcium. It’s a treat that, when enjoyed thoughtfully, is both satisfying and can be a part of a balanced approach to enjoying homemade desserts.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble your delicious Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake.

Faq 2

What can I use if I don’t have fresh nutmeg?
While fresh nutmeg offers the best flavor, if you don’t have it, you can certainly use ground nutmeg from your spice rack. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best aromatic qualities in your Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake.

Faq 3

Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! The dark rum in the eggnog soak is optional. You can simply omit it or replace it with a teaspoon of rum extract or a little extra vanilla extract to keep your Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake family-friendly.

Faq 4

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
My best advice is to always grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly, or line the bottoms with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your beautiful Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake layers release perfectly every time.

Conclusion

Baking this Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a moment, a memory, and a touch of holiday magic in your own kitchen. I truly hope you find as much joy in preparing and sharing this festive treat as I do. It’s a beautiful reminder that with a little love and patience, the simplest ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary, bringing warmth and smiles to all who gather around your table. Happy baking, sweet friends!

Layer Christmas Eggnog Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting