Eggnog Cake

$To make a perfect eggnog cake, gather these simple 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 - 1 ½ cups eggnog - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon almond extract - 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the cake's rich flavor and moist texture. The flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt form the cake's base. Nutmeg and cinnamon add warmth and holiday cheer. Butter and sugars give the cake its sweetness and softness. Eggs help bind everything together, while eggnog adds moisture and a festive twist. Vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavors even more. If you want a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts for texture. For the full recipe, which includes preparation steps and baking instructions, check the detailed sections ahead! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for the cake. 2. Next, grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set this bowl aside. 4. Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Mix until it looks pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. 1. It’s time to add the eggs! Drop in 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. 2. Next, you will gradually stir in the dry mix. Alternate this with 1 ½ cups of eggnog. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. 1. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the pan. 2. Bake your cake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready! 3. Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the full recipe, you can check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy baking this festive treat! - Avoid overmixing the batter: Mix just until everything blends. Too much mixing can make your cake tough. - How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. - Ways to decorate the cake: Dust the top with powdered sugar. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive look. - Serving suggestions: Slice the cake and serve on colorful plates. This adds to the holiday cheer. - Issues that can affect the texture: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Always use room temperature ingredients. - Tips for ingredient substitutions: If you need to swap eggs, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. This keeps the cake moist. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the taste of your eggnog cake. Adding different spices can bring new flavors. Try a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth. If you like, you can also mix in flavored extracts. Swap out vanilla for peppermint or rum extract for a festive twist. These small changes can make a big difference in your cake. If you need a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free flour blend. This works well in the recipe. You can also make a vegan version. Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs. Use unsweetened almond milk instead of eggnog. These options keep the cake tasty and fun for everyone. How you serve your cake can change the experience. You can layer it with frosting for a fancy touch. Cream cheese frosting pairs well with the eggnog flavor. Alternatively, serve it plain for breakfast with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s great any time of day. Enjoy your delicious cake! You can find the full recipe above. You can store your eggnog cake at room temperature for up to two days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist and fresh. If you choose the fridge, it can last up to a week. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your eggnog cake can freeze well for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. You can also let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Use thawed cake for special occasions or family gatherings. After baking, your eggnog cake can last about five days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can stay fresh for around one week. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or a change in smell, it's best to throw it away. Enjoy your eggnog cake while it's fresh and delicious! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can use milk or cream mixed with spices. Add a bit of vanilla for flavor. This keeps the cake moist but changes the taste slightly. You may also try almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Each choice adds a unique twist to your cake. Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture. Whole wheat flour adds a hearty flavor but may make it denser. Gluten-free flour blends are also available. Just remember, different flours may change how the cake rises and its overall texture. If you use a smaller pan, bake for a shorter time. Start checking the cake ten minutes early. For a larger pan, it may need longer. Always check with a toothpick to see if it’s done. Adjusting the time helps ensure a perfectly baked cake. This post covers making a delicious eggnog cake, focusing on key ingredients and preparation steps. We explored important tips for baking and presentation. Variations for flavor and dietary needs add excitement to the recipe. Finally, we discussed storage methods to keep your cake fresh longer. With simple steps and handy tricks, you can create a delightful cake for any occasion. Enjoy your baking journey and the tasty results!$

Indulge in the flavors of the season with this delightful Festive Eggnog Cake! Perfectly spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, this moist cake is a holiday treat everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a stunning dessert that'll impress your guests. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to spread some festive cheer with every slice!

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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

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 ½ cups eggnog

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, and fold in the chopped walnuts if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr | 12 servings

- Presentation Tips: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional nutmeg for a festive touch. Slice and serve on decorative plates to enhance the holiday spirit!