Welcome to a dessert experience that perfectly captures the cozy, festive spirit of the holiday season! If you, like me, find yourself enchanted by the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog, then you’re in for an absolute treat. I often look for ways to infuse my favorite seasonal flavors into everyday classics, and what better canvas than a deliciously moist cake? Through a delightful kitchen experiment, I discovered that substituting milk with eggnog in a simple boxed cake mix yields astonishingly delicious results. Paired with a luscious, homemade eggnog frosting, this Eggnog Sheet Cake transforms a humble dessert into an unforgettable holiday masterpiece. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet its deep, comforting flavors and wonderfully moist texture will have everyone believing it’s a labor of love from scratch. Get ready to bake your new favorite festive dessert!
Indulge in the Perfect Holiday Dessert: Easy Eggnog Sheet Cake
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of eggnog during the holiday season. It evokes feelings of warmth, celebration, and cherished memories. If you share my profound love for this quintessential holiday drink, then preparing this Eggnog Sheet Cake is an absolute must. This recipe marries simplicity with an incredible depth of flavor, making it a perfect candidate for any festive gathering. I adore how effortlessly this cake mix creation comes together, yet it tastes remarkably like it was baked entirely from scratch. The secret to its undeniable charm lies in using high-quality eggnog – the richer, the better! This star ingredient is precisely where all the luscious flavor, irresistible moisture, and delicate fluffiness originate, elevating a basic cake mix to gourmet heights. It’s a fuss-free dessert that delivers maximum impact, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Eggnog Sheet Cake
This isn’t just another cake; it’s a celebration in every bite! Here’s why this Eggnog Sheet Cake will quickly become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition:
- Effortless Preparation: Starting with a convenient box cake mix, this recipe drastically cuts down on prep time without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The secret ingredient—eggnog—infuses the cake with its signature creamy, spiced flavor profile, making it distinctively festive and utterly delicious.
- Incredibly Moist Texture: Swapping out traditional liquids for rich eggnog results in an exceptionally moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. You’ll be amazed at the difference!
- Simple Yet Stunning Frosting: A homemade eggnog buttercream frosting provides the perfect sweet and creamy complement to the cake, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
- Perfect for Crowds: As a sheet cake, it’s designed to serve a good number of people, making it ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or potlucks.
- Versatile Presentation: Easy to decorate with festive sprinkles or a dusting of nutmeg, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Storing Your Delicious Eggnog Sheet Cake
To ensure your Eggnog Sheet Cake remains wonderfully moist and flavorful, proper storage is key. Once the cake has completely cooled and been frosted, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and preserves its rich taste. Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. While many cakes can be frozen, I do not recommend freezing this particular recipe as it may alter the delicate texture and moisture content of the cake and frosting.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Eggnog Sheet Cake
- Choose Your Cake Mix Wisely: For this recipe, I’ve found that a classic white cake mix yields the best results. It allows the distinctive eggnog flavor to shine through beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite brand! While yellow cake mix can also work, be aware that its slightly stronger vanilla and buttery notes might subtly overshadow the delicate eggnog essence.
- The Power of Quality Eggnog: Since eggnog is the star ingredient, don’t skimp on quality. Opt for the best-tasting eggnog you can find, as its flavor will be prominent in the finished cake and frosting. High-quality eggnog will contribute significantly to the cake’s richness, moisture, and overall festive appeal.
- Pan Versatility: This recipe is designed for a standard 9×13-inch sheet cake pan, which is excellent for serving a crowd. However, if you prefer a layered cake, you can easily adapt it for two 8-inch round cake pans. Remember, if you go with round pans, you’ll need to double the frosting recipe to ensure ample coverage for both layers and the sides.
- Achieving Perfect Frosting Consistency: When making the homemade eggnog frosting, you might find that you need to adjust its thickness. If the frosting is too stiff, gradually add additional eggnog, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s easy to work with.
- Garnish for Festive Flair: Elevate the visual appeal of your Eggnog Sheet Cake by garnishing it! A generous sprinkle of festive holiday sprinkles, a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, or even a few candied cranberries can add a beautiful touch and enhance the holiday spirit.
- Don’t Overmix: When preparing the cake batter, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dry cake.
- Cool Completely: It’s crucial to let the cake cool entirely before applying the frosting. If the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide off, creating a messy result.
- Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake to check if it’s baked through. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Eggnog Sheet Cake Recipe
: 45 minutes
Print
Rate SaveSaved!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- ▢ 16.25 ounces white cake mix (1 box), such as Betty Crocker
- ▢ 1 cup eggnog
- ▢ ½ cup vegetable oil
- ▢ 3 large eggs
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- ▢ ½ cup salted butter (1 stick)
- ▢ 3 cups powdered sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ▢ 3 tablespoons eggnog
- ▢ Sprinkles optional, for garnish
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- 8-inch Round Cake Pan (optional)
- Stand Mixer (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine the cake mix as directed by the package instructions, but substitute the water or milk with rich eggnog. Gently whisk in the ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon until just combined, being careful not to overmix.16.25 ounces white cake mix, 1 cup eggnog, ½ cup vegetable oil, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 3 large eggs
- Carefully pour the prepared cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can divide the batter between two 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for the duration specified on your cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for ensuring the frosting sets properly.
- Prepare the luscious eggnog frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), whip the softened salted butter until it’s light and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and eggnog. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is creamy and well combined. If the frosting appears too thick, add a little more eggnog (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired spreadable consistency.½ cup salted butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons eggnog
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the creamy eggnog frosting evenly over the top. For an extra festive touch, garnish with holiday sprinkles or a light dusting of fresh nutmeg before serving.Sprinkles
Notes
- If you opt to use a different brand or type of cake mix, simply replace the amount of water or milk called for on the box instructions with an equal amount of eggnog. This ensures your cake retains that delightful eggnog flavor and moist texture.
Storage: To maintain its freshness and deliciousness, store your Eggnog Sheet Cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Calories from Fat 180
@easydessertrecipes
for a chance to be featured.
How to Make the Best Eggnog Sheet Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this festive Eggnog Sheet Cake is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to bring this holiday delight to life in your kitchen:
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter with an Eggnog Twist. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire 16.25-ounce box of white cake mix with 1 cup of rich eggnog, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. To enhance the classic holiday flavor profile, gently whisk in ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon until all ingredients are just incorporated and the batter is smooth. Remember, avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake crumb.
Step 2: Bake Your Festive Cake. Once your batter is perfectly mixed, carefully pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. If you prefer, you can also divide the batter between two 8-inch round cake pans for a layered option. Transfer the pan(s) to your preheated oven and bake for the amount of time specified on your cake mix packaging. A good indicator of doneness is when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 3: Allow the Cake to Cool Completely. After baking, remove the cake from the oven. It’s essential to let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about frosting it. Attempting to frost a warm cake will result in a melted, runny mess, so patience is a virtue here!
Step 4: Craft the Creamy Eggnog Frosting. While your cake cools, prepare the decadent eggnog frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), whip ½ cup of softened salted butter until it’s light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Next, gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of eggnog. Beat the mixture on medium speed until the frosting is wonderfully creamy and lump-free. If you find the frosting to be a bit too thick for your liking, slowly incorporate additional eggnog, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a beautifully spreadable consistency.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish Your Holiday Masterpiece. Once your cake is completely cool to the touch, generously spread the prepared eggnog frosting over the entire top surface. For an extra touch of holiday cheer and visual appeal, consider garnishing your finished cake with a sprinkle of festive decorations, such as colorful holiday sprinkles, a delicate dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, or even some shiny edible glitter. Slice, serve, and savor this delightful taste of the season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about making this delightful Eggnog Sheet Cake? We’ve got answers!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Eggnog Sheet Cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Prepare the frosting on the day of serving for the freshest taste, or make it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Let the frosting come to room temperature and re-whip it slightly before spreading.
What kind of eggnog should I use?
The quality of your eggnog truly makes a difference in this recipe. Opt for a full-fat, good-quality eggnog from your local dairy section. The richer the eggnog, the more pronounced and delicious the flavor will be in your cake. Avoid low-fat or reduced-sugar varieties if you want the full holiday flavor experience.
Can I add alcohol to the cake or frosting?
Yes, for an adult-friendly version, you can certainly add a touch of your favorite spirit. A tablespoon or two of rum, bourbon, or brandy can be added to the cake batter along with the eggnog, or incorporated into the frosting. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired flavor intensity.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While white cake mix is recommended for allowing the eggnog flavor to truly shine, you can experiment with other types. A yellow cake mix will also work well, offering a slightly richer, more buttery base. Spice cake mix could also complement the eggnog beautifully, adding another layer of warm spices. Just remember to substitute the liquid called for on the box with eggnog.
How can I make this cake look more festive?
Beyond sprinkles, there are many ways to make your Eggnog Sheet Cake shine! Consider piping decorative borders or patterns with leftover frosting, dusting with cocoa powder through a stencil (like a snowflake), adding sugared cranberries or rosemary sprigs for a natural touch, or even placing small holiday-themed candies on top. A light grating of fresh nutmeg just before serving adds both aroma and visual appeal.
More Christmas Cake Recipes to Try!
Italian Sponge Cake
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
Eggnog Poke Cake
Letter to Santa Cake
All Cakes
Conclusion: Your Go-To Holiday Cake!
This Eggnog Sheet Cake truly is a game-changer for holiday baking. It combines the ease of a box mix with the rich, festive flavors of homemade indulgence, making it perfect for any seasonal celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe promises a beautifully moist cake topped with a dreamy eggnog frosting that will impress everyone. It’s a delightful way to embrace the spirit of the holidays, offering a comforting slice of cheer that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious to eat. So, gather your ingredients, turn on some holiday tunes, and get ready to create a new cherished tradition with this incredibly easy and utterly delectable Eggnog Sheet Cake!