If you’re searching for a dessert that wraps you up in warmth and festive cheer, look no further than the Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe. This delightful cake brings together the nostalgic flavors of eggnog and cinnamon into a simple, fuss-free dump cake that practically bakes itself. Imagine golden, tender cake layers infused with the creamy richness of eggnog, scattered with the spicy whispers of nutmeg and cinnamon — it’s holiday magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays an important role in creating the cozy flavor and irresistible texture of this seasonal treat. From the classic yellow cake mix providing the perfect base, to the rich eggnog that elevates it with festive notes, every item adds a special touch to the final cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of this dump cake; for an extra holiday twist, spice cake mix works beautifully.
- Eggnog: Provides that signature creamy holiday flavor; swap for dairy-free nog if needed without losing a beat.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness; three large eggs are crucial for perfect texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and slightly cooled, it adds moisture and a velvety mouthfeel to the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness you can adjust to keep the cake just as you like it.
- Ground Cinnamon: Gives a warm, aromatic lift — increase it if you love a stronger spice presence.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds that classic holiday spice undertone; perfect in cozy fall flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor depth and rounds out the spices; almond extract is a tasty alternative.
- Nonstick Spray or Butter: Essential for greasing your baking dish to ensure the cake comes out clean and intact.
How to Make Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing your baking dish generously with nonstick spray or softened butter. This small step makes a big difference when it’s time to serve, allowing your heavenly eggnog dump cake to slide out with ease and keep its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these before adding the cake mix ensures an even distribution of spices and helps your cake develop that cozy, inviting flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Now, gently fold the yellow cake mix into your wet ingredients. Unlike traditional cakes, this batter will be thicker, almost like a dough, which is exactly what you want to create those tender pockets of cake within the custardy eggnog infusion.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Transfer the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow your Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe to cool slightly for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan. This resting time helps the flavors to settle and the cake to firm up just enough to serve clean slices that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe
Garnishes
Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans to add texture and enhance that holiday vibe. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a few chocolate shavings will make it feel extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures. Warm mulled cider or a cup of rich coffee also complement the spices perfectly, rounding out an unforgettable holiday dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving your Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe in individual ramekins or clear glass cups layered with whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies. This makes sharing easier and adds a charming, elegant touch to your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh. The cake stays moist and flavorful, so reheating gently is the way to revive it.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain that wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. Adding a little whipped cream or ice cream after reheating brings it back to its freshly baked glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, using a spice cake mix adds an even deeper holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with eggnog.
Is there a vegan alternative for the eggs and eggnog?
You can substitute plant-based egg replacers and dairy-free eggnog to make a vegan version, though the texture may vary slightly from the original—still delicious and festive!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply choose a gluten-free cake mix. Most gluten-free cake mixes work great in dump cakes and keep the same cozy texture.
What if I don’t like nutmeg? Can it be left out?
If nutmeg isn’t your favorite, you can reduce or omit it. The cinnamon will still provide plenty of warm, comforting flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a golden brown top and insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe is ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe truly captures the essence of festive comfort food without the stress of complicated steps. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or a quiet night cozying up by the fire, it’s sure to become one of your favorite traditions. Give it a try—you deserve a slice of holiday happiness!
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Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake That’s Perfect for the Holidays Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cozy Eggnog Dump Cake is a delightfully easy and festive dessert perfect for the holiday season. Combining the rich flavors of eggnog and warm spices with a simple yellow cake mix, this dessert offers a comforting and moist cake that’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties. With minimal prep and a single baking step, it’s a breeze to create a seasonal treat that tastes homemade without the fuss.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (substitute with spice cake mix for festive flavor)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust based on taste preferences)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (add more for intensified flavor)
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (adjust according to taste preference)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups Eggnog (can substitute with dairy-free nog for vegan option)
- 3 large Eggs (no substitutions recommended)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly before adding
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (can replace with almond extract)
Other
- Nonstick Spray or Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 2 cups eggnog, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. This will create the moist base for your cake.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the yellow cake mix, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix to avoid a dense cake.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top slightly with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing into 12 pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon for extra holiday flair.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute eggnog with a dairy-free alternative and omit eggs or use an egg replacer.
- If you want a more intense spice flavor, consider using a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix and increasing the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled before mixing to prevent accidentally cooking the eggs.
- This cake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; warm slices before serving for best taste.
