Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Eggnog Bundt Cake! This moist, flavorful cake captures all the warmth and spice of the classic eggnog drink, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the comforting flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla with the richness of eggnog for a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release later. You can also use a baking spray with flour for an easier approach.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, resulting in a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Add-ins (Optional):
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
Bake the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking.
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Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of elegance. A warm eggnog glaze would be particularly delicious!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or glazing to prevent melting.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Citrus twist: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Boozy Bundt: For an adult version, add a shot or two of rum or bourbon to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 45-50g
This Eggnog Bundt Cake recipe is a delicious and easy way to impress your friends and family. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, but honestly, it's so good you'll want to bake it all year round! Enjoy!