If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that practically makes itself and brims with festive flavor, you’ve found the perfect winner with this Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cold holiday night—rich, creamy eggnog mingles with moist white cake mix and buttery goodness, all topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg that paints the perfect Christmas picture. Whether you’re new to dump cakes or a dessert enthusiast, this easy and joyful recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition at your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each bringing a crucial element to the party—simplicity meets festive flavor in the best way possible. You’ll see creamy eggnog adds that holiday spice and moisture, white cake mix gives structure and sweetness, butter creates a golden, crispy crust, and nutmeg finishes it off with a fragrant touch.
- White Cake Mix: The base for our cake, offering sweetness and a light crumb texture that soaks up the eggnog perfectly.
- Eggnog: The star of the show, bringing creaminess, spices, and that unmistakable Christmas spirit in every bite.
- Butter (cut into pats): Adds richness and helps create a beautiful, golden crust that contrasts with the soft inside.
- Nutmeg: A warm, aromatic sprinkle on top that enhances the festive flavors and makes your dessert smell like holiday magic.
How to Make Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by spraying a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with baking spray. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and helps you get every delicious bite out easily. It’s a small but vital detail that makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the First Portion of Eggnog
Pour one cup of eggnog into the bottom of the dish. This liquid base sets the stage for moist, tender cake, soaking up all that creamy goodness and blending with the dry cake mix you’ll add next.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the entire box of white cake mix evenly over the eggnog layer. Resist the urge to stir—the lumps and layers will magically bake into a wonderful texture that is part crisp, part soft, and entirely delightful.
Step 4: Pour on the Remaining Eggnog
Pour the remaining eggnog evenly over the cake mix. This step ensures the cake mix has enough moisture to fully hydrate and bake beautifully into the luscious, custardy layers we’re after.
Step 5: Distribute the Butter
Dot the top of your dish with butter pats spread evenly across the surface. As the butter melts, it seeps into the cake mixture, creating pockets of buttery crispness that elevate every bite.
Step 6: Sprinkle Nutmeg
Finish with a light covering of nutmeg right before baking. Its warm spice aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that holiday magic is underway and that your dessert is taking shape.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a set, springy texture in the middle. This cake comes together in one dish, delivering layers of flavor and warmth that everyone will love.
How to Serve Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe
Garnishes
While the nutmeg on top gives a classic finish, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra festivity. A few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary can bring a pop of color that makes this humble cake look holiday party-ready.
Side Dishes
This Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe pairs beautifully with rich, creamy beverages like hot chocolate or a spiced coffee. It also complements winter fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch that your guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in charming holiday-themed dishes or clear glass bowls to showcase the cake’s golden layers. For a fun twist, try serving warm cake in mugs topped with whipped cream for cozy, individual treats that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, giving you plenty of time to savor that holiday goodness one slice at a time.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake beyond the holiday, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) until heated through. This brings back the cake’s melt-in-your-mouth texture and revives the buttery aroma that makes it so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white cake mix gives a lovely light flavor, yellow or spice cake mixes also work wonderfully and can add a new depth of flavor to your Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe.
Is it necessary to use store-bought eggnog?
Store-bought eggnog is convenient and consistent, but homemade eggnog can elevate the flavor even more. Just remember that thicker homemade versions may change baking times slightly.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free white cake mix, a plant-based eggnog alternative, and a vegan butter substitute to make this festive dessert allergy-friendly and just as delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Your Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—a sign of a perfectly baked cake with wonderful texture.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Feel free to customize! Adding cinnamon or a pinch of cloves can enhance the holiday flavors. Some people even sprinkle in orange zest for a citrusy twist that brightens up the cake beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe is one of those magical desserts that brings warmth, ease, and pure joy to your holiday kitchen. It’s quick to throw together, endlessly comforting, and guaranteed to become a festive favorite that you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and watch smiles light up around your table with every moist, buttery, nutmeg-sprinkled bite.
Print
Eggnog Dump Cake for Christmas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Eggnog Dump Cake is a simple and delicious holiday dessert that combines the rich flavors of classic eggnog with a moist, golden white cake. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, this easy-to-make cake requires minimal prep and bakes to a sweet, custardy delight topped with a touch of nutmeg.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 Box White Cake Mix
- 3 cups Eggnog
- 1 stick butter, cut into 1/4″ pats
- Nutmeg, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly with baking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer with eggnog: Pour 1 cup of eggnog evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a moist base layer.
- Add cake mix: Sprinkle the entire box of white cake mix evenly over the eggnog layer to form the dry batter layer.
- Top with remaining eggnog: Pour the remaining 2 cups of eggnog evenly over the cake mix, allowing it to soak through the dry ingredients.
- Add butter pats: Evenly distribute the 1/4-inch pats of butter over the top of the wet cake mixture to add richness and help create a tender crumb.
- Sprinkle nutmeg: Lightly sprinkle nutmeg over the top of the batter mixture for a warm, festive spice accent.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes until the cake is set, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional nutmeg before serving.
- Ensure the butter is cut into small pats to allow even melting and browning during baking.
- Use a high-quality eggnog for the best flavor impact. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic versions both work well.
- The cake will be moist and custardy because of the liquid eggnog soaking through the dry mix—this is expected and desirable.
- If the cake browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
