Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of holiday magic in every single bite - a cake so rich, moist, and decadently festive that it transforms your ordinary gathering into an extraordinary celebration. This Egg Nog Pound Cake isn't just another holiday recipe; it's a culinary masterpiece that blends the creamy, nostalgic flavor of egg nog with a perfectly tender pound cake texture that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to become your new seasonal sensation that will make you the star of any holiday gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup egg nog
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and ground nutmeg to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the egg nog. Mix on low speed, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This helps prevent overmixing and maintains the cake's tender texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finish.
- For best flavor, let the cake rest for a few hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop more depth.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground nutmeg will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground spices.
- Pan Preparation is Key: Thoroughly grease and flour your bundt pan to ensure the cake releases perfectly.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake around 55 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cooling Technique: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting to help it maintain its shape.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the cake sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and deepen.Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, serve with a drizzle of bourbon-spiked glaze or a sprinkle of additional nutmeg on top!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
