Finding crowd-pleasing holiday desserts that don’t require hours in the kitchen can feel like an impossible task. Between decorating the house, wrapping presents, and keeping the kids entertained during winter break, who has time to spend all day baking something special for those festive gatherings?
That’s where this eggnog dump cake comes to the rescue: it combines the classic flavors of the season with the simplicity of a dump cake, making it perfect for busy holiday hosts who want to serve up something homemade without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Dump Cake
- 3-ingredient recipe – With just cake mix, eggnog, and butter, this couldn’t be any easier to throw together – perfect for last-minute holiday desserts.
- Quick prep time – True to its ‘dump cake’ name, you literally just dump the ingredients in a pan and bake – no mixing bowls or special techniques needed.
- Holiday favorite – This cake brings all the festive flavors of eggnog in an easy-to-serve dessert format that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
- Budget-friendly – Using simple pantry staples and seasonal eggnog, this recipe gives you a crowd-pleasing dessert without breaking the bank.
What Kind of Eggnog Should I Use?
When it comes to eggnog for baking, you’ve got several good options that’ll work in this dump cake. Store-bought eggnog from the dairy case is perfectly fine and probably the most convenient choice – just make sure you’re using regular full-fat eggnog rather than light versions, which might affect the cake’s richness. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade eggnog will work great too, but there’s really no need to go through the extra effort just for baking. Just keep in mind that some brands are thicker than others, so you might want to stick with a medium-consistency eggnog rather than super-thick premium versions that could make your cake too dense.
Options for Substitutions
Let’s talk about what you can swap in this simple cake recipe if needed:
- Yellow cake mix: While yellow cake mix works best here, you can use vanilla or white cake mix instead. French vanilla cake mix is another good option that pairs well with the eggnog flavor.
- Eggnog: If you’re making this when eggnog isn’t in season, try using 2½ cups whole milk plus ½ cup heavy cream, mixed with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. For dairy-free options, coconut milk mixed with the same spices can work, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Salted butter: You can use unsalted butter and add ¼ teaspoon salt, or try margarine if you need a dairy-free option. If using coconut oil, make sure it’s melted and add a pinch of salt.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest challenge when making eggnog dump cake is getting the right consistency – using too much liquid can make your cake soggy, so stick precisely to the 3 cups of eggnog measurement and resist the urge to add more.
A common mistake is not melting the butter properly before drizzling it over the cake mix – for the best texture, melt the butter completely and drizzle it evenly across the entire surface, making sure to cover all the dry cake mix to prevent any powdery patches in your finished cake.
Temperature control is crucial here – baking at too high a temperature can cause the eggnog to curdle or the top to brown too quickly, so keep your oven at 350°F and check the cake about 10 minutes before the recommended baking time.
For the perfect finish, let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before serving – this resting time allows the eggnog flavor to develop fully and helps the cake set to the right texture.
What to Serve With Eggnog Dump Cake?
This cozy holiday dessert is perfect with a few simple additions that make it extra special. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top helps balance out the richness of the eggnog flavor. I love serving this cake with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, especially on chilly winter evenings. For an extra festive touch, try sprinkling some ground nutmeg on top of each serving, or add a side of fresh berries to cut through the sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once your eggnog dump cake has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, but since it contains eggnog, I recommend storing it in the fridge where it’ll stay good for up to 5 days.
Freeze: This cake freezes really well! Cut it into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. This is great if you want to save some holiday flavors for later!
Enjoy Later: When you’re ready to eat your frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and it’ll taste just as good as day one!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-65 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 18-22 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 300-320 g
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 3 cups of eggnog
- 1/2 cup salted butter
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the ingredients from sticking and to make clean-up easier.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Pour the eggnog evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Next, sprinkle the cake mix on top of the eggnog, ensuring it forms an even layer.
Step 4: Add Butter on Top
Cut butter into small pats and distribute them evenly across the top of the cake mix.
The butter will melt during baking, creating a rich, golden brown topping.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating that it’s perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
This allows the flavors to set and makes serving easier.
Enjoy your delicious creation!