Festive Eggnog Delight Cake
Indulge in the luxurious richness of our Festive Eggnog Delight Cake, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy winter afternoons. This moist bundt cake is beautifully studded with plump sweet dried cherries and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful texture with every slice. Enhanced by the warm spices of nutmeg and the festive flavors of rum or brandy, this cake pairs exquisitely with a steaming cup of coffee or aromatic tea. Whether you're preparing for a full evening of holiday decorating or a family get-together, this cake is the ideal treat. Make it ahead of time, and store it in the freezer for an easy, elegant dessert option. If you have a fancy bundt pan, this cake will undoubtedly take center stage at your holiday dessert table, making it not just a treat, but a beautiful conversation piece. Don't forget, using freshly grated nutmeg can elevate the flavor and aroma to a whole new level. If your eggnog supply runs dry, a simple mixture of light cream and eggnog flavor will suffice!
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet dried cherries
1/2 cup (very coarsely chopped)
Brandy or vanilla extract
1 tablespoon or 2 teaspoons (as needed)
Chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup (as needed)
Light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Unbleached flour
1/4 cup (for filling)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks, 12 ounces) (at room temperature)
Sugar
2 cups (as needed)
Grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated is preferred)
Salt
1 teaspoon (as needed)
Large eggs
4 (as needed)
Dark rum or brandy (optional)
1/4 cup (as needed)
Unbleached flour
3 1/2 cups (for cake)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (as needed)
Eggnog or light cream
1 1/4 cups (as needed)
Glazing sugar or confectioners' sugar
4 ounces (as needed)
Milk or cream
2 teaspoons (as needed)
Vanilla extract or eggnog flavor
1 teaspoon or 1/4 teaspoon (as needed)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated is preferred)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the filling: Mix the dried cherries with brandy or vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add chopped nuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir well to combine and set aside, allowing the cherries to absorb the liquid evenly, stirring occasionally.
2
Now, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lightly grease a 10-inch tube or bundt-style pan with butter or non-stick spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, sugar, freshly grated nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4
Add the eggs individually, mixing well after each addition until the batter is airy and well-combined. Then, incorporate the optional dark rum or brandy into the mixture.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unbleached flour and baking powder. Gradually mix one-third of this flour mixture into the butter mixture, then add one-third of the eggnog or cream. Repeat this process, scraping the bowl sides and bottom as needed, until all flour and liquid are well incorporated.
6
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the cherry and nut filling over this layer, then top with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly.
7
Gently smooth the top of the batter. Lift the pan a few inches off the counter and drop it to release any large air bubbles.
8
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
9
After 20 minutes, use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake, then invert the pan to release the cake onto the rack to cool completely.
10
To prepare the glaze, mix together the glazing sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with a little water if necessary for drizzling consistency.
11
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to flow down the sides. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
1.2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Eggnog Delight Cake?
It is a moist bundt cake enriched with eggnog, nutmeg, and spirits, featuring sweet dried cherries and crunchy nuts.
What pan is recommended for this cake?
A 10-inch tube or bundt-style pan is required for this recipe.
How long should the cake bake?
Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes, the cake can be made ahead of time for easy holiday entertaining.
How should I store the Festive Eggnog Delight Cake?
You can store the cake in the freezer as an easy and elegant dessert option.
Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, storing it in the freezer is a great way to keep it fresh for future gatherings.
What can I use if I run out of eggnog?
A simple mixture of light cream and eggnog flavor will suffice as a substitute.
What kind of dried fruit is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sweet dried cherries, very coarsely chopped.
What types of nuts are suitable for the filling?
Chopped walnuts or pecans work best for the crunchy nut component of the filling.
Does this cake contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe includes brandy or dark rum, although some additions are optional.
Which alcohols are recommended for the best flavor?
Dark rum or brandy are recommended to enhance the festive holiday flavors.
Can the alcohol be omitted or substituted?
Yes, you can use vanilla extract in the filling instead of brandy, and the rum in the cake batter is optional.
What is the primary spice used in the batter?
Grated nutmeg is the primary spice used to give the cake its signature warm flavor.
Why is freshly grated nutmeg recommended?
Freshly grated nutmeg elevates the flavor and aroma of the cake to a whole new level.
How do I remove air bubbles from the batter before baking?
Lift the pan a few inches off the counter and drop it gently to release any large air bubbles.
How long should the cake cool in the pan after baking?
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes before attempting to remove it.
What is the best way to remove the cake from the pan?
Use a knife to loosen the edges, then invert the pan to release the cake onto a cooling rack.
What ingredients make up the cherry and nut filling?
The filling consists of dried cherries, brandy or vanilla, chopped nuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.
How do I make the glaze for the cake?
Whisk together glazing sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
How can I adjust the consistency of the glaze?
If the glaze is too thick, adjust it with a little water until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
What beverages pair well with this cake?
This cake pairs exquisitely with a steaming cup of coffee or aromatic tea.
Should the butter be at room temperature?
Yes, the unsalted butter should be at room temperature to ensure it can be beaten until light and fluffy.
How many eggs are needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs, added individually to the batter.
What type of flour should I use?
Unbleached flour is used for both the filling and the main cake batter.
What is the texture of the Festive Eggnog Delight Cake?
The cake is moist and beautifully studded with plump cherries and crunchy nuts for a delightful texture.
Can I use a tube pan instead of a bundt pan?
Yes, a 10-inch tube pan is a perfectly acceptable alternative to a bundt-style pan.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
Is this cake suitable for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely, it is designed specifically for holiday gatherings and cozy winter afternoons.
How many total ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe utilizes a total of 19 different ingredients.