Festive Eggnog Ladyfinger Delight
Indulge in the rich and creamy layers of this Festive Eggnog Ladyfinger Delight, a delightful dessert that infuses the classic holiday beverage, eggnog, into a beautifully layered cake. This cake features airy ladyfingers soaked in bourbon, a light and fluffy filling made from whipped butter and egg yolks, and a luscious whipped cream topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this cake serves up to 20 and brings warmth and cheer to your celebrations. Share it with family and friends and let the festive flavors of the season fill your home.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Powdered Sugar
1 box (sifted)
Eggs
5 (separated)
Bourbon
5 tablespoons
Chopped Nuts
1 cup (optional (e.g., walnuts or pecans))
Plain Ladyfingers
3 (3 ounce) packages (cut in half)
Whipping Cream
1/2 pint (chilled)
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2
Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
3
Mix the bourbon into the egg yolks and beat until well combined and slightly thickened.
4
Fold the egg yolk mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
5
Add the chopped nuts and stir gently to combine.
6
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the butter mixture until no streaks remain.
7
Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with halved ladyfingers, placing them upright against the sides.
8
Pour the eggnog mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly over the ladyfingers.
9
Top the mixture with additional ladyfinger halves, covering it completely.
10
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
11
Before serving, gently remove the cake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
12
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2 teaspoons of sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the sweetened whipped cream over the top of the cake.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Eggnog Ladyfinger Delight?
It is a rich, layered holiday dessert made with airy ladyfingers soaked in bourbon, a fluffy butter-egg filling, and a homemade whipped cream topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes enough for 20 servings, making it ideal for large holiday gatherings.
How long does the cake need to refrigerate?
The cake must be covered and refrigerated for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the structure to set.
Does this dessert require baking?
No, this is a chilled, no-bake dessert that sets in the refrigerator.
What kind of ladyfingers should I use?
The recipe calls for three 3-ounce packages of plain ladyfingers, which should be cut in half before use.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9-inch springform pan is required to properly build and release the layered cake.
How much bourbon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of bourbon mixed into the egg yolk mixture.
Are nuts required in this recipe?
Nuts are optional. If used, 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be stirred into the filling.
How do I prepare the eggs for the filling?
You must separate 5 eggs, beating the yolks with bourbon and whipping the whites separately until they form stiff peaks.
Should the butter be melted?
No, the butter should be softened at room temperature so it can be creamed with the powdered sugar.
What type of sugar is used for the main filling?
The filling uses one box of sifted powdered sugar.
How is the whipped cream topping prepared?
Whip 1/2 pint of chilled heavy cream with 2 teaspoons of sugar until soft peaks form, then spread it over the chilled cake.
How do I line the springform pan?
Line the bottom and sides of the pan with halved ladyfingers, placing them upright against the sides.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead?
While the recipe specifies whipping your own cream, you can use store-bought whipped topping if you prefer a faster option.
How do I fold the egg whites into the mixture?
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the butter and yolk mixture using a spatula until no streaks remain.
Is there actual liquid eggnog in the ingredients?
No, the recipe creates an eggnog-flavored filling using egg yolks, sugar, and bourbon rather than using pre-made liquid eggnog.
What should I do before serving the cake?
Gently remove the cake from the springform pan, place it on a serving platter, and top with freshly whipped cream.
Is the powdered sugar necessary?
Yes, it provides the sweetness and the necessary structure for the creamed butter base.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake is rich, creamy, and light with soft, bourbon-infused ladyfinger layers.
Can I make this dessert more than 24 hours in advance?
Yes, the cake can stay refrigerated for slightly longer than 24 hours, but it is best served fresh after the initial setting period.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
A mixer is highly recommended for creaming the butter and whipping the egg whites and heavy cream.
Why do the ladyfingers need to be halved?
Halving them allows them to fit better against the sides of the pan and creates more even layers.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavors are sweet cream, rich eggnog, and a hint of warm bourbon.
Is this a good dessert for Christmas?
Yes, with its eggnog theme and festive name, it is a classic choice for Christmas or New Year celebrations.
How much whipping cream is needed?
You will need 1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream.
What should I do if my egg whites won't form stiff peaks?
Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of grease or yolk, as any fat will prevent the whites from stiffening.
Can I use rum instead of bourbon?
Yes, rum is a common alternative to bourbon in eggnog recipes and would work well here.
How many packages of ladyfingers are used?
The recipe uses 3 packages, each weighing 3 ounces.
Is the recipe high in protein?
The recipe uses 5 eggs, but it is primarily a rich dessert rather than a high-protein meal.
Can children eat this cake?
Because the bourbon is not cooked out, this dessert contains raw alcohol and may not be suitable for children.