Easy Eggnog Crumb Cake
Easy Eggnog Crumb Cake
Introduction
Welcome to the world of holiday baking! As the festive season approaches, it’s time to indulge in the flavors that define this time of year. And what better way to embrace the spirit of the holidays than with a delicious and easy eggnog crumb cake? This recipe combines the rich and creamy taste of eggnog with a moist and tender cake base, topped with a delightful crumb topping. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a decadent dessert, this eggnog crumb cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this eggnog crumb cake. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any complicated techniques or fancy equipment – just a few simple ingredients and a desire to create something delicious. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, with a hint of warmth from the eggnog. And let’s not forget about the crumb topping – it adds a delightful crunch and adds a touch of sweetness to every bite.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re a fan of traditional eggnog or looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Simply swap out the eggnog for a non-dairy eggnog substitute or even a spiced almond milk, and you’ll still end up with a cake that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
To make this easy eggnog crumb cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: extra nutmeg for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering eggnog crumb cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggnog, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the crumb topping: 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- If desired, dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra touch of flavor.
Pro tip: To ensure a moist and tender cake, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir until the ingredients are just combined, and any lumps are gone. Overmixing can result in a denser texture.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to help you achieve the best results with your eggnog crumb cake:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help the batter come together smoothly and evenly.
- If you’re using store-bought eggnog, give it a good stir before measuring it out. This will ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- For an extra festive touch, add a splash of rum or bourbon to the batter.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the crumb topping or omit it altogether.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations and Substitutions
While this eggnog crumb cake is already delicious as is, you can get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added texture.
- Sprinkle some raisins or dried cranberries over the batter before adding the crumb topping for bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Substitute the eggnog with a non-dairy eggnog substitute or spiced almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This eggnog crumb cake is a delightful treat on its own, but it can be taken to the next level with a few serving suggestions:
For a decadent dessert, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The cold creaminess will beautifully complement the warm spices and moist cake.
If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, this cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a mug of hot cocoa. The rich flavors of the eggnog and spices will create a comforting and cozy experience.
FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about making eggnog crumb cake:
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this eggnog crumb cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought crumb topping?
A: While store-bought crumb topping can be convenient, homemade crumb topping adds a special touch to this cake. It’s easy to make and gives you control over the texture and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog crumb cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the holiday season. With its warm spices, moist texture, and delightful crumb topping, it’s a treat that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the aroma of eggnog and spices fill your home. Happy baking!
Easy Eggnog Crumb Cake
A delicious and easy holiday treat that combines the rich and creamy taste of eggnog with a moist and tender cake base, topped with a delightful crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup eggnog
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra nutmeg for dusting
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggnog, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
-
In a small bowl, combine ingredients for the crumb topping: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons cold butter. Mix until crumbly.
-
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.