Our Amazing Mouth-Watering Eggnog Sheet Cake Recipe

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When the holiday season rolls around, there’s one flavor that stands out among the rest—eggnog. This creamy, indulgent drink is a true staple, but when you turn it into a dessert, magic happens! Our Eggnog Sheet Cake Recipe will quickly become a holiday favorite for all the eggnog lovers in your family. With its fluffy texture and rich eggnog flavor, topped with a smooth and creamy eggnog frosting, this delicious cake brings a holiday twist to the classic sheet cake. It’s easy to make and perfect for any holiday party or cozy night in.

So, if you’re someone like me who absolutely adores the flavors of Christmas, this homemade eggnog cake is your new go-to. Whether you’re already a fan of my Eggnog French Toast or Eggnog Cookies, this sheet cake is the perfect addition to your holiday dessert recipe collection.

What Makes Sheet Cake Different from Regular Cake?

The main difference between a sheet cake and a regular cake lies in the size and type of pan. A sheet cake is traditionally baked in a 13-inch cake pan or greased jelly roll pan, offering a larger surface area perfect for feeding a crowd. On the other hand, regular cakes are typically made in a 9×13 baking dish or cake pans for layered cakes. The beauty of a sheet cake is that it’s easier to serve, and you can even customize portions by decorating different sections with holiday sprinkles or toppings for variety.

This eggnog sheet cake recipe is versatile. If you’re not making a large sheet cake, you can still use a standard 9×13 baking dish by keeping the recipe as is. For a classic yellow sheet cake twist, simply double the recipe for a full sheet pan, and you’ll have a moist cake perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Eggnog Sheet Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter texture)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups cup sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 tsp vanilla extract (or rum extract for an extra flavor boost)
• 1¼ cups store-bought eggnog (or homemade eggnog if you prefer)

Directions:

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter. Set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour mixture—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving you a perfectly risen cake.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the unsalted butter and cup sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure the mixture is smooth and even.
5. Add Eggnog & Vanilla: Slowly pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract (or rum extract), continuing to mix on medium speed. The batter may look a little curdled, but that’s okay!
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture. You want a smooth cake batter.
7. ​Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the cake cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before transferring it out of the pan to cool completely. If you’re serving it in the pan, let it cool fully in the pan before frosting.

Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting

No eggnog sheet cake is complete without a generous layer of creamy eggnog frosting! This eggnog buttercream frosting is tangy, rich, and complements the subtle eggnog flavor of the cake perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup store-bought eggnog (add more if needed for consistency)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: White chocolate shavings or a light dusting of ground nutmeg for garnish

Directions:

1. Beat the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Eggnog: Gradually add in the eggnog and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog (1 tbsp at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat on medium speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and has a slight eggnog flavor.
4. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using an offset spatula. For an added touch, sprinkle the frosting with white chocolate shavings or a light dusting of ground nutmeg.

Storage Tips:

• If you have leftovers, store your eggnog sheet cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts:

This easy eggnog sheet cake is the ultimate holiday dessert—rich, fluffy, and full of eggnog flavor. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a festive treat to make for yourself! Whether you’re an avid baker or a first-time home cook, this eggnog cake recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to please.

So, next time you’re at the grocery store picking up your holiday essentials, be sure to grab some eggnog and give this holiday season classic a try. With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s a good idea to add this cake to your holiday baking list. Serve it with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee, and you’ll have a dessert that feels like a cozy Christmas morning in every bite.

FAQ Section:

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe, but you can also use homemade eggnog if you prefer a richer, more authentic flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

Can I add other flavors to the cake or frosting?
For a festive twist, you can add a teaspoon of nutmeg or rum extract to the cake batter or frosting for extra flavor.

Can I make this into cupcakes or a layer cake?
Yes! This eggnog sheet cake recipe can easily be adapted for cupcakes or even an eggnog layer cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How long does the eggnog sheet cake last?
This cake will last up to 3 days at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.

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