As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festivities than with a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of eggnog with the rich comfort of coffee cake. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake, a treat that merges creamy, dreamy eggnog flavor with the familiar, comforting base of traditional coffee cake. Whether for a holiday brunch, a cheerful gathering, or an indulgent breakfast, this recipe will impress and satisfy.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about making Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake—from ingredient insights and step-by-step instructions to storage tips and fun variations. So, preheat your oven, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s get baking!
Understanding the Essence of Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday favorite, celebrated for creamy texture and rich flavors, typically from milk, cream, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, and vanilla. It enhances flavor, moisture, and richness in baking, creating a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Incorporating eggnog into coffee cake extends its joy from glass to oven, making it a memorable brunch centerpiece.
The Ingredient Breakdown
Key Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
The structure backbone. Use fresh flour for best texture. - Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps tender crumb formation. - Baking Powder & Baking Soda
Leavening agents to ensure perfect rise. - Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. - Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Warm spices for cozy holiday aroma, freshly grated nutmeg preferred. - Eggnog
The starring flavor. Use quality or homemade for best taste. - Eggs
Bind ingredients and add richness. - Unsalted Butter
Adds moisture and flavor; soften for mixing ease. - Vanilla Extract
Enhances and complements eggnog flavor. - Powdered Sugar
For sweet glaze finishing touch.
Optional Ingredients
- Chopped Nuts (walnuts or pecans for crunch)
- Dried Fruit or Chocolate Chips (additional texture/flavor)
- Cream Cheese (for added creaminess in batter)
Health and Nutritional Insights
Rich ingredients mean richer calories and fats. Substitute half butter with Greek yogurt and reduced-fat eggnog for lighter options. Gluten-free version possible with flour swap, suitable for all guests.
Step-by-Step Method for Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: Overnight prep including resting
Making the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp grated nutmeg together.
- In another bowl, whisk 1 cup eggnog, 2 eggs, ½ cup melted butter (cooled), and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
- Fold in optional nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips if used.
- Pour batter into baking dish, spread evenly.
- Bake 40-45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then move to wire rack to cool completely.
Overnight Setup
- Wrap cake with plastic wrap or foil after cooled. Let sit overnight at room temperature to intensify flavor and moisture.
- Prepare glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp eggnog, and splash of vanilla until thick yet pourable.
- Drizzle glaze over cake when serving the next day.
Tips, Pro Advice, and Mistakes to Avoid
- Mix batter gently to prevent toughness.
- Use room temperature ingredients for uniform texture.
- Check cake doneness starting a few minutes early with toothpick test.
- Don’t skip resting overnight for best flavor development.
Variations and Swaps
- Try orange or lemon zest for citrus twist.
- Swap nuts to almonds or hazelnuts.
- Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger.
- Use whole wheat flour or sugar substitutes for healthier versions.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store wrapped cake at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. To reheat, microwave slices for 15-20 seconds or warm whole cake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Insights
- Calories: ~200-250 per slice
- Fat: ~10 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Protein: ~3 g
FAQs
Can I use store-bought eggnog? Yes, choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
Can I prepare this cake ahead? Absolutely; make it the night before and let sit overnight.
Is there a dairy-free option? Use non-dairy milk and butter substitutes and look for dairy-free eggnog.
Can I freeze it? Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before use.
Other topping ideas? Whipped cream, powdered sugar dusting, or ice cream.
Conclusion
This Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake is more than a recipe — it’s a festive tradition filled with warmth, flavor, and shared memories. Whether for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this cake will delight every palate. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring!
Explore more festive favorites like Pumpkin Bars, Lasagna Soup, and Apple Crisp.
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Ensure fresh flour for optimal results.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste but helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder Ensure it is fresh for optimal lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Evokes a cozy holiday vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg Freshly grated for more intense aroma.
- 1 cup Eggnog Use high-quality eggnog for the best flavor.
- 2 large Eggs Help bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted Ensure it’s softened to room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances the flavor.
For the Icing
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Eggnog
- 1 splash Vanilla Extract Adds flavor to the icing.
Optional Ingredients
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) Optional for added crunch.
- Dried Fruit or Chocolate Chips For added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Can be blended into the batter for creaminess.
Instructions
Making the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk eggnog, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
- Gently fold in any optional ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Overnight Setup
- This enhances the flavors and moisture.
- In the morning, prepare the icing by combining powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake before serving.
