The holidays are a time for indulgence, cozy gatherings, and festive flavors, and this Caramel Eggnog Bundt Cake is the perfect dessert to bring all those elements together. With the rich, creamy taste of eggnog and the indulgent sweetness of caramel, this cake is a seasonal delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a holiday party, this bundt cake is sure to impress your guests. The moist, flavorful cake, combined with the warm spices of eggnog and the gooey caramel swirl, creates a perfect balance of sweetness that’s truly unforgettable. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a showstopper dessert that’s both easy to make and deliciously festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the Holidays: The combination of eggnog and caramel makes it a festive dessert that celebrates the flavors of the season.
Moist and Flavorful: The eggnog adds moisture and richness, resulting in a tender and flavorful cake.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this cake comes together quickly without much fuss.
Great for Sharing: The bundt cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, making it easy to serve and share.
Caramel Swirl: The sweet, gooey caramel swirl inside the cake adds an extra layer of indulgence that takes it over the top.

Ingredients

Butter (softened)
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Eggnog
Caramel sauce
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Variations

Spiced Rum: Add a tablespoon of rum or rum extract to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the eggnog.
Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.
Glaze: Drizzle a caramel or vanilla glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients to enhance the warm, holiday spices in the cake.
Non-dairy: Use a dairy-free eggnog and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture alternately with eggnog, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Add Caramel

Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan, then drizzle with caramel sauce.

Step 6: Swirl the Caramel

Top with the remaining batter and use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do Not Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Grease the Pan Well: Ensure your bundt pan is greased thoroughly to make sure the cake comes out easily after baking.
Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check the cake with a toothpick.
Caramel Layer: For a more even caramel distribution, drizzle the caramel throughout the batter, not just in the middle.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve

This Caramel Eggnog Bundt Cake is delicious served on its own, or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or cozy evenings by the fire. Serve it alongside a warm cup of eggnog or coffee to complete the festive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature for a few hours before dusting with powdered sugar.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake pan?

Yes, you can use a regular round or square cake pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

2. Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will work just as well and adds an extra touch of flavor.

3. Can I make this cake without caramel sauce?

If you prefer, you can leave out the caramel swirl and just make a plain eggnog bundt cake. It’s still delicious!

4. Can I make this cake a day ahead of time?

Yes, this cake holds up well overnight. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

5. Can I use low-fat eggnog?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat eggnog for the regular version if you’re looking for a lighter option.

6. Can I add frosting to this cake?

While the cake is delicious on its own, you can also add a light frosting, such as cream cheese frosting, for an extra layer of sweetness.

7. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly, or even use a flour-and-oil baking spray for extra protection.

8. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

9. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter, but if you use salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt.

10. Can I serve this cake with a glaze?

Yes, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake if you prefer a more decadent touch.

Conclusion

This Caramel Eggnog Bundt Cake is a perfect blend of rich, spiced flavors and indulgent sweetness. It’s an ideal dessert to add to your holiday celebrations, offering a delightful twist on the traditional eggnog flavors. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a caramel swirl, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for family or gifting it to friends, it’s a delicious treat that captures the essence of the season. Make it today and enjoy a slice of holiday bliss!