Decadent Eggnog Cake
Eggnog Cake is a festive and indulgent dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe uses a large store-bought angel food cake as the base, layered with a rich, creamy filling made from butter, powdered sugar, egg yolks, chopped toasted almonds, and a hint of bourbon and rum. The whipped cream topping, flavored with more bourbon, rum, and almond extract, makes this cake irresistibly luscious. The toasted almond macarons add a delicious crunch between the layers. Serve this cake chilled for a true holiday treat that captures the warmth of eggnog flavors.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:

Eggnog Cake
Eggnog Cake History
Eggnog-flavored desserts have been around for centuries, with eggnog itself being a traditional holiday beverage. The drink’s origins go back to medieval Europe, where “posset,” a hot, milky, ale-based drink, was enjoyed. Eggnog later made its way to America, where rum or bourbon was added, making it a favorite during Christmas celebrations.
Layer cakes, like this Eggnog Cake, became popular in the 19th century, especially as baking techniques and ingredients improved. Using alcohol in desserts became trendy in the early 20th century, and adding flavors like bourbon and rum to cakes became synonymous with special occasions. This Eggnog Cake recipe is a modern twist on those traditions, combining the light texture of angel food cake with the rich flavors of eggnog and holiday spices.
Timeline
- Medieval Era: Posset, the predecessor to eggnog, becomes popular in Europe.
- 18th Century: Eggnog is introduced to America, becoming a holiday tradition.
- 19th Century: Layer cakes gain popularity as baking technology advances.
- 20th Century: Alcohol-infused desserts become a trend for festive occasions.
Recipe Discussion
The base of this cake is a pre-made angel food cake, which saves time and provides a light, airy texture. The rich filling starts with creamed butter and powdered sugar, followed by egg yolks for a custard-like consistency. The chopped toasted almonds add a nutty flavor, while bourbon and rum bring depth and warmth. A touch of almond extract enhances the nuttiness, complementing the overall flavor profile.
Toasted and ground almond macarons are used between the layers, adding a delightful crunch and an extra almond flavor. The whipped cream topping is lightly sweetened and flavored with more bourbon and rum, creating a boozy, creamy finish that ties everything together. The cake is best when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to set up beautifully in the refrigerator.
Popular Cake Recipes & Articles:
– Lemon Cake Recipes, History, and Baking Tips
– Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Pound Cake
– Vintage Cake Recipes and Baking Tips
– Understanding Leavening Agents
– The Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
– The Science of Creaming Butter and Sugar
– Cake Mix Upsizer
Preparation Tips
- Use fresh egg yolks: Make sure your eggs are fresh for the richest flavor and best texture.
- Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor. Be sure to let them cool before chopping.
- Cream butter and sugar well: Beat until light and fluffy to ensure a smooth filling.
- Chill overnight: Letting the cake sit overnight allows the flavors to develop and the filling to firm up.
- Whip cream just before serving: For the freshest texture, whip the cream just before spreading it over the cake.
- Use a serrated knife: When slicing the angel food cake into layers, use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap: This prevents the cake from drying out while it chills in the refrigerator.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Angled Spatula: Useful for spreading the filling and whipped cream evenly.
- Serrated Cake Knife: Essential for slicing the angel food cake without crushing it.
- Nut Grinder: Great for chopping toasted almonds and almond macarons evenly.
- Stand Mixer: Ideal for whipping cream quickly and efficiently.
- Decorative Cake Stand: Perfect for displaying this beautiful holiday cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a bright, tangy contrast to the rich cake.
- Hot coffee or eggnog: Serve with a warm drink to complement the cake’s flavors.
- Drizzle of caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds extra sweetness and a festive flair.
- Toasted almond garnish: Sprinkle extra toasted almonds on top for added crunch and decoration.
- Whipped cream dollop: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice for a luxurious finish.
- Chocolate shavings: Grate dark chocolate over the cake for a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
A Holiday Showstopper
This Eggnog Cake is a true holiday showstopper, blending the flavors of eggnog, almonds, and a hint of booze for a luxurious dessert. It’s perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared a day in advance, making it both convenient and impressive. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear quickly—it’s a memorable treat that everyone will love.
Vintage Recipe Box 350
This is all we know about this box at this time. We will update the information if we learn anything new.
Vintage Recipe Box 350 comes to us from Atlanta, Georgia. Click here to view all the recipes included in Vintage Recipe Box 350. Click here to view all of the Vintage Recipe Boxes we have published in our collection.
Start Your Recipe Box
- Start your recipe box or your family or friends. View New and Vintage Recipe Boxes
- View Recipe Cards and Templates
- View Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves
Vintage Goodies
- Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy
- Vintage Recipes on Amazon
- Vintage Cookbooks on eBay
- Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Eggnog Cake (VRP 350)
Ingredients
- 1 large angel food cake
- 1/2 pound sweet butter
- 1/2 pound powdered sugar
- 5 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/2 - 1/3 cup bourbon
- 2-3 tablespoons run
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 dozen almond macaroons, toasted and ground
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 2 tablespoons powered sugar
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 tablespoon rum
Instructions
- Slice cake 3 times to yield 4 layers
- Cream butter and powdered sugar, add egg yolks
- Stir in 3/4 cup almonds, bourbon, rum, almond extract, and macaroons
- Spread between layers; cover with plastic wrap and store overnight in refrigerator
More dessert recipes
See them allDo you know this handwriting?
If this recipe looks like one from your family’s kitchen, or you grew up eating this, tell us below.
Leave a memory
I made this cake a few times back in the 90s out of a vintage cookbook my roommate had. For the last 4 ingredients you folded them together to make a spiked icing and frosted the cake. I think it suggested you sprinkle some almonds over it for decoration. It’s delicious and boozy!