The holiday season always calls for cozy breakfasts and decadent treats, and nothing captures the festive spirit quite like Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake. Imagine waking up to the warm, spicy aroma of nutmeg and rich eggnog mingling in a tender, moist cake that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s effortless. By prepping it the night before, you can wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple.
Eggnog coffee cake is the perfect combination of soft, spiced batter and a buttery streusel topping, finished with a sweet glaze that enhances the festive flavors. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or a cozy winter weekend, this cake will impress without keeping you in the kitchen all night. The richness of eggnog, the slight tang of sour cream, and the warm spices make it a standout treat for any gathering or quiet morning at home.
Recipe Overview
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake is a spiced, moist cake layered with a buttery streusel topping and drizzled with a smooth eggnog glaze. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa. The combination of nutmeg, vanilla or rum extract, and rich eggnog creates a festive flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 8 oz. container sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or rum extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons eggnog
Step-by-Step Instructions
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan to prepare it for the batter. In a small bowl, combine the streusel ingredients—1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg—until crumbly. Set aside. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the eggnog, sour cream, vanilla or rum extract, and eggs until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over it. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the batter to firm up.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the pan from the fridge and uncover it. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and 1 to 2 tablespoons eggnog until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before serving to add an extra touch of sweetness and festive flair.
Cooking Tips & Variations
For a perfectly tender and flavorful cake, always use room-temperature eggs and butter when mixing the batter. This ensures even incorporation and a light texture. If you like a more pronounced nutmeg flavor, consider adding a pinch more to both the batter and the streusel.
You can also experiment with variations: substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty taste, or add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch. For an extra festive twist, sprinkle a few cinnamon or nutmeg dusted sugar crystals on top after glazing. If you prefer, swap vanilla extract for rum extract to intensify the holiday flavor.
This cake is wonderfully adaptable for make-ahead gatherings. Refrigerate the covered pan overnight, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or wrapped tightly in foil and refrigerated for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a perfect festive morning treat. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent brunch experience. This cake is ideal for holiday gatherings, family breakfasts, or a cozy winter weekend breakfast.
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake combines the warmth of holiday spices with the richness of eggnog in a make-ahead, stress-free treat. Its tender, moist texture and crumbly, buttery streusel topping make it irresistible for both family and guests. Drizzled with a smooth eggnog glaze, this cake brings festive cheer and delicious flavor to any breakfast table. Preparing it overnight allows for a simple, effortless morning bake, so you can enjoy a fresh, cozy, and indulgent holiday breakfast with minimal fuss.
Whether it’s a special holiday morning or a treat for yourself, this coffee cake promises to delight with every bite and make your seasonal gatherings memorable.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this cake without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, you can bake immediately, but chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and the batter to firm for better texture.
2. Can I use non-dairy eggnog or milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy eggnog works well for a dairy-free option.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to five days.
4. Can I make this cake ahead for a holiday brunch?
Yes! The make-ahead feature is one of the best things about this recipe. Refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
5. Can I add nuts or spices to the streusel?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a dash of cinnamon can elevate the streusel topping.
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake is a festive, make-ahead breakfast treat with spiced batter, buttery streusel, and a sweet eggnog glaze. Perfect for holiday mornings.
