Eggnog Tres Leches Cake
Ingredients
- 15.3 ozbox white cake mix
- 1 ceggnog
- ½ cvegetable oil
- 4 largeeggs
- 1 tsppure vanilla extract
- ½ tspground nutmeg
- 1 ceggnog
- ½ csweetened condensed milk
- ½ cevaporated milk
- 2 ccold heavy whipping cream
- ½ cpowdered sugar
- 1 tsppure vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
Directions
Cake instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, mix (1) 15.25 white cake mix, 1 cup eggnog, ½ cup vegetable oil, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Beat with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for at least 15–20 minutes.
- 3
Once the cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, use a skewer, a fork, or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about every inch or so. Then allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. A warm cake absorbs the tres leche too quickly and can collapse or become mushy.
Tres leches soak instructions
- 1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of eggnog, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup of evaporated milk. Once blended, slowly pour the tres leche mixture evenly over the cake. If the soak pools on the top, allow the cake to sit for a few minutes before adding more of the soak. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or preferably, overnight.
Frosting instructions
- 1
Once the cake has set, prepare the whipped cream. In a large, cold mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of cold heavy cream, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- 2
Use an offset or rubber spatula to gently spread a thick layer of the homemade whipped cream all over the top of the cake. Then sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the top of the whipped cream right before serving. Slice into squares and ENJOY!
Eggnog Tres Leches Cake
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About this Recipe
Craving a festive dessert that captures the spirit of the season with rich, cozy flavor? This Eggnog Tres Leches Cake is your answer, delivering an elegant Christmas treat that's surprisingly simple to create.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by combining the convenience of a boxed cake mix with the indulgent, homemade touch of a classic tres leches soak and freshly whipped cream. The unique incorporation of eggnog not once, but twice—in the cake batter and in the signature three-milk mixture—infuses every bite with unmistakable holiday cheer. Best of all, this Christmas cake recipe is designed to taste even better the next day, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.
What to Expect
You're in for a truly delightful experience. Each forkful of this Eggnog Tres Leches Cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the luscious three-milk soak that permeates the tender crumb. The cake boasts a delicate texture, while the rich, creamy topping adds an airy lightness. You'll savor the sweet, spiced notes of eggnog throughout, perfectly complemented by hints of vanilla and warming nutmeg. It’s a decadent yet comforting dessert, ideal for any holiday gathering, despite its approachable method.
Customization & Variations
While the eggnog flavor is central to this Christmas dessert, you can easily adjust the garnishes to suit your taste. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or additional ground nutmeg offers a beautiful visual and an extra layer of spice. For a touch of textural contrast, you could also add a very light sprinkle of toasted pecans or candied ginger to the top if desired, though the traditional spices are truly all it needs.
Serving & Context
This Eggnog Tres Leches Cake is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Serve it chilled, allowing the creamy textures and festive flavors to truly shine. It's fantastic on its own, perhaps with a mug of coffee or, fittingly, an extra glass of chilled eggnog.