Eggnog Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
Eggnog Dump Cake is a simple, festive dessert perfect for the holiday season. With rich eggnog, warm spices, and a golden cake topping, this recipe delivers cozy flavors without any fuss. It’s ideal for home bakers who want impressive results with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 cups eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of eggnog, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the eggnog mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the eggnog mixture. Do NOT stir.
- Step 5: Slowly drizzle 1/2 cup melted butter over the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible without mixing.
- Step 6: Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Step 7: Let the cake rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use a high-fat eggnog for the richest flavor.
- Do not mix the cake mix into the wet ingredients; sprinkling it evenly is key to the texture.
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before drizzling to keep the texture just right.
- Add a pinch more nutmeg for a stronger spice hit.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Substitute spice cake mix for yellow cake mix to deepen the flavor.
- Try dairy-free eggnog to make a lactose-free version.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or white chocolate chips on top before baking for added texture and taste.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving. The cake can also be assembled the night before; simply cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Yes, homemade eggnog works wonderfully and can add extra richness and freshness to the cake’s flavor.
Do I need to mix the cake batter before baking?
No, this is a dump cake, so the cake mix is sprinkled over the liquid ingredients without stirring. This layering is what creates the unique texture of the dessert.
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Eggnog Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Eggnog Dump Cake is a delightfully easy holiday dessert that combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the convenience of a simple yellow cake mix. By layering eggnog, eggs, sugar, spices, and cake mix with melted butter and baking it all together, you get a luscious, custardy base topped with a golden, tender cake layer. This dump cake is perfect for festive gatherings and can be served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Other
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking during baking.
- Whisk the Wet Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of eggnog, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Wet Mixture: Pour this eggnog mixture carefully into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer at the bottom.
- Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the entire 15.25 oz box of yellow cake mix over the eggnog mixture. Do not stir or mix; just cover the wet layer completely with the dry mix.
- Drizzle the Butter: Slowly drizzle the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible without mixing.
- Bake It: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, indicating the custard underneath is set and the cake on top is cooked through.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the custard strengthen and the cake to set. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use a high-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and creaminess in the custard base.
- Do not mix the dry cake mix into the wet ingredients—this layering technique creates a unique texture with a custard bottom and cakey top.
- Allow melted butter to cool slightly before drizzling to help maintain the proper texture.
- Add a pinch more nutmeg for a stronger spice flavor if desired.
- Try using spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for more depth of flavor.
- You can substitute dairy-free eggnog to make the recipe dairy-friendly.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or white chocolate chips over the cake mix before drizzling butter for added texture and flavor.
- The mixtures can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving to save time.
- Fully baked cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: eggnog dump cake, holiday dessert, easy dessert, yellow cake mix recipe, custard cake, Christmas dessert, dump cake

