Name: Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon fine salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/3 cup eggnog, room temperature; 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 4 to 5 tablespoons eggnog; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Sprinkles, for garnish

There's something about the warm, spicy scent of eggnog mixed with a perfectly crumbly cake that feels like holiday magic. This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe captures that cozy vibe with every bite — moist, flavorful, and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb that's simply irresistible.

A close-up image of a rectangular metal baking pan filled with a baked dessert with a crumbly golden-brown texture visible beneath a layer of white icing. The icing looks smooth and unevenly spread with thicker patches scattered across the surface. Small red and green star-shaped sprinkles and tiny silver ball sprinkles are scattered over the icing, adding colorful accents. The pan is set on a red cloth with a white checked pattern, all on a white marbled surface. A large silver spatula with a slotted design rests near the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe — the kitchen smelled like Christmas morning, and the crumb topping had that perfect balance of sweet and spicy that kept me sneaking slice after slice. It's one of those recipes that invites cozy catch-ups with friends or quiet moments with coffee.

Rich Seasonal Flavor: Eggnog brings that classic holiday taste into a cake, giving it depth and warmth without overpowering sweetness.
Perfectly Crumbly Topping: The cinnamon-nutmeg crumb topping adds texture and a little crunch, turning each bite into something special.
Easy to Make: Despite feeling fancy, it's straightforward enough for weeknight baking or last-minute holiday treats.
Versatile for Gifting: Makes a beautiful homemade gift or centerpiece on any holiday dessert table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe plays a role in creating that moist, tender crumb and flavorful holiday vibe. Choosing quality unsalted butter and fresh spices makes a real difference in the taste.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale all-purpose flour, a small bowl of light brown sugar, a small bowl of ground cinnamon with warm brown tones, a small bowl of ground nutmeg with fine texture, a small bowl of fine salt with tiny white grains, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, a small bowl of baking powder with fine white powder, a small bowl of baking soda also white and powdery, a stick of unsalted butter at room temperature with a smooth, creamy surface, a small bowl of granulated white sugar with sparkling crystals, one large brown egg with a clean uncracked shell, a small white bowl filled with creamy pale beige eggnog, a small white bowl with thick white sour cream, a small bowl of light amber vanilla extract, a small bowl of finely sifted powdered sugar, and a small bowl of multicolored sprinkles, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake and crumb; it gives structure but keeps the crumb tender if measured correctly.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the crumb topping.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Warm spices that evoke that classic eggnog flavor and seasonal comfort.
Unsalted butter: Melted for the crumb and softened for the cake layers ensures richness and moistness.
Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the cake a light rise and tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough without being cloying.
Large egg: Adds moisture and helps with the cake’s structure.
Eggnog: The star ingredient! Brings that unmistakable holiday flavor and a bit of extra moisture.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and slight tang, balancing the sweetness and giving the cake a tender bite.
Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and rounds out all the festive spices.
Powdered sugar: Blended with eggnog and spices for a delicate glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.
Sprinkles (optional): A fun festive touch if you want to add a bit of color and cheer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What’s wonderful about this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it based on your tastes. I often swap out warm spices or try different toppings depending on the season or occasion.

Variation: For a boozy twist, I sometimes add a tablespoon of spiced rum or bourbon to the cake batter—it turns it into a grown-up holiday treat.
Dietary modifications: Try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities—you might like to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for the best texture.
Seasonal changes: During the spring, I've experimented with adding citrus zest to brighten the flavors while keeping the crumb topping intact.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe

Three square pieces of crumb cake sit on a white plate with a gold rim, placed on a red cloth with white and green plaid patterns. Each piece has two layers: a thick yellow cake base and a crumbly, light brown topping layer with a drizzle of white icing. Small red and green star-shaped sprinkles and tiny silver balls decorate the icing on the crumbly topping. In the background, there is a blurred white cup, and a white marble surface is visible beneath the cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Spiced Crumb Topping

Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix here; you want that perfect crumbly texture for topping. I usually set this aside while I prep the cake batter—trust me, it builds anticipation!

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. In your mixer, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then alternate whisking in the dry ingredients and eggnog mixed with sour cream. Mixing until just combined keeps the cake tender and moist.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour half the cake batter into your greased pan, then sprinkle half the crumb topping evenly over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and crumb mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean but the crumb is golden and crisp.

Step 4: Drizzle with Eggnog Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and drizzlable. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top and add festive sprinkles if you want that holiday wow factor.

Top Tip

I’ve baked countless crumb cakes, and I’ve noticed these tips take your Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Measure Flour Carefully: Use a spoon and level method to prevent dense cake - fluff flour first for the lightest crumb.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggnog, butter, eggs, and sour cream should be at room temp for smooth batter and even baking.
Don't Overmix Batter: Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients come together to keep the cake tender.
Crumb Layer Thickness: Don’t be shy with the crumb topping; a generous layer gives the best texture contrast.

How to Serve Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top or a light drizzle of the eggnog glaze. When I’m feeling festive, I add a few crunchy sprinkles or even crushed pecans to brighten things up and add extra texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or hot spiced cider. For a brunch spread, I enjoy serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt topped with granola for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like serving individual squares on mini dessert plates, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. It makes the presentation feel extra special without added fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Eggnog Crumb Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the crumb topping crispier, avoid sealing it when fully warm—letting it cool uncovered first helps maintain texture.

Freezing

I freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight. It holds flavor and texture well, making it perfect for prepping holiday desserts ahead of time.

Reheating

Warm single slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to revive that freshly baked feel without drying the crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought eggnog in this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and is the easiest choice when making this cake—just make sure it's at room temperature before adding it to the batter for the best results.

Can I make this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe dairy-free?

You can! Substitute dairy butter with a plant-based alternative and swap sour cream for coconut or almond yogurt. The texture might be slightly different, but the holiday spices and flavor will still shine through.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking?

Make sure your crumb topping is well chilled or even slightly chilled before sprinkling over the batter, and don't press it in. Also, the batter shouldn't be too thin; following the recipe measurements carefully helps keep toppings on top.

Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes! You can easily double the recipe to fill a larger pan or make two cakes. Just keep an eye on the baking time, adding a few minutes if necessary, and test doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe reminds me why I enjoy baking for the holidays — the way a few simple ingredients, combined with a little time and care, yield a cake that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I genuinely hope you enjoy baking and sharing this festive treat as much as I do. It’s perfect for family breakfasts, holiday gifts, or a cozy afternoon treat whenever you want a taste of that special season.