Introduction

Eggnog Dump Cake is a simple and festive dessert that combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the ease of a dump cake. This delightful treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights, offering a warm, spiced custard base topped with a crisp, buttery crumb.

A thick square slice of coffee crumb cake is placed on a white plate with a thin gold rim, sitting on a white marbled surface with gold streaks. The cake has four visible layers: the bottom layer is a dense, medium-brown crumb base, above that is a smooth light beige cream layer with a wave pattern of a slightly darker brown cream intertwined within it. The upper part is a thick, crumbly topping of golden-brown streusel studded with small and large lumps, sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder. A vintage silver spoon is on the left side of the plate, partially tucked under the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 of 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 (15.25 oz) of yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the eggnog mixture. Do not stir.
Step 5: Slowly drizzle 1/2 cup of melted butter over the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible. Do not mix.
Step 6: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Step 7: Let the dump cake cool for 10–15 minutes before scooping and serving. It sets as it cools.

Tips & Variations

Use a high-fat eggnog for the richest flavor.
Do not mix the cake mix into the wet ingredients—just sprinkle it evenly on top.
Let the melted butter cool slightly before drizzling to maintain the right texture.
Add a pinch more nutmeg if you prefer a stronger spice flavor.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for deeper flavor.
Swap regular eggnog with dairy-free nog to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch.
Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the cake mix before drizzling butter.

Storage

Store any leftover dump cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm before serving. You can also freeze the cake wrapped in foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before enjoying.

How to Serve

A thick slice of crumb cake sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim, showcasing four distinct layers. The bottom layer is a dense, light brown cake base, followed by a thick middle layer of smooth, light tan cream with soft, darker brown swirls. Above this is a thin, darker brown cake layer, topped with a generous golden crumb topping that is textured and uneven, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon or spice. A silver spoon lies under the slice on the plate, against a white marbled background with subtle gold veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, spice cake or white cake mixes both work well and can add different flavors to the dessert.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once cooled, store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh and safe to eat.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free eggnog and vegan butter substitutes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the original.

Is it supposed to be gooey in the middle?

Yes! The center sets into a soft custard-like texture while the top remains crisp and crumbly.