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 irresistibly cozy about a tender crumb cake that’s infused with holiday spices and creamy eggnog flavor. This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe transforms a simple crumb cake into a festive treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, once you taste it, it’s going to be a new seasonal favorite.

A close-up of a silver rectangular baking pan filled with a single-layer yellow crumbly cake topped with uneven white glaze spread across the surface. Scattered on the glaze are small red and green star-shaped sprinkles and tiny silver ball-shaped sprinkles. The pan rests on a bright red cloth with a white pattern, and a large metal spatula with a gray handle is positioned on the right side. The background features a white marbled texture 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

This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe is one I reach for every holiday season because it brings together the best of both worlds—the rich, nostalgic flavor of eggnog and the buttery, crunchy crumb topping that takes crumb cake to the next level. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, a snack I don’t mind eating for breakfast!

Festive Flavor: The cake’s subtle warm spices and eggnog make it uniquely seasonal and deliciously memorable.
Perfect Crumb Topping: Buttery and crisp with just the right balance of cinnamon and nutmeg that complements the cake underneath.
Moist and Tender: Thanks to the sour cream and eggnog in the batter, the cake stays soft and flavorful for days.
Simple to Make: You don’t need advanced baking skills or fancy equipment to nail this recipe; it’s straightforward and forgiving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe plays its part in creating the cake’s layers of flavor and texture. Using quality spices and room temperature dairy products really helps the batter blend smoothly, while the mix of baking powder and soda ensures a light yet moist crumb.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with packed light brown sugar, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl with fine salt, a small white bowl holding melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl with baking soda, a cube of unsalted butter at room temperature, a small white bowl packed with granulated sugar, a single large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl filled with creamy eggnog, a small white bowl with sour cream, a small white bowl containing vanilla extract, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white bowl with colorful sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically 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: Forms the base of both the crumb and the cake, providing structure without being too heavy.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the crumb topping.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic holiday spices that bring depth and warmth.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level; melted butter in the crumb gives it that crispness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise evenly for a tender bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter perfectly, balancing the spices.
Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
Eggnog: The star of the show; it infuses the cake with creamy, nutmeg-spiced goodness.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet warmth.
Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for that perfect sweet finish without being overpowering.
Sprinkles (optional): Because sometimes, a little festive sparkle just makes everything better.

📝

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

I love how versatile this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or the occasion. Over the years, I’ve played around with different spice blends and even made it with dairy-free eggnog to suit friends’ needs.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the nutmeg for ground cardamom or ginger for a slightly different holiday spice profile—it’s a fun twist that keeps things interesting.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and a plant-based eggnog to make this eggnog crumb cake totally dairy-free without losing any of the flavor.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added texture and a nutty note.
Mini Muffin Version: Bake this batter in mini muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for brunch gatherings or gift boxes.

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

The image shows a white plate with three square pieces of crumb cake on a white marbled surface. Each cake has three layers: a light golden yellow bottom layer with a soft, fluffy texture, a middle layer of light brown cinnamon filling, and a crumbly topping of light brown streusel. The top is drizzled with smooth white icing and decorated with small silver balls and red and green star-shaped sprinkles. Behind the plate, there is a clear glass of milk and a red cloth with a white and green checkered pattern. A silver fork is placed near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip up the Crunchy Crumb Topping

Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir everything together with a fork until it looks like coarse crumbs. The key is to get big chunks because that buttery texture is what makes the crumb topping amazing once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Fluffy Cake Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the eggnog, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender crumb.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Spread the cake batter evenly in a greased 9x9 inch pan, then generously sprinkle the crumb topping all over. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it cool before the next step.

Step 4: Glaze for the Finishing Touch

Mix powdered sugar with eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake and, if you’re feeling festive, add some sprinkles on top. That glaze adds a luscious sweetness and a beautiful shine that makes everyone’s eyes light up.

Top Tip

From my experience baking this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe, these tips helped me avoid common blunders and get the best possible texture and flavor every time. I want you to enjoy that perfect balance of crumbly topping and moist cake, so here’s what I’ve learned.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Beat the egg, butter, sour cream, and eggnog at room temp for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, fold gently just until blended to keep the crumb tender.
Chunky Crumb: Resist breaking down the crumb topping too much; those big clumps make for amazing texture contrasts.
Cool Before Glazing: Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the glaze, or it’ll melt and run off rather than setting nicely.

How to Serve Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the glaze, but sometimes I add festive colored sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra visual appeal. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone on the side also pairs beautifully if you want to elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

For a cozy breakfast or brunch, I like serving this crumb cake with hot coffee or spiced chai. It also makes a lovely dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or a cup of mulled cider, especially during holiday dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

At holiday parties, I’ve arranged the cake squares on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries scattered around for a rustic festive vibe. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper and tying with twine makes for a charming homemade gift, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover eggnog crumb cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It stays moist and fresh, though the crumb topping might soften a little—still delicious either way!

Freezing

Freezing this cake works wonderfully. I slice it before freezing, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature—it tastes almost like freshly baked.

Reheating

I warm leftover pieces in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds just to refresh that crumbly top without drying the cake. That quick reheat brings back the “just-baked” feeling I love so much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog adds a rich, creamy flavor and you can control the sweetness, which makes the cake even more special. Just make sure your eggnog is well chilled and at room temperature before mixing into the batter.

How can I make this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Swap out the unsalted butter for a dairy-free spread or coconut oil and choose a plant-based eggnog. For the sour cream, you can use coconut yogurt or a store-bought dairy-free sour cream alternative. The texture will remain wonderfully moist.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

Keep it covered at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing individual slices is your best bet, and then thaw as needed.

Can I make this cake ahead for a holiday party?

Yes! You can bake it a day or two ahead. Just wait to add the glaze until shortly before serving so it stays fresh and looks perfect. This makes hosting so much easier!

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe has become a little holiday tradition in my kitchen—and now, I hope it can become one in yours. It’s approachable, wonderfully flavorful, and has that perfect crumbly topping that makes every bite feel special. Dig in, share with friends, and savor those cozy moments around the table. You won't regret giving this festive cake a try!