There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked coffee cake, especially during the holiday season. Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake combines the rich, creamy flavor of eggnog with a soft, tender crumb and a sweet streusel topping that melts in your mouth. It’s a recipe designed for convenience and flavor, allowing you to prepare it the night before so you can wake up to a festive treat without any morning stress. This coffee cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration in every bite, perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or any cozy weekend morning. The subtle warmth of nutmeg and the creamy eggnog flavor make it a seasonal favorite that everyone will love.
Recipe Overview
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake is a luscious, soft coffee cake topped with a crumbly streusel and finished with a sweet eggnog glaze. Prepared the night before, it’s perfect for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or weekend brunch. With flavors of nutmeg, eggnog, and a hint of rum or vanilla, it’s a festive twist on a classic coffee cake that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistibly inviting.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 8 oz. container sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or rum extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons eggnog
Instructions
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, combine the streusel ingredients—1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon softened butter, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg—until crumbly and set aside. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the eggnog, sour cream, rum or vanilla extract, and eggs until fully incorporated. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until just combined. Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the batter. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the batter to set. Preheat the oven to 350°F, uncover the pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes. While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of eggnog in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle over the warm coffee cake before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, use full-fat eggnog or add a splash of dark rum to enhance the warmth of the spices. You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture, or use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version alongside dairy-free butter. Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and depth. For a sweeter variation, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or allspice into the glaze. This cake is also perfect for festive occasions; consider topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar or edible gold dust for a holiday touch.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. Serve warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a spiced latte to enhance the holiday flavors. It’s also delightful with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake is a simple, make-ahead recipe that combines festive flavors with easy preparation. Its tender crumb, creamy eggnog richness, and crumbly streusel make it a standout for holiday mornings or cozy brunches. Preparing it overnight allows the flavors to develop fully, giving you a delicious, stress-free start to the day. This coffee cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying a quiet morning treat by yourself. With minimal effort, you can create a dessert-like breakfast that feels special and festive.
FAQs
Can I make this coffee cake without sour cream? You can substitute plain yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
Can I use store-bought eggnog? Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits? Absolutely—chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries add texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, substitute regular flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
Overnight Eggnog Coffee Cake is a festive, make-ahead treat with tender cake, nutmeg-spiced streusel, and creamy eggnog glaze. Perfect for holiday breakfasts!
