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 (optional)

Imagine waking up to the cozy spice and creamy warmth of holiday flavors all wrapped into one delightful treat—that’s exactly what this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe brings to your table. The crumbly topping paired with the luscious eggnog-infused cake makes it the perfect seasonal baked good that tastes like a festive hug in every bite.

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

This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe isn’t just another holiday dessert; it’s one I turn to when I want to impress friends or cozy up with a slice and a cup of coffee. Its balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy makes every bite memorable, plus the crumb topping adds that perfect textural contrast.

Seasonal Flavor Boost: The use of eggnog and warm spices fills your kitchen with festive aromas and transforms this crumb cake into a holiday staple.
Moist, Tender Cake: Thanks to sour cream and eggnog, the cake stays soft and flavorful—no dryness in sight.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavors, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, even for baking beginners.
Versatile Serving: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe plays a crucial role—from the spices that evoke holiday feelings to the fats that keep it moist. Here’s a quick look at what makes them shine together and a few tips for picking the best versions.

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 base for both the crumb topping and cake, providing structure. I always sift mine for a finer crumb.
Light brown sugar: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel depth to the crumb topping.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that bring holiday cheer with every bite.
Unsalted butter (melted and room temperature): Using unsalted lets you control salt levels; melted butter in the topping keeps it crisp, while room temp butter in the cake ensures fluffiness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work as leavening agents to give the cake a light rise and soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without weighing it down.
Egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness; room temperature means better mixing.
Eggnog: The star ingredient—adds moisture, flavor, and that unmistakable seasonal vibe.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake tender and moist while adding a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Amplifies all those cozy flavors for a well-rounded taste.
Powdered sugar: Used in a quick glaze to finish the cake with a sweet, smooth shine.
Sprinkles (optional): A festive touch that’s totally optional but so fun, especially if baking with little helpers.

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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

I love tweaking this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe to match the vibe I'm going for, and you can too! It’s such a flexible base that you can personalize easily, whether you want it dairy-free or extra nutty.

Dairy-Free Variation: I once swapped sour cream for coconut yogurt and used vegan butter. It turned out moist and flavorful, though the crumb topping was a tad softer.
Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping gives it wonderful crunch and a richer flavor.
Spice it Up: Sometimes I increase cinnamon and nutmeg slightly or add a pinch of cloves for an even deeper holiday spice note.

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: Prep the Crumb Topping

Start by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until you have clumpy crumbs. It should look crumbly but hold together a bit when pressed—this is key to getting that satisfying crunchy topping texture.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. In your mixer, cream the room temperature butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, then mix in eggnog, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, so be gentle!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your greased or parchment-lined pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter—don’t be shy; a thick layer gives you those dreamy crunchy bites. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

Once the cake is cool, whisk powdered sugar, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the top, and if you like, sprinkle with festive sprinkles for that extra holiday sparkle.

Top Tip

From my experience with this recipe, a few small tweaks can take your Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe from great to unforgettable. Here are the best tips I've learned to help you nail it on your first try.

Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter for the cake batter is room temperature to get that light, fluffy texture—too cold and the batter won’t cream well.
Don’t Skip Sifting: Sifting the flour and spices helps avoid lumps and ensures the crumb topping feels delicate, not gritty.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined. Overworking develops gluten and can make your cake tough.
Crumb Layer is Key: Load on the crumb topping generously and spread it evenly so it bakes to a perfect, crunchy consistency.

How to Serve Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a drizzle of the spiced glaze and a scattering of red and green sprinkles for festive flair. But feel free to add a dusting of powdered sugar or even a few chopped toasted nuts for an extra crunch and elegance.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, especially chai or cinnamon-spiced blends. If serving for brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait complements its richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to present the cake on a festive platter with some cinnamon sticks and star anise scattered around. If you want to get fancy, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream sprinkled with nutmeg for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cake cools completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your home is humid, pop it in the fridge to keep the crumb topping crisp, but bring it to room temp before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil with great success. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-8 minutes. This refreshes the crumb topping and brings out the cake’s softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this cake?

Absolutely! Using store-bought eggnog works perfectly and makes this recipe super simple—just make sure to use the full-fat variety for best flavor and moisture.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the crumb cake’s texture just right.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t worry if it looks slightly jiggly in the middle—it will firm up as it cools.

Can I make this eggnog crumb cake without the crumb topping?

You can omit the crumb topping if you prefer a simpler cake, but the texture and flavor contrast will be less dynamic. If you skip it, consider dusting the cake with cinnamon sugar for a nice finish.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe holds a special place on my holiday baking list because it captures that warm, nostalgic feeling of the season. It’s a recipe I trust to bring smiles and cozy vibes to any gathering, and I hope you’ll find it as comforting and delicious as I do. Grab your mixing bowl and make a batch—the holiday magic is truly worth it!