Eggnog Layer Cake with Light Whipped Cream Frosting

A Beautiful Cake For The Baking Challenged

Finally, a cake even those who dislike baking can make with confidence. This Egg Nog Layer Cake with Whipped Cream Icing starts with a simple boxed yellow cake, is filled with egg nog pudding, and finished with a light whipped cream frosting. It looks festive, tastes rich, and comes together with minimal fuss.

I’ve never loved measuring or spending hours in the kitchen, so I keep recipes simple. This cake is one of the few things I’ve made that is both attractive and reliably delicious, even when made by someone who doesn’t usually bake.

There’s a recipe card below, but the method is straightforward enough that most home cooks will get everything they need from the short steps here.

Simple Ingredients and Simple Steps

This recipe uses very few ingredients. I like a classic yellow box cake mix for the base — it’s affordable and consistent. The pudding layer is made from instant vanilla pudding mixed with egg nog, and the top layer is a lightly sweetened whipped cream flavored with almond and vanilla extracts.

Most of the ingredients can be found at a single grocery store. If you can’t find egg nog some seasons, an egg nog–flavored coffee creamer can be used in a pinch and still gives good flavor.

Beautiful Layers Of Cake

The finished cake showcases attractive layers: tender buttery cake, a creamy egg nog pudding layer that soaks into the holes for extra moisture, and a cloud-like whipped cream topping. The contrast of textures — cake, pudding, and whipped cream — makes each bite satisfying without being overly sweet.

The whipped cream icing keeps the cake light and can be flavored or decorated to suit the occasion. Simple sprinkles, a dusting of nutmeg, or a few toasted nuts on top create a festive finish.

A Boozy Pairing

This cake pairs well with classic holiday drinks. Try serving it with a cold brandy slush or another festive cocktail for an elevated dessert course. A chilled, boozy slush contrasts nicely with the creamy cake and keeps things celebratory for holiday gatherings.

Yield: 10 to 12 Cake Slices

Egg Nog Layer Cake with Whipped Cream Icing Recipe

This festive cake is easy to assemble and perfect for holiday parties—rich, creamy, and visually appealing.

Ingredients

• 1 box classic yellow cake mix + ingredients called for on the package
• 2 (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mixes
• 2 cups egg nog (or egg nog–flavored creamer)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Dash of nutmeg
• Optional: 3 cups Cool Whip instead of the homemade whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake according to package directions and bake in a 9 x 13-inch dish. Let cool completely. Lightly spray the dish if desired.
2. Use a wide straw or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
3. Whisk the instant pudding mixes with the 2 cups of egg nog until the mixture thickens.
4. Pour and spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
5. When ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with the sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a dash of nutmeg until firm peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pudding layer. Alternatively, spread Cool Whip if you prefer.
6. Keep the cake refrigerated until serving. Chill for a couple of hours if time allows, or serve right away.
7. Finish with decorative sprinkles or a light dusting of nutmeg before serving.