Eggnog Pound Cake

Eggnog Pound Cake Recipe - Delicious American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Eggnog Pound Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This rich and moist cake is infused with the flavors of eggnog, coconut, and a hint of lemon, making it a decadent treat for any occasion.

History

Pound cake has been a popular dessert in the United States since the 18th century. The name "pound cake" comes from the traditional recipe that calls for a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Over the years, variations of pound cake have been created, including this Eggnog Pound Cake recipe that adds a festive twist to the classic dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup of soft butter or margarine
0.5 cup of shortening
3 cups of sugar
6 eggs
3 cups of flour
1 cup of egg nog
1 cup of flaked coconut
1 tsp of lemon extract
1 tsp of vanilla
0.5 tsp of coconut extract

How to prepare

In a bowl, cream together the butter and shortening.
Gradually add the sugar, beating well at medium speed using an electric mixer.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Alternate adding the flour and eggnog to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
Mix just until blended after each addition.
Stir in the coconut and flavorings.
Grease and flour a 10" tube pan, then pour the batter into it.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Variations

Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Substitute rum extract for the coconut extract for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the cake with a glaze made of powdered sugar and eggnog for extra sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth and even batter.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.

- Grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean and neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggnog Pound Cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive touch. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy texture in the cake.

- Alternating the flour and eggnog helps to prevent overmixing and ensures a tender crumb.

- Baking the cake in a tube pan allows for even baking and a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Vegetable oil can be used in place of shortening.

- If you don't have eggnog, you can use milk or cream as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Eggnog Pound Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a simple and elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Eggnog Pound Cake pairs well with a glass of eggnog, hot tea, or a dessert wine like Moscato. It also goes well with fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Eggnog Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggnog Pound Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggnog Pound Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggnog Pound Cake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggnog Pound Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggnog Pound Cake is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Eggnog Pound Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Eggnog Pound Cake is a decadent and flavorful dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its rich and moist texture and festive flavors, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy and indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and chatting about our latest culinary adventures. Margaret suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf and flipped through the pages with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"Ah, here it is," she exclaimed, pointing to a yellowed piece of paper tucked between the book's pages. "Eggnog Pound Cake. A family recipe passed down through generations."

I leaned in closer, my curiosity piqued. I had always been drawn to traditional recipes with a story behind them, and this one seemed particularly intriguing. Margaret began to recount the tale of how her great-grandmother had first discovered the recipe in an old cookbook she had found at a flea market many years ago. She had made it for a family gathering, and it had quickly become a beloved holiday tradition.

As Margaret recited the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the rich, creamy eggnog flavor mingling with the buttery pound cake. I knew I had to try making it myself. Margaret graciously copied down the recipe for me, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking my time to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and setting to work in my own kitchen. The scent of nutmeg and vanilla filled the air as I mixed the batter, careful to follow each step precisely as Margaret had instructed. I poured the batter into a greased loaf pan and popped it into the oven, eagerly anticipating the delicious treat that would soon emerge.

As the cake baked, I couldn't help but reflect on the power of recipes to connect us to our past and bring generations together. Each ingredient, each step in the process, held a piece of history and tradition that I was honored to carry on in my own kitchen. When the timer finally chimed, I carefully removed the golden-brown cake from the oven and let it cool before slicing into it.

The first bite was pure bliss. The eggnog flavor was rich and decadent, perfectly complemented by the tender crumb of the pound cake. I savored each bite, feeling a sense of nostalgia and warmth wash over me. This recipe was more than just a dessert—it was a link to the past, a reminder of the love and care that went into creating it.

Over the years, I have made Eggnog Pound Cake countless times, sharing it with family and friends during the holiday season. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, of the story behind the recipe and the joy it brings to all who taste it. Cooking is more than just a skill—it is a connection to our heritage, a way to honor the traditions of those who came before us.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting aromas of baking spices and memories of past gatherings, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the stories it holds. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring us together, to create lasting memories and forge bonds that withstand the test of time. And as I take another bite of my Eggnog Pound Cake, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the simple pleasures of a well-made recipe and the love that goes into each and every bite.