Name: Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp baking powder; 2/3 cup egg nog; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 4-5 tbsp egg nog; Pinch cinnamon; Pinch nutmeg

If you love the rich creaminess of classic holiday eggnog and crave a cozy baked treat, the Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe is your new go-to. This coffee cake combines moist, tender crumb infused with eggnog’s warm spices, all crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that melts in your mouth. Each bite is perfectly balanced between sweet and spice, making it an irresistible centerpiece for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to indulge your comfort food cravings with a festive twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of mixing dough in a clear glass bowl resting on a white marbled surface shows two main layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, light brown dough with a creamy texture, slightly pushed aside to reveal the top layer, which is a mound of fine white flour powder sitting on one side of the bowl. The flour has a soft, powdery texture with small clumps, contrasting the denser dough underneath. The bowl edges are slightly blurred, focusing on the mixing process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create the Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe’s signature flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role — from the softness of butter that enriches the crumb, to the eggnog that adds moistness and that unique spiced touch, right down to the cinnamon and nutmeg that make the topping truly sing.

Butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb both in the cake and crumb topping.
Brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep molasses sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without heaviness for a light, airy texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps create a soft structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm flavors and adds depth.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake tender.
Salt: Amplifies all the sweet and spice notes subtly.
Baking powder: Gives the cake the rise and fluffiness you want.
Eggnog: The star ingredient, delivering moistness and that classic holiday spice profile.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and tender crumb through its mild tang.
Cinnamon: A key spice for the crumb topping, infusing warmth.
Nutmeg: Adds a whisper of earthy spice both in topping and glaze.
Powdered sugar: Makes the glaze smooth and sweet with a silky finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9 baking pan well with non-stick spray so your cake comes out beautifully without sticking. Having your oven ready ensures even baking from the moment your batter goes in.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat it with a handheld mixer or by hand until creamy and smooth. This step is crucial for a light, tender base and helps dissolve the sugars evenly.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Keep mixing until well combined for that rich foundation that will bring your cake to life.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add to your butter mixture and mix just until combined. Don’t worry if the batter looks crumbly here — this is totally normal and sets you up for a perfect texture.

Step 5: Add Eggnog and Sour Cream

Pour in the eggnog and sour cream all at once, then stir gently to form a smooth batter. This step adds moisture and that unmistakable eggnog flavor that makes this cake stand out.

Step 6: Prepare the Butter Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until you get crumbly bits—avoid overworking it to keep the topping light and crisp after baking.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Then generously sprinkle the crumb topping in an even, thick layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, revealing a perfectly cooked cake.

Step 8: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a silky glaze. Drizzle over the top to add a sweet, spiced finishing touch that dazzles and adds moisture.

How to Serve Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe

A close-up view of one layer of crumbly, light brown streusel topping filling most of a deep baking pan with slightly uneven small clumps showing a sandy texture, the pan edges visible on the right and bottom sides, placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your slice of Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the glaze, or add a few whole cloves for a rustic, fragrant touch. A dollop of whipped cream makes an indulgent addition for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of black coffee, chai latte, or even a simple glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh seasonal fruit or a citrus salad to brighten the plate and cut through the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe as individual squares on decorative plates dusted lightly with cinnamon sugar. For a festive feel, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a sugared cranberry on the side. You could also layer slices with whipped cream and warm apple compote for a holiday-inspired parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days. The Butter Crumb Topping retains its delightful texture perfectly, so you can enjoy the same great flavor with minimal effort later.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully and can be stored for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly in a low oven to revive that freshly baked feel and melt the glaze slightly, making each bite even more heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?

Using regular milk will change the spiced flavor that eggnog brings to the cake. If you don’t have eggnog, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to your milk to mimic the taste.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for flour. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to keep the cake light and fluffy.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

Cut your butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or microwave briefly (5-7 seconds) in short bursts, watching carefully so it doesn’t melt completely.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Swapping out dairy and egg ingredients requires some experimentation, but you might try plant-based butter, flax egg or chia egg as an egg substitute, and a non-dairy eggnog alternative. The texture and flavor will differ, but it should still be delicious.

Why is my crumb topping turning into a paste?

Overmixing your crumb topping causes the butter to blend too thoroughly with the dry ingredients, creating a paste. Use a fork or pastry cutter and mix gently until just crumbly for the perfect topping texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and spice of the Eggnog Coffee Cake with Butter Crumb Topping Recipe to make any morning feel special. Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it at a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake promises comfort and delight in every bite. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a cozy staple you’ll want to bake again and again.