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)

There’s something undeniably cozy about the blend of warm spices and rich flavors in a crumb cake, and this **Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe** takes it to the next level with a festive twist. The moist cake paired with a buttery, cinnamon-speckled crumb topping brings all the holiday vibes right into your kitchen.

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

Trust me, this isn’t your average crumb cake. From the very first bite, the eggnog flavor shines softly but distinctly, and the crumb topping offers that perfect balance of crunchy and tender. I always find it’s such a crowd-pleaser during the holidays, and it’s equally great for a comforting treat any time you want a little seasonal cheer.

Seasonal but approachable: The eggnog flavor twists traditional crumb cake into something special yet familiar.
Perfect crumb topping: It’s buttery with just the right spices, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture contrasted by gentle crunch.
Simple but impressive: The recipe uses everyday ingredients you probably already have, yet the result feels festive and sophisticated.
Flexible and forgiving: Easy to customize or double up for big gatherings without much fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe plays a role in layering flavor and texture — the nutmeg and cinnamon add warmth, the sour cream keeps the cake tender, and the eggnog ties it all to that lovely holiday spirit. When shopping, look for fresh spices and real eggnog if you can; it really makes a difference.

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: Provides structure but doesn’t make the cake heavy.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note especially in the crumb topping.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: The essential warm spices that bring the cozy holiday feeling.
Unsalted butter: Its temperature matters; melted for the topping, room temp for the batter to blend smoothly.
Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the cake rise nicely without drying out.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter, balancing richness.
Egg: Bind and gives structure, room temperature for even mixing.
Eggnog: The star ingredient — adds moisture, flavor, and a touch of spice.
Sour cream: Boosts tenderness and gives the cake that slight tang that complements the sweet.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze, which adds sweetness and ties in the spice flavors.
Sprinkles (optional): Just for fun and extra holiday cheer!

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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 depending on who I’m baking for or the occasion. Sometimes I swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier bite or add a handful of chopped nuts in the crumb topping for a bit of crunch. Go ahead and make the recipe your own — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: Adding orange zest to the batter really brightens it up, bringing a fresh, citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the holiday spices.
Dairy-free: I’ve experimented with coconut yogurt and vegan butter, and while the texture shifts slightly, it’s still delicious and moist.
Extra spice: Double up on cinnamon and nutmeg for more warmth if you prefer a punchier flavor profile.

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: Whisk the Crumb Topping

Start by mixing the crumb ingredients — flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter — until you get a sandy, clumpy texture. I like to use my fingers here to get big, uneven chunks, which create those signature crunchy bits you'll adore on top of your cake. After mixing, pop this in the fridge so it holds together while you make the batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. In your mixer, cream the room-temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then add the egg, mixing well. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the eggnog mixed with sour cream and vanilla extract, starting and ending with dry. This keeps the batter smooth and perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Layer & Bake

Pour half the batter into a greased baking pan, then sprinkle on half the crumb topping. Repeat layers with the remaining batter and crumb topping, pressing lightly to adhere. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t skip the crumb topping—it's the magic here!

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a spiced glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top, and if you’re feeling festive, add some sprinkles for a cheerful finish. The glaze soaks slightly into the crumb, making every bite extra special.

Top Tip

From baking this Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe more times than I can count, these little tricks really make a difference to your success and satisfaction.

Keep ingredients at room temperature: This helps the batter come together smoothly and creates a tender crumb.
Don’t rush crumb topping: Make sure you get uneven clumps—not a fine crumble—to get that iconic contrast between soft cake and crunchy topping.
Use real eggnog when possible: It adds depth that stores just can’t match, especially if you pick a brand with the right spice balance.
Watch your bake time: Overbaking dries out crumb cake; test with a toothpick early if your oven runs hot.

How to Serve Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with just the spiced glaze and some colorful holiday sprinkles. But for a grown-up twist, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few toasted pecans on top works beautifully. If you want to go all out, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

This cake’s rich and comforting flavors go perfectly with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a warm spiced cider. If you’re serving breakfast or brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve the crumb cake on a wooden plank surrounded by fresh cranberries and evergreen sprigs — it’s simple but instantly festive. Cutting the cake into smaller squares also makes it great for potlucks or cookie exchanges. Fancy a touch of elegance? Drizzle the glaze in thin ribbons and add edible gold dust for some shimmer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, I store the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or inside an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps fresh for about 2 to 3 days — if you want it the next day, just bring it to room temp for best flavor.

Freezing

Eggnog Crumb Cake freezes beautifully. I slice it before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. The texture holds up well, and the flavors stay vibrant.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy it warm, I gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the crumb topping from getting hard.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade eggnog in this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works beautifully in this recipe and can add even richer flavor.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tang and moisture level in the cake.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture.

How long does the crumb cake stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, the crumb cake stays fresh for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but the crumbs might soften.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Crumb Cake Recipe has become my go-to to spread warmth and smiles during the holiday season. It’s the perfect blend of comforting spice and sweet richness without being over the top. If you want something that feels special but is surprisingly easy, you’ll enjoy baking and sharing this treat just like I do with my closest friends.