The Story & Intro
Christmas in Crete always felt magical to me. Even though our winters are mild, the holidays were filled with laughter, warmth, and, of course, food. One year, my grandmother surprised me with a dessert that tasted like Christmas in every bite – a spiced cake layered with creamy custard and topped with fresh strawberries. That memory stuck with me, and it inspired my Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake.
This cake is my holiday tribute: moist eggnog-spiced layers, rich strawberry custard, and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s festive, cozy, and feels like a hug in dessert form. I make it every year for family dinners, women’s gatherings, and holiday parties. Every slice brings smiles and conversation, exactly what holiday baking is about.
I love this cake because it’s surprisingly easy to make. Even if your kitchen gets messy (like mine usually does!), the end result is stunning and utterly delicious. Plus, the strawberries add freshness to the creamy custard, giving the cake a bright, festive touch. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate Christmas with a dessert that feels both traditional and a little creative.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake
- Moist, flavorful cake spiced with eggnog and holiday warmth
- Smooth, creamy strawberry custard that balances the spices
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or intimate family celebrations
- Can be made ahead and assembled easily
- Beautiful centerpiece dessert that impresses without stress
Whether you serve it as a multi-layer cake or in elegant individual slices, it’s guaranteed to bring holiday cheer.
Ingredients for Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake
For the Eggnog-Spiced Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
For the Strawberry Custard:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Custard
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and milk until smooth.
- Slowly add the strawberry mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return to the saucepan and cook on low heat until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let it cool completely.
Make the Eggnog-Spiced Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with eggnog, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
Assemble the Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cooled strawberry custard evenly on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining custard.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look.
Serving Tips
- Serve slightly chilled for easier slicing and a refreshing bite.
- Pair with eggnog, hot cocoa, or mulled wine for the ultimate Christmas experience.
- For mini desserts, cut the cake into individual slices and layer in small glasses with custard and strawberries.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, although it rarely lasts that long!
Before Conclusion – Recipe Card 🍰🎄
⏱️ TIME COOK:
Prep: 30 minutes | Bake: 30 minutes | Total: 1 hour
🧺 INGREDIENTS:
Eggnog-spiced cake, strawberries, sugar, milk, egg yolks, butter, flour, spices, vanilla
📝 INSTRUCTION:
Bake cake → Prepare custard → Layer and assemble → Decorate
📌 NOTE:
You can prepare the custard and cake layers one day ahead and assemble just before serving.
🥗 NUTRITION (Per Slice – Approximate):
Calories: 380 | Carbs: 52g | Fat: 15g | Protein: 6g
Conclusion
The Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake is more than a dessert – it’s a holiday experience. The warmth of eggnog spices, the bright strawberry custard, and the soft, moist cake make every bite feel festive. Every year, this cake brings joy to my table and connects my family and friends through shared flavors and memories.
If you want a dessert that’s both creative and comforting, festive yet easy, this Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake is your go-to. It captures the holiday spirit perfectly, one delicious slice at a time.
100-Word Short Recipe Version
This Strawberry Eggnog Christmas Cake is a festive holiday dessert that combines eggnog-spiced cake layers with creamy strawberry custard. Soft, moist, and flavorful, the cake captures the warmth of the season while the fresh strawberries add brightness and balance. Perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, or intimate celebrations, it’s easy to prepare and makes a beautiful centerpiece on your table. Decorate with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar for a magical look. Every bite offers a mix of spice, creaminess, and fruity freshness – a true holiday delight that brings people together.