One of our fan-favorite signature desserts, butter cake, is by far a staple throughout our restaurants.

Wondering what butter cake is? To us, it’s that Entenmann’s Raspy Danish that sits on the counter with a butter knife in it, seemingly untouched but always gone by the next day. It’s that good. Technically, ‘Gooey Butter Cake’ originated in St. Louis, Missouri, known for its rich, tender, and moist texture with a distinct buttery taste. It was supposedly created by accident in the 1930s by a German American baker in St. Louis who mistakenly switched the proportions of butter and flour while making cake batter. This mishap happened during the Great Depression, a time when baking ingredients were scarce. The cake was such a hit that he kept making and selling it, and soon, other bakers around St. Louis followed suit. Unlike sponge cakes or angel food cakes, butter cakes are denser and richer, thanks to their high butter and sugar content.

During the fall, we like to put a pumpkin spice twist on it, and during the holiday season, we switch gears to eggnog. Follow the simple guide below to create a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bound to become a new holiday tradition for you and your family.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Pan
  • 13” x 9” pan
  • About ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Neutral  oil spary
• For the Cake:
  • 1 pound (455 grams) Pound Cake Mix
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Cinnamon, Ground
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) Nutmeg, Ground
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) Allspice, Ground
  • ¼ teaspoon (2 grams) Cloves, Ground
  • ¼ teaspoon (2 grams) Cardamom, Ground
• For the Wet Ingredients:
  • 4 each (divided) Whole Eggs
  • ½ cup (112 grams) Butter, Unsalted, Softened
• For the Topping:
  • 4 Whole Eggs
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) Cream Cheese
  • 1 pound (455 grams) Powdered Sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Pan and Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spray a half-sheet pan with cooking spray and dust it with granulated sugar. This extra touch of sweetness creates a delightful crust on the bottom of the cake.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a stand mixer, combine the pound cake mix and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom). Mix until the ingredients are well blended. The aromatic blend of spices will bring the warmth and flavor of classic eggnog to your cake.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Add 4 eggs, softened butter, dark rum, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, creating a smooth and flavorful batter.
   • Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, making sure the surface is smooth.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a clean mixer bowl, beat the remaining 4 eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until just blended. It’s okay if there are some small bits of cream cheese left – overmixing can affect the texture.
   • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter, and wipe around the edge of the pan lightly with your thumb to prevent sticking.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake the cake in the preheated oven until it’s almost fully set and the top layer is golden brown and pillowy. Start checking for doneness after 45 minutes – it should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
   • Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
6. Finishing Touches:
   • Once cooled, trim the edges of the cake for a clean look and cut it into squares.
   • Enjoy a small taste test (for quality control, of course!) and then store the remaining squares in a clean container under refrigeration until it’s time to serve.

Serving Suggestions:

Dust each piece with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a touch of elegance. You could also pair the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Making It Your Own:

• Add a twist by incorporating a splash of your favorite liqueur in the batter – think bourbon or brandy for an extra kick.
• Get creative with toppings! Add crushed pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cooled cake for a unique presentation.

This Eggnog Butter Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a taste of Christmas nostalgia in every bite. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings, this recipe is sure to leave your guests asking for more.