Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of holiday cheer, this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake beautifully blends festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a tender, moist cake that pairs perfectly with a rich, creamy eggnog-infused buttercream. It’s a showstopper for holiday gatherings and a comforting treat to share with loved ones, wrapping you in the cozy spirit of the season with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to bringing this delightful cake to life. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the cake’s soft texture, balanced sweetness, and those classic holiday flavors we all adore.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that builds the cake’s structure, ensuring it’s tender but sturdy.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise to the perfect height and fluffiness.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acids for a light texture and subtle lift.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a signature holiday scent.
• Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle spicy kick to the flavor profile.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a sweet, nutty aroma.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses deep, rich spice notes.
• Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Completes the spice blend with a hint of complexity.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup for cake + 1 cup for frosting): Adds richness and helps achieve a creamy frosting and moist cake.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and adds tenderness to the cake.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Imparts a lovely caramel undertone and moisture.
• Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances all the other flavors with a smooth, sweet aroma.
• Buttermilk, room temperature (1 cup): Provides acidity for tenderness and a slight tang.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups): Essential for a silky-smooth, sweet buttercream.
• Eggnog (1/4 cup, plus more if needed): Brings that unmistakable festive flavor and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon, optional for frosting): Adds extra holiday magic straight into the buttercream.

How to Make Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake

Starting with the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help your cakes come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This blend of spices is what gives the cake its enchanting Christmas character, so whisking them well ensures every bite is packed with festive flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter for a soft texture and a slightly caramelized sweetness thanks to the brown sugar.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain the batter’s smoothness. Stir in the vanilla extract, which acts as the lovely flavor enhancer that ties all elements together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. This technique helps to keep the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling is essential before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the buttercream.

Step 8: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until it’s creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps. Then add the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. If it looks too thick, add additional eggnog a tablespoon at a time to reach the ideal spreading consistency. For an extra holiday burst, sprinkle in some ground nutmeg for flavor depth.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous portion of eggnog buttercream over the top. Stack the second layer on and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it down the sides. You can dust a bit of extra ground nutmeg or add festive sprinkles to complete the look and invite smiles at your holiday table.

How to Serve Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of ground nutmeg or cinnamon can add a beautiful touch. Alternatively, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or festive edible glitter on top to give your cake that extra sparkle that matches your holiday decor.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of mulled cider, a fresh fruit compote, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the spices and buttercream richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your cake on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy home vibe or elevate it with a glass cake stand that shows off the layers beautifully. For a festive twist, chicly wrap the base with a ribbon or garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a natural holiday accent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing any of its festive flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving the whole cake to preserve texture — instead, warm an individual slice briefly if you prefer it slightly cozy.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but make sure it contains xanthan gum to help maintain structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine.

Is it possible to use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk and add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe to achieve the required acidity.

Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Definitely! Baking the cake layers a day or two in advance allows you to spend less time on assembly during the busy holidays. Just wrap them well and keep them in an airtight container or the fridge until you’re ready to frost.

What makes eggnog buttercream different from regular buttercream?

Eggnog buttercream incorporates eggnog, which adds the signature creamy, spiced flavor of the holiday drink, along with extra moisture, making the frosting taste richer and more festive than standard vanilla buttercream.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for the frosting?

Yes! Using good-quality store-bought eggnog works perfectly and saves time. Just be sure to adjust the amount in the frosting to get the right consistency since eggnog thickness can vary.

Final Thoughts

Making this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe is like capturing the essence of the holidays in a delicious, beautiful dessert. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to your festive table. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and create some magical memories with this irresistible cake that tastes just like the season feels.

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