Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

If you are searching for a show-stopping holiday dessert, look no further than this delightful Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. Imagine the rich warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves infusing every bite of moist cake, perfectly balanced by a silky, sweet eggnog buttercream frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake brings the festive spirit to your table not just through its inviting flavors but also through the comforting memories of holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own cozy night in, this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is sure to become a treasured seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is a simple kitchen staple, yet each plays a crucial role in building the nostalgic flavors and wonderful texture of the Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. From fragrant spices to the creamy richness of buttermilk and butter, these ingredients combine beautifully to create a cake that’s both festive and irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides tender structure to the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both leaven the cake, ensuring it rises perfectly and stays light.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice: The heart of the spice cake, delivering that classic holiday warmth and aroma.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the cake and the buttercream frosting.
• Granulated and brown sugars: Combined for sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s moist crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors with a delicate sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cake tender and moist while adding a slight tang that complements the spices.
• Powdered sugar: The sweet base for the eggnog buttercream’s creamy texture.
• Eggnog: Infuses the frosting with that unmistakable holiday flavor, making it decadently festive.
• Ground nutmeg (optional for frosting): Adds an extra layer of spice to the buttercream.

How to Make Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour or parchment paper. This step sets the stage for baking an evenly cooked cake with a smooth release from the pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, take a moment to whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all those aromatic spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Whisking here is essential to evenly distribute the spices and leaveners, so every bite bursts with holiday flavor and rises consistently.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that will make your cake wonderfully tender with a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each to maintain that fluffy texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to boost the warm spice flavors with a hint of sweetness that rounds out the batter beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry spice mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want light and airy every time.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here ensures the frosting won’t melt when applied.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition for a fluffy, sweet base. Slowly add eggnog and vanilla extract, beating until light and airy. If the frosting feels too thick, add more eggnog by tablespoons until you reach a luscious, spreadable consistency. For a little holiday extra, stir in some ground nutmeg.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of the cooled spice cake on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of eggnog buttercream over the top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out beautifully. Finish with a dusting of extra ground nutmeg or some festive sprinkles for a charming holiday look.

How to Serve Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon add both aroma and aesthetics, making your Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream look as delightful as it tastes. For a fun festive touch, crushed peppermint candies or holiday-themed sprinkles can perfectly complement the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to highlight its creamy frosting. For those wanting to keep it traditional, a warm cup of spiced mulled cider or coffee is the ultimate cozy companion for this richly spiced dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cake into an instant holiday centerpiece by stacking mini versions as a tiered cake or placing edible gold leaf accents for a bit of festive sparkle. You can also serve individual slices on seasonal plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few fresh cranberries for added color and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keeping it refrigerated will extend freshness for up to a week, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving so the buttercream regains its softness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. Frosting works best when made fresh, but you can also freeze the frosted cake and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover cake, bring it to room temperature naturally or warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to recapture that fresh-baked feel. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute the eggnog in the buttercream with milk or cream?

Yes, you can substitute with milk or heavy cream if eggnog is not available, but the frosting will lose the distinctive festive flavor. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can help mimic the eggnog taste.

Is this cake gluten-free?

The original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup.

Can I make this cake in advance for a holiday party?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them wrapped and refrigerated. Assemble and frost on the day of the event for the best presentation and texture.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake and store the cake wrapped tightly or in an airtight container. The moistness from the buttermilk and buttercream helps keep the cake tender.

Can I use a different spice mix if I don’t have all the spices listed?

Yes, you can customize the spice profile to your liking. A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger works well as a base. Cloves and allspice add complexity but are optional if unavailable.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says holiday joy quite like the comforting flavors of a Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. This recipe embodies warmth, sweetness, and festive spirit all bundled into one beautiful cake. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try the next time you want to impress your loved ones or simply treat yourself. Trust me, the aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like the heart of the season.

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