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Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

This festive Christmas Spice Cake is infused with warm holiday spices and layered with a creamy, smooth eggnog buttercream frosting. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this moist and flavorful cake combines cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice for a deliciously spiced base, topped generously with a rich, eggnog-flavored buttercream for that classic seasonal flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Eggnog Buttercream

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup eggnog (plus more as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spice Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice until well combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the Eggnog Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar and Eggnog: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Pour in the eggnog and vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more eggnog one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
  10. Add Nutmeg (Optional): For additional holiday flavor, mix in ground nutmeg to the buttercream.
  11. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of eggnog buttercream evenly on top.
  12. Frost the Cake: Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, frosting the sides and top smoothly.
  13. Decorate: Dust the cake with a touch of ground nutmeg or add holiday-themed sprinkles to finish the festive look.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
  • If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar slightly and adjust eggnog accordingly.
  • Eggnog buttercream can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.
  • This cake stores well covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.
  • For a boozy twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite rum to the buttercream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cake, holiday spice cake, eggnog buttercream, festive dessert, spiced cake

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/christmas-spice-cake-with-eggnog-buttercream-recipe/