why make this recipe

Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. This cake is filled with festive spices that create a cozy aroma and taste, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and family dinners. The eggnog buttercream adds a rich and creamy finish that complements the spiced cake beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a sweet treat, this cake will be a hit with everyone.

how to make Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Then, stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and optional nutmeg until fluffy.
Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a plate and frost the top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired.

how to serve Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Slice the Christmas Spice Cake into generous pieces and serve it on festive plates. You can add a sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top for an added touch. Pair it with a warm drink like hot cocoa or tea to enhance the holiday experience.

how to store Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge if you are using eggnog in the frosting, as this will help it stay fresh longer. The cake can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.

tips to make Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Make sure your butter is softened before starting to ensure smooth mixing.
Level your cake layers with a serrated knife if they have domed tops for easier stacking and frosting.
For extra moisture, you can add a bit more buttermilk to the batter if you like.
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog to reach the desired consistency.

variation

You can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the cake batter for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, consider folding in dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different frosting instead of eggnog buttercream?
Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla buttercream if you prefer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance, just frost it right before serving for the best taste.

Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.