Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Introduction

There’s something magical about the flavors of Christmas spices combined with the richness of eggnog—this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect dessert to capture that holiday spirit. I first made this cake a few years ago for a family gathering, and it quickly became a beloved holiday tradition. The moist, spiced cake pairs wonderfully with the creamy, flavorful eggnog buttercream, making it the ideal treat for festive occasions.

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings the flavors of Christmas to life in every bite. The warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, combined with the light and fluffy texture of the cake, create a comforting dessert that feels like a hug in every slice. The eggnog buttercream adds a rich, creamy finish, with just the right amount of sweetness. After serving this at several holiday dinners and gatherings, it has become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re making it for Christmas dinner, a holiday party, or just a special treat for your family, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the 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, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Eggnog: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add the eggnog and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more eggnog, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Add Nutmeg (Optional): For extra holiday flavor, add ground nutmeg to the frosting and mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Place one layer of the spice cake on a serving plate and spread a layer of eggnog buttercream on top. Add the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
2. Decorate: Dust with a little extra ground nutmeg or add holiday sprinkles for a festive look.

Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – assuming 12 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 37g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes cooling time)
• Yield: 12 servings

How to Serve

• Serve at Room Temperature: This cake is delicious when served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully shine.
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoy a slice of this cake with your afternoon tea or coffee for a perfect holiday treat.
• As a Celebration Cake: This cake is perfect for holiday celebrations, such as Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve, or any festive gathering.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices. Ground spices lose their potency over time, so fresh spices will give your cake a much more vibrant taste.
2. Let the Cake Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting. If the cake is warm, the buttercream may melt and slide off.
3. Add Extra Spice: If you like a stronger spice flavor, feel free to add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cake batter.
4. Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest flavor, use full-fat butter, buttermilk, and sour cream. The full-fat versions will give the cake a moist, dense texture.
5. Make Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time. Frost it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy butter and eggnog alternatives to make this cake vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the flour blend’s instructions for the best results.
• Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar mixture in the middle of the cake batter before baking for a cinnamon roll-inspired twist.
• Chocolate Spice Cake: For a richer version of this cake, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a spiced chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Dessert Table: This cake is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday dessert table, along with other treats like cookies, pie, and fruitcake.
• For Afternoon Tea: Serve slices of cake with tea or coffee as part of a cozy afternoon tea.
• For Birthdays and Anniversaries: The festive look of the cake, along with its rich, spiced flavor, makes it ideal for birthdays and anniversaries, especially during the colder months.
• As a Gift: Bake this cake as a gift for friends and family, especially during the holiday season. The eggnog buttercream adds a seasonal touch that everyone will love.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to refrigerate it to preserve the buttercream.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and frost with the eggnog buttercream.
• Frosting Storage: Store any leftover frosting in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using it again, bring it to room temperature and re-whip it for the best consistency.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake without eggnog?
   Yes, you can use regular milk or heavy cream in place of eggnog for the buttercream, though it won’t have the signature holiday flavor.
2. Can I use a store-bought spice cake mix?
   Yes, you can use a box spice cake mix, but the flavor will be different. Homemade cake gives the best texture and flavor.
3. Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
   Yes, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added crunch and flavor.
4. How can I make the cake fluffier?
   Ensure that you don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Also, make sure the buttermilk is at room temperature for the best texture.
5. **Can I make the cake ahead of time?**
   Yes, you can make the cake and store it in the fridge for a day or two before frosting. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
6. Can I use fresh nutmeg?
   Yes, freshly grated nutmeg will add a more aromatic and vibrant flavor to the cake and frosting.
7. Is the cake very sweet?
   The spice cake itself isn’t overly sweet, but the eggnog buttercream is rich and sweet. You can reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting if you prefer less sweetness.
8. Can I decorate the cake with something else?
   Yes, you can top the cake with holiday sprinkles, candied cranberries, or even small cinnamon sticks for a decorative touch.
9. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
   Grease and flour the cake pans well, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
10. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
    Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to use a good flour blend that works for cakes.

Conclusion

This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is a perfect holiday dessert that will fill your home with the warm and cozy flavors of the season. The spiced cake and creamy frosting come together beautifully, making it a treat that’s both festive and indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or simply enjoying a cozy dessert during the colder months, this cake will surely become a favorite. Enjoy making it for your family, and watch as it becomes a beloved tradition for years to come!

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