If you’re dreaming of a dessert that wraps you in the warmth of Christmas spices and the creamy delight of eggnog, this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is your answer. It’s like a cozy sweater for your taste buds—rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Whether it’s for a festive dinner, a holiday party, or just a sweet treat to enjoy by the fire, this cake brings the magic of the season to your table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert | 20 mins | 25–30 mins | 12 | 350 per slice |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Spice Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Eggnog Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup eggnog (plus more if needed)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. - Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. - Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. - Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - 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. - Bake the cakes
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. - Cool the cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the eggnog buttercream
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. 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. For extra holiday flavor, add ground nutmeg to the frosting and mix well. - Assemble 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. - Decorate
Dust with a little extra ground nutmeg or add holiday sprinkles for a festive look.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Spice adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Add more cinnamon for extra warmth or a pinch of cloves for a deeper flavor.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Make-ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped. Frost before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and eggnog alternatives.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delightful cake with a warm cup of spiced cider or a classic hot chocolate. It’s also perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of holiday joy. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or enjoying a quiet moment by yourself, it brings the festive spirit to life. Happy baking and even happier holidays!