Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is a perfect dessert for the holiday season. It balances warm spices and sweet creaminess, making it a delightful treat. This cake is not only delicious but also beautifully festive, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The unique flavors of spices mixed with the richness of eggnog create a comforting and joyful experience that everyone will love.

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:

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Pour in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and optional nutmeg, mixing until the frosting is fluffy and has the desired consistency. Add more eggnog if it’s too thick.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of eggnog buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired.

How to Serve Christmas Spice Cake

Serve Christmas Spice Cake at room temperature, sliced into generous pieces. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm cocoa or a glass of chilled eggnog. You can also add festive decorations like sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra cheer.

How to Store Christmas Spice Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Tips to Make Christmas Spice Cake

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
• Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste; more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the festive flavor.

Variation

You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture. Alternatively, consider adding dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and frost it on the day you plan to serve it.

Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! You can use cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream if you prefer.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.