As the first chill of winter sweeps in, it’s time to embrace the joy of holiday baking. This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is a delightful way to fill your home with the warming scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, evoking cherished memories of festive gatherings. Not only does this cake steal the spotlight at any holiday table, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect project for home chefs of all skill levels. With its rich, creamy frosting and beautifully spiced layers, it checks all the boxes for a festive dessert that family and friends will adore. Are you ready to create a scrumptious centerpiece that brings comfort and cheer to your holiday celebrations? Let’s dive in!
Why is this cake so special?
Unforgettable Flavors: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings holiday warmth that lingers with each bite.
Effortless Elegance: This cake is surprisingly easy to make, allowing home chefs to impress without stress.
Versatile Delight: Serve it at holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners; it shines on any table!
Creamy Accents: The rich Eggnog Buttercream adds a velvety finish, balancing the spices beautifully. For more delightful ideas, try pairing it with a festive Christmas Trifle Layers or complementing it with a slice of Thanksgiving Cranberry Cake.
Make Ahead Magic: Perfect for busy schedules, bake ahead and store for an easy treat that’s ready when you are!
Christmas Spice Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; you can use gluten-free flour for a suitable substitute.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and depth; coconut sugar can offer a healthier alternative.
- Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Cinnamon – Offers warm, holiday flavor; adjust for personal taste.
- Nutmeg – Adds festive notes; too much can overpower, so use sparingly.
- Ginger – Provides a zesty kick; fresh ginger can be used for a pronounced taste.
- Cloves – Complements spices with a strong aroma; use lightly to avoid overwhelming the cake.
- Eggs – Bind ingredients and enhance moisture; flax eggs are great for a vegan version.
- Sour cream – Contributes richness; Greek yogurt is a fantastic stand-in.
For the Buttercream
- Eggnog – Infuses the frosting with rich flavor; heavy cream with nutmeg can be a perfect substitute.
- Unsalted butter – Ensures sweeter control; adds to the creamy texture of the frosting.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the buttercream; adjust to reach your ideal consistency.
Indulge in baking this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream to create sweet holiday memories!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, prep two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lightly dusting with flour. This ensures easy release from the pans once your Christmas Spice Cake is baked to perfection. Set the prepared pans aside for the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and your chosen spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves. This step will blend the dry ingredients uniformly, creating a fragrant spice mixture. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together ¾ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. You want to see a pale, airy consistency that indicates your butter has creamed well. This fluffy base is essential for a moist and tender Christmas Spice Cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Cream
With the mixer running on medium speed, incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, allowing each egg to fully blend before adding the next. Then mix in ½ cup sour cream and ½ cup eggnog until smooth and well-combined. This wet mixture should appear creamy and velvety, setting a rich base for the dry ingredients to follow.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be slightly lumpy but well cohesive. This will ensure your Christmas Spice Cake remains tender and moist, so stop mixing as soon as no flour streaks are visible.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops lightly with a spatula for even baking, and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes should have a slightly golden appearance, and will spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling phase is vital to ensure a sturdy base for frosting and decorating your Christmas Spice Cake.
Step 8: Prepare the Eggnog Buttercream
While the cakes cool, make your Eggnog Buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2–3 cups of powdered sugar and ¼ cup eggnog, mixing until you achieve a smooth, thick frosting. Adjust the sugar for your desired sweetness, aiming for a spreadable consistency that won’t drip off the cake.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of Eggnog Buttercream on top, then gently place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream, making it look festive and inviting. Feel free to decorate with festive sprinkles or candied citrus for an extra cheerful touch!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Spice Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This maintains its moisture and flavor, ideal for quick access during festive gatherings.
Fridge: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if it won’t be eaten within the first couple of days. The cool environment helps preserve the creamy Eggnog Buttercream topping.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen your Christmas Spice Cake, it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. But if you’d like, warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a cozy, freshly-baked taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature to maintain their moisture. The Eggnog Buttercream can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just remember to bring it to room temperature before frosting the cake. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cooled cake layers and enjoy this festive treat just as delicious as the day it was baked! With these make-ahead options, you can easily create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings with minimal last-minute effort.
What to Serve with Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Embrace the holiday spirit with a comforting spread that elevates your festive table, inviting warmth and cheer to every gathering.
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Warm Apple Cider: The sweet and spiced notes of apple cider complement the cake’s flavors, creating a homely atmosphere perfect for winter gatherings.
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Classic Gingerbread Cookies: These cookies echo the warm spices in the cake, offering a delightful crunch and making them a festive favorite to nibble alongside.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Light and fluffy potatoes provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cake, ensuring a well-rounded holiday meal.
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Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts adds a crunchy texture and a savory, salty bite that helps offset the cake’s richness.
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Candied Citrus Peel: These vibrant bites not only enhance the cake’s visual appeal but also contribute a zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess of the buttercream.
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Eggnog: For a truly festive experience, serve with a glass of chilled eggnog; it complements the flavor of the frosting beautifully and embraces the holiday vibes.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This decadent drink serves as a sweet and indulgent match, creating a cozy touch that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Pecan Pie: The rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie resonate delightfully with the spices from the cake, rounding out a decadent dessert spread.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the cake’s decadence, making every bite feel bright and fresh.
Expert Tips for Christmas Spice Cake
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar; too much can lead to dense cake, ruining your Christmas Spice Cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cake tough.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done—if it comes out clean, it’s ready to cool.
- Frost When Cool: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the Eggnog Buttercream from melting.
- Decorate Creatively: Add festive toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or fresh cranberries for a merry presentation that enhances your Christmas Spice Cake!
Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and adaptations of your Christmas Spice Cake to suit your taste and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep the cake just as moist and delicious for those avoiding gluten.
- Nut-Free: Omit any nuts in the batter for a safer treat, perfect for family members with nut allergies.
- Vegan Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter to create a fully vegan version everyone can enjoy!
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolaty flavor or switch the eggnog buttercream for a rich chocolate frosting.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter for an unexpected heat that beautifully contrasts the cake’s sweetness.
- Fruity Addition: Fold in chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture and added festive color.
- Savory Notes: Introduce a hint of rosemary or thyme to your cream for a unique flavor combination that’s subtly sophisticated.
- Decor Extra: Top with candied ginger or a sprinkle of nutmeg for an enticing finish that nods to the spiced goodness within.
With these variations, your Christmas Spice Cake will never be boring! Feel free to get creative and explore these suggestions that can transform your cake into a unique holiday masterpiece. Want a few more festive ideas? Try decorating your cake alongside a delightful Christmas Trifle Layers or enjoy a slice with a cup of warm Christmas Tree Cupcake. Happy baking!
Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right spices for this cake?
Absolutely! When selecting spices, go for fresh, high-quality ones to ensure the brightest flavors. For cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, look for whole spices that you can grind yourself, which provides a bolder taste. If you prefer, you can adjust the quantity depending on your flavor preferences, but be cautious with cloves; their strong flavor can easily overpower the other spices.
How should I store my Christmas Spice Cake?
I recommend storing your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its delightful moistness. If you think it will last longer, refrigerate it, covered, for up to 5 days. Keeping it stored properly is essential for ensuring it stays as delicious as when freshly made.
Can I freeze the cake? If so, how?
Yes, indeed! Freezing is a fantastic option to keep your Christmas Spice Cake fresh! To do this, wrap each unfrosted cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove the layers from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
What if my cake turns out too dense?
Very! If your cake ends up dense, it could be due to overmixing or inaccurate measuring of ingredients. Be careful to mix just until combined and use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh and hasn’t expired; this can affect the cake’s rise. If it’s on the denser side, pair it with plenty of rich Eggnog Buttercream to balance the texture!
Are there any common allergens in this recipe I should be aware of?
It’s essential to consider allergies! This recipe includes common allergens like eggs, butter, and gluten. If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can use flax eggs as a vegan substitute and a gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten intolerance. Always check your ingredients for cross-contamination and consult with your guests to ensure everyone can enjoy this festive delight!
How long can I keep the Eggnog Buttercream frosting?
Great question! You can keep the Eggnog Buttercream frosting in the refrigerator for about 5 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using it again to restore its creamy texture. If you’re making it ahead of time, this means you can spread your baking joy across more days leading up to your holiday gatherings!
Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, blending each completely, then mix in sour cream and eggnog until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Eggnog Buttercream by beating the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth.
- Once cooled, frost the cake layers with Eggnog Buttercream and decorate as desired.
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