Festive Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream Recipe for Holidays

Crafting a delightful spice cake with eggnog buttercream brings warmth to winter gatherings.

Seasonal flavors dance through each tender crumb, promising festive comfort.

Nutmeg and cinnamon whisper memories of cozy holiday moments.

Rich cream frosting adds luxurious smoothness to every slice.

Delicate spices create a nostalgic experience that feels like home.

Baking this dessert connects you to cherished traditions.

Treat yourself to a slice of pure seasonal joy.

Festive Cake with Spiced Layers and Holiday Frosting

• Effortless Holiday Baking: Whip up this festive spice cake with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Combines warm spices and creamy eggnog buttercream for a delightful taste that captures the essence of holiday celebrations.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impressive enough for special gatherings yet easy to make, this cake will wow friends and family with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for winter parties, Christmas gatherings, or cozy weekend desserts that bring everyone together with its irresistible aroma and taste.

Eggnog Frosted Spice Cake Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine powder for the cake's structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Additional leavening agent.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm seasonal spices that give depth to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
• Eggs: Binding agent for cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet flavor.
• Buttermilk: Creates tenderness and slight tanginess.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth and sweet buttercream base.
• Unsalted Butter: Foundation for creamy frosting.
• Eggnog: Adds festive flavor and moisture to buttercream.
• Nutmeg: Warming spice that complements eggnog.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness.

Assembling Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Pans

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab three round cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil. Line each pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Step 3: Create Cake Batter Base

In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor magic.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Pour in buttermilk, alternating between dry ingredients and liquid. Mix until you have a smooth, silky batter.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Eggnog Buttercream

Beat butter until it becomes wonderfully creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and dreamy. Pour in eggnog, sprinkle some nutmeg, and add a dash of vanilla extract. Whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Stack and Decorate Cake

Place the first cake layer on a beautiful serving plate. Spread a generous layer of eggnog buttercream. Repeat with remaining layers, creating a delicious tower of spiced goodness. Frost the top and sides with a light touch, allowing the cake’s texture to peek through.

Frosting Tips That Perfect Spice Cake and Eggnog Balance

Optimize Cake Moisture: Add buttermilk to your batter for an incredibly tender, soft cake that stays moist even after a few days.

Spice Balance Trick: Freshly ground spices intensify the cake’s warm, rich flavor profile – grind whole spices just before mixing for maximum aromatic impact.

Perfect Buttercream Texture: Ensure butter is room temperature and beat thoroughly to create a silky smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.

No-Crack Cake Strategy: Allow cakes to cool completely in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential structural breaks.

Eggnog Frosting Hack: If buttercream seems too thick, gradually add small amounts of eggnog to achieve ideal spreading consistency without making it runny.

The Right Way to Store Spice Cake and Reheat It

• Store the spice cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Carefully wrap the entire cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften the buttercream and enhance flavors.

Eggnog Buttercream with Spice Cake Matches

• Pair with Warming Winter Whiskey Cocktail: Craft a smooth bourbon or rum-based cocktail with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the cake's spicy profile, enhancing the dessert's rich holiday flavors.
• Serve Alongside Caramel Spiced Pecans: Toast pecans with brown sugar and extra baking spices, creating a crunchy side that mirrors the cake's warm, aromatic notes and provides delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop high-quality vanilla bean ice cream as a cool, smooth accompaniment that balances the cake's intense spiciness and adds a luxurious creamy element to each bite.
• Recommend Aged Rum Pairing: Select a smooth, slightly aged rum with caramel undertones that echoes the cake's brown sugar and spice characteristics, creating a harmonious and indulgent dessert experience.

Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Styles

• Gluten-Free Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum to maintain cake structure and texture.
• Dairy-Free Eggnog Buttercream: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk eggnog instead of traditional dairy eggnog.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown sugar, and opt for a sugar-free powdered sugar alternative when making the buttercream.
• Vegan Holiday Cake: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, swap butter with coconut oil, and create a plant-based eggnog using cashew milk, rum extract, and vanilla for flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What spices are used in this spice cake?

The cake includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a warm and aromatic flavor profile that’s perfect for holiday baking.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist cake by adding acidity and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.

Celebratory Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive spice cake with eggnog buttercream delivers winter holiday magic in delightful layers of warm cinnamon and creamy richness. Rich seasonal flavors blend perfectly for gatherings where you’ll savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (591 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cloves

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lining three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, ensuring even surface coverage.
2. Create the dry mixture by combining flour, leavening agents, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a comprehensive blend.
3. Develop the wet base by creaming butter and brown sugar until achieving a pale, voluminous texture, then integrate eggs individually to maintain smooth consistency.
4. Incorporate vanilla extract into the butter mixture, providing depth and aromatic complexity to the cake’s flavor profile.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a silky, well-integrated batter without overmixing.
6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent baking.
7. Bake cake layers for 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean, then allow cakes to cool completely at room temperature.
8. Whip butter until smooth and creamy, creating a foundational texture for the buttercream.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, blending until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency.
10. Enhance buttercream with eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract, adjusting liquid content for optimal spreadability.
11. Position first cake layer on serving plate, spreading a generous layer of eggnog buttercream.
12. Stack remaining layers, applying buttercream between each for consistent flavor distribution.
13. Complete cake decoration by coating exterior with a delicate layer of buttercream, creating an elegant semi-naked aesthetic.

Notes

• Precision matters when measuring spices, as too much can overpower the delicate cake flavor and create an unbalanced taste profile.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture, preventing potential lumpy batter.
• Use fresh, high-quality spices to enhance the warm, aromatic notes that define this seasonal cake’s character.
• Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut buttermilk for a vegan-friendly version without compromising the rich, comforting taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg