Festive Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream Recipe – A Holiday Joy

Warm holiday memories often center around a delightful spice cake with eggnog buttercream that brings comfort and joy to winter gatherings.

Nostalgic aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through kitchens, promising sweet celebrations.

Festive bakers know this dessert combines classic seasonal flavors in a spectacular way.

Rich, moist layers tell stories of cozy evenings and cherished traditions.

Creamy buttercream frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes every slice feel special.

Each bite connects you to cherished moments of togetherness.

Whip up this delectable treat and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Spice Cake Topped with Eggnog Frosting That Feels Like a Hug

• Effortless Holiday Baking: Whip up this spice cake with minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create a show-stopping dessert without stress.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Packed with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake delivers a mouthwatering taste of holiday cheer in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impressive enough for special gatherings yet simple enough for family celebrations, this cake brings people together with its irresistible eggnog buttercream and rich, moist texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers in advance and frost when ready, making it a convenient option for busy holiday hosts who want to reduce last-minute kitchen chaos.

Spice Cake with Eggnog Frosting Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base for the cake's soft texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create a cozy holiday flavor.

• Butter, Oil: Provide moisture and richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake's structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.

Crafting Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F. Prep three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Magic

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

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, light cloud. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Blend the Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture. Pour in buttermilk, alternating between dry ingredients and liquid. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Evenly distribute the batter into prepared cake pans. Smooth out the tops with a spatula. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Relax

Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting or decorating.

Cake Tips for Spice and Eggnog Frosting Harmony

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, spices, and buttermilk to ensure the cake's perfect texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Spice Blend Freshness: Opt for freshly ground spices to intensify the warm, aromatic notes in the cake, creating a more vibrant and rich taste experience.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing to guarantee smoother batter and more even cake layers.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture and maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking decoration.

Save Spice Cake with Eggnog Frosting for Another Day

• Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap each layer separately with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap each cooled cake layer in two layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
• Keep frosted cake at room temperature for 1-2 days in a cake dome or container. Ensure the environment is cool and dry to prevent buttercream from melting.
• Cut individual slices can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Spice Cake with Eggnog Frosting Holiday Matches

• Pair with Creamy Eggnog Latte: Craft a homemade eggnog latte with espresso, steamed milk, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to complement the cake's warm spices and enhance the festive flavor profile.
• Holiday Whiskey Pairing: Select a smooth bourbon or aged whiskey with caramel and vanilla notes that beautifully mirror the cake's rich spice and buttercream undertones.
• Serve with Spiced Cranberry Compote: Prepare a quick cranberry compote with orange zest and cinnamon stick to provide a tart, bright contrast against the cake's sweet and creamy texture.
• Mulled Wine Companion: Brew a traditional mulled wine with red wine, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel to create a warming beverage that echoes the cake's holiday spirit.

Eggnog Spice Cake Festive Combos

• Gluten-Free Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Eggnog Buttercream: Swap butter and milk with coconut cream and vegan butter alternatives, using dairy-free eggnog for the frosting.
• Vegan Spice Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and replace butter with vegetable oil.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture and sweetness.

FAQs

• What makes this spice cake unique?

The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a rich, complex flavor profile that captures the essence of holiday baking.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Yes, you can replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and use vegetable oil instead of a specific type of oil.

• How do I ensure my cake layers are even?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter when dividing it between pans, or use measuring cups to distribute it equally, which helps create uniform cake layers.

• Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! The recipe uses straightforward mixing techniques and common baking ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers with basic cooking skills.

Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream A Festive Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Spice cake with eggnog buttercream brings winter holiday magic straight to dessert lovers’ tables. Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy eggnog frosting create a delightful seasonal treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by coating with butter and lining with parchment paper, then set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, leavening agents, salt, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium mixing bowl.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition.
4. Gently fold vanilla extract into the butter mixture, creating a smooth, fragrant base.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, carefully mixing until ingredients are just combined to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
6. Distribute batter evenly across prepared cake pans, smoothing surfaces for uniform baking.
7. Position pans in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before frosting.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan version of this festive cake.
• Reduce sugar content by replacing half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, healthier option.
• Toast spices briefly before adding to the batter to enhance their depth and complexity of flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter and more even cake texture during baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg