There's something magical about the holidays, especially when it comes to baking. I remember one Christmas when my son, Liam, decided to take over the kitchen and whipped up a batch of cookies that were more flour than sugar! But we laughed and enjoyed every bite, just like we do with this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting. It’s one of those Christmas spice cake recipes that fills your home with warmth and joy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a delightful blend of warm spices that brings the holiday spirit to life.
- The eggnog buttercream frosting is creamy and festive, making each slice a treat.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a cake that everyone will love.
- It’s simple to make, so you can spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.
Pure Comfort
This Christmas Spice Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cake form. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wafting through your kitchen will instantly transport you to cozy holiday gatherings. Each bite is a reminder of family traditions and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel right at home.
What You Need
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs – Room temperature eggs work best.
- 1 cup buttermilk – You can use regular milk with a splash of vinegar.
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup eggnog – Store-bought or homemade works well.
- 1 cup unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened.
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp additional eggnog – Adjust for desired frosting consistency.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30-35 minutes | Total: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. The smell of warm spices will fill your kitchen soon!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This mixture should smell heavenly!
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and eggnog. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix or your cake might be dense.
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, make the eggnog buttercream frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and enough eggnog to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that festive touch!
Make It Perfect
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; frosting a warm cake can make a mess!
- If you want a stronger eggnog flavor, add more eggnog to the frosting.
- Use a serrated knife to level your cakes for a professional look.
- Keep the cake covered to maintain moisture and freshness.
Mix It Up
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Swap out the eggnog for spiced rum for a boozy twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Enjoy alongside a festive fruit salad.
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FAQs
How do I store leftover cake?
Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness.
Conclusion
This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your family. With its warm spices and creamy frosting, it’s one of those Christmas flavored cakes that brings everyone together. So, gather your loved ones, bake up this festive treat, and enjoy the sweet moments of the season!
Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and add buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and eggnog; mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and divide the batter evenly between them.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and enough eggnog to make the frosting.
- Spread frosting on one cake, place second cake on top, then frost top and sides.
- Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.