Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream – A Festive Delight

Nothing says “holiday season” quite like the aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen! This Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is everything you want in a winter dessert: cozy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Each bite brings a comforting blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – all topped with a creamy eggnog frosting that’s both smooth and festive. Trust me, this cake is a show-stopper at any holiday gathering!

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Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake Recipe

This cake is the essence of holiday warmth with every bite! It’s incredibly moist, thanks to a combination of butter and oil, and layered with a creamy eggnog buttercream that takes it over the top. The flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves meld perfectly, while the hint of nutmeg in the frosting brings that extra holiday flair.

• Perfect for gatherings: This cake looks as festive as it tastes.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples make this an easy yet impressive dessert.
• Unbeatable flavor: The classic holiday spices combined with eggnog make this cake anything but boring!

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Eggnog Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional for extra flavor)

Essential Tools for Preparation

• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Electric mixer
• Whisk and mixing bowls
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula (for smooth frosting application)
• Piping bag (optional for decorative touches)

How to Make the Perfect Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Cream Butter, Oil, & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine & Alternate with Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Eggnog Buttercream

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Eggnog & Flavorings: Add eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using), and beat until everything is well combined and the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of eggnog buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a generous layer of frosting on the top and sides.
2. Festive Touch: Dust the top of the cake lightly with cocoa powder or nutmeg for an extra holiday vibe.

Decoration Tips

Take this cake from lovely to unforgettable with a few simple, festive decorations:

• Festive Toppings: Add fresh cranberries and sprigs of pine or rosemary for a rustic, wintry look.
• Snowy Powdered Sugar: Dust the entire cake lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Piping Buttercream: Use a star tip to pipe rosettes or swirls around the edge of the top layer for a polished finish.
• Spice Sprinkle: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added holiday warmth and color.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but for an extra-special holiday dessert table, serve it alongside:

• Eggnog lattes: Amp up the holiday flavors by pairing it with a creamy, spiced eggnog latte.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of ice cream adds cool contrast to each warm, spiced bite.
• Mulled wine: If you’re feeling extra festive, a glass of spiced mulled wine complements the cake’s rich flavors beautifully.

Tips for a Perfect Cake

• Measure accurately: Especially with the spices, to get the perfect balance.
• Don’t overmix: To keep the cake light, mix the batter until just combined.
• Room temperature ingredients: Use room temperature eggs, butter, and buttermilk for a smoother batter and even bake.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep for up to 3 months – just thaw, frost, and serve!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and keep them at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

Can I make this without eggnog?

If you’re not a fan of eggnog, replace it with heavy cream or milk in the frosting for a delicious vanilla buttercream.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes! This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to around 15-20 minutes.

In Summary

This Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is a must-try for any holiday celebration. With its rich, spiced layers and creamy, festive frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, this cake brings holiday magic to any table.

Want more festive flavors? Check out these holiday treats:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies – A fun and decorative treat that adds charm to any dessert spread.
• Gingerbread Cake – A warm, spiced classic perfect for cozy nights.
• Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece – Bursting with holiday flavors and perfect for any celebration.

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