Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

The holidays are a time for warmth, coziness, and those flavors that make us feel right at home. This Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is all that and more—a fragrant blend of warm spices with a rich, creamy eggnog buttercream that’ll bring cheer to any gathering. With a moist, fluffy cake base and a frosting that tastes like a mug of eggnog, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

• Classic Holiday Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves brings all the cozy holiday vibes.
• Festive and Beautiful: A stunning cake with simple decorations that make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
• Versatile Presentation: Dress it up with rustic holiday décor or keep it simple for a more understated elegance.

The Taste

Imagine the first bite—fluffy cake layers spiced to perfection, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth eggnog frosting that’s slightly sweet, creamy, and tinged with nutmeg. It’s the ideal dessert for savoring by the fire, surrounded by friends and family!

Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Ingredients

For the Spice Cake:

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

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula for frosting

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Divide and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Eggnog Buttercream

1. Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Flavor: Pour in the eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and airy, adding a touch more eggnog if needed for a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of eggnog buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, stacking them with a layer of frosting in between.
2. Frost the Sides: Frost the top and sides of the cake with a thin layer of buttercream, leaving a rustic, semi-naked look if desired.

Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Decoration Tips

• Festive Topper: Dust the top with cinnamon for warmth, then arrange sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh cranberries for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
• Rustic Presentation: Use a wooden cake board to enhance the rustic charm of this holiday cake.
• Dusting of Magic: Lightly sprinkle powdered sugar over the entire cake for a snowy, wintry effect.

What to Serve with Spice Cake

A warm slice of this spice cake pairs beautifully with:

• A cup of hot coffee or spiced tea
• A glass of eggnog for a doubled-up eggnog experience
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream if you love a warm and cold contrast

Tips for Making the Perfect Spice Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the fluffiest cake and creamiest frosting, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and airy.
• Buttercream Consistency: Adjust the eggnog in the buttercream by adding it gradually, as a little can go a long way in softening the texture.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days.
• Refrigerator: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to five days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Is there an eggnog substitute for the buttercream?
If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can use heavy cream with a touch of nutmeg for a similar flavor.

Can I freeze the Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled and frosted cake (unwrapped for an hour, then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Wrap-Up: A Holiday Cake to Remember

With its delicate layers of spiced cake and the indulgent eggnog buttercream, this cake brings out the holiday spirit in every bite! The warmth from the spices, combined with the creamy richness of the buttercream, makes this an irresistible treat perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home.

Looking for more festive recipes? Check out these holiday treats:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece

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