Cake with Eggnog Buttercream for a Birthday Celebration

Celebrate a winter birthday with a stunning Cake with Eggnog Buttercream that promises to be the highlight of the party. This cake combines the festive flavors of eggnog with a soft, moist cake base, making it perfect for adding a celebratory touch to any winter occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm flavor)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• ¼ cup eggnog (for extra flavor)

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3–4 tbsp eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for a festive flavor)

Decorations:

• Edible glitter or shimmer dust
• Sprinkles in the birthday person’s favorite colors
• Candied cranberries or other edible decorations
• Festive birthday cake topper or candles

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using) in a medium bowl.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
• Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk/eggnog to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

• Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then the eggnog and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Optionally, add nutmeg for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

• Place one layer on a serving plate, spread with buttercream, then top with the second layer. Apply a crumb coat; chill for 15-20 minutes, then frost fully.

Step 4: Decorate the Cake

• Decorate with edible glitter, sprinkles, candied cranberries, and a personalized birthday topper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake with warm eggnog, coffee, or spiced tea. Pair with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
• Frosting Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the frosting by adding more powdered sugar or eggnog as needed.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes, plus cooling and decorating time

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 5 g per serving
• Fat: 20 g per serving

FAQs

Q: Can the cake be made in advance? A: Yes, the cake layers can be baked ahead and frozen. Thaw and frost on the day of serving.

Q: Can I substitute the eggnog? A: For a less festive version, use regular milk or cream in both the cake and frosting.

Conclusion

This Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is not just a dessert, it’s a festive centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any birthday celebration. Its creamy, spicy flavors are perfect for a winter birthday, making it as delightful to eat as it is to behold.