Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Celebrate the holiday season with a delectable Christmas Spice Cake topped with Eggnog Buttercream. This cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of traditional spices with a creamy, festive eggnog frosting, making it a stunning addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake:

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

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake

• Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
• Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter with sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
• Bake: Evenly divide the batter between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

• Beat Butter: Start with smooth, creamy butter.
• Add Sugar and Eggnog: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and eggnog. Adjust consistency with more eggnog if needed. Add vanilla and optional nutmeg.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

• Frost the Cake: Layer one cake on a plate, top with buttercream, then add the second cake and frost all over.
• Decorate: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or festive holiday sprinkles.

Tips for the Perfect Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake as a centerpiece at your holiday dinner or bring it to a festive gathering as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion

This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect blend of holiday cheer and comforting spices. Its rich flavors and festive appearance will bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy this delightful cake surrounded by friends and family this festive season!

Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

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• Author: recipes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake:

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

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Eggnog: Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add eggnog and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with additional eggnog if needed.
3. Add Nutmeg: Optionally, incorporate ground nutmeg for a hint of extra holiday flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate and spread with a generous layer of eggnog buttercream. Top with the second layer and apply a crumb coat. Chill briefly, then cover the cake with the remaining buttercream.
2. Decorate: Enhance the cake’s festive look with a dusting of ground nutmeg or festive holiday sprinkles.

Variation

• Fruit Layer: Consider adding a layer of spiced apple compote or cranberry sauce between the cake layers for an added burst of festive flavor.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients, particularly butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, even cake batter.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this cake as the dessert highlight at your Christmas dinner, or present it at a holiday brunch for a festive sweet treat.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing.
• Do Not Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Sodium: 200mg per serving
• Protein: 4g per serving