Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

If you’re dreaming of a festive dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, look no further than this Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. This cake is a delightful blend of warm spices wrapped in tender, moist layers, crowned with a luscious eggnog-flavored buttercream frosting that adds creamy holiday magic to every bite. Whether for a family gathering, Christmas party, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings cozy flavors and festive cheer to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Flavors in Every Bite: Classic Christmas spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm, inviting taste that feels like a hug in dessert form.
• Incredibly Moist Texture: Special ingredients and baking tips ensure the cake stays richly moist and tender, never dry or crumbly.
• Eggnog Buttercream Magic: The luscious frosting captures the creamy, spiced essence of eggnog, transforming a simple buttercream into something extraordinary.
• Perfect for Any Celebration: This cake’s festive look and irresistible flavor make it a centerpiece for holiday parties, gift exchanges, or cozy winter nights.
• Easy to Customize: The recipe is flexible and forgiving for swapping ingredients, so you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. Each component works together to create the ultimate holiday dessert, balancing sweet, spicy, and creamy perfectly.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the cake structure without weighing it down.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and keeps it light and airy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: Classic warm spices that define the festive flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Adds natural caramel notes and enhances moisture retention.
• Unsalted Butter: For richness and a tender crumb—room temperature for easy mixing.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients flawlessly.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and contributes to the moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavors with its sweet aroma.
• Eggnog: Not just for sipping—the eggnog in the batter deepens flavor and keeps the cake soft.
• Powdered Sugar: For that smooth, creamy frosting base that complements the spices.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.

Variations for Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, making it a versatile holiday staple.

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Dairy-Free Buttercream: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and dairy-free milk in the frosting for a plant-based version.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a satisfying crunch.
• Extra Spice Boost: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg or add a pinch of cardamom for a more robust holiday flavor.
• Rum-Infused Frosting: Substitute a splash of rum for some eggnog in the buttercream for an adult-friendly treat.

How to Make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into a large bowl. This ensures everything is well combined and evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture throughout the cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it builds the base that will trap air, making the cake tender and moist.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the holiday aroma and round out the flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk combined with eggnog to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly to maintain the airiness without overmixing.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into greased and floured cake pans, then bake in a preheated oven until the cake springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of eggnog for that distinctive flavor, adjusting thickness with more sugar or milk as needed. Blend until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Layer your cooled cakes with the eggnog buttercream between them, then spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides for a beautifully finished festive cake.

Pro Tips for Making Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk to help everything blend smoothly and rise evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid developing gluten which can cause toughness.
• Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup for accurate measurement and avoid a dry cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Make sure the cake is fully cooled to prevent the buttercream from melting or sliding off.
• Adjust Eggnog Amount: If your eggnog is very thick or sweet, tweak the quantity in the frosting for balanced flavor and consistency.

How to Serve Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Garnishes

Add festive touches like whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, or a sprinkle of nutmeg over the frosting to elevate your presentation and enhance the aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with fresh cranberry sauce or spiced whipped cream to balance the rich sweetness and add a burst of seasonal freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it on a wooden board adorned with pine sprigs and cranberries, or cut the cake into mini bundt cakes or cupcakes for a charming holiday dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake airtight and refrigerated; it will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days. Ensure it is wrapped well to avoid picking up fridge odors.

Freezing

Wrap pieces or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Allow frozen slices to thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving. If desired, warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds to revive softness.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance and stored tightly wrapped. Frost the cake just before serving for the freshest taste.

Is there an alternative to eggnog in the frosting?

You can substitute milk or cream with a teaspoon of rum extract or vanilla to keep the creamy texture with a different twist on flavor.

Can I use a mixer or hand whisk for this recipe?

A stand or hand mixer helps achieve the best texture, especially when creaming butter and sugar, but you can also whisk by hand with a bit more effort and time.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Measure your flour carefully, avoid overbaking, and incorporate moist ingredients like buttermilk and eggnog to ensure a tender crumb.

What’s the best way to transport this cake?

Use a sturdy cake carrier or box with non-slip base to keep it stable, and keep it chilled if transporting for more than a couple of hours.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream that makes every holiday moment sweeter and cozier. Its perfect balance of aromatic spices, moist layers, and that dreamy eggnog frosting turns a simple cake into the centerpiece everyone will adore. I encourage you to try this recipe and create delicious memories with your loved ones this festive season.

Related Posts

• Cookie Butter Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
• White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
• Perfectly Soft & Chewy Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Print