Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

If you have been dreaming of a warm, decadent holiday treat, look no further than the Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. This festive dessert marries the cozy flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and rum-infused eggnog into a tender, moist cake that’s perfectly complemented by a luxuriously creamy buttercream. It’s the kind of cake that instantly fills your kitchen with the spirit of the season and wins over everyone lucky enough to taste it. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or simply craving a slice of holiday cheer, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem basic, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that unforgettable taste and texture. From the tender cake crumb to the rich, spiced buttercream, everything comes together seamlessly when you have the right components on hand.

• 3 cups cake flour: Provides a light and tender crumb, perfect for a delicate spice cake.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a moist texture.
• 3 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the cake taste salty.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds warm, slightly sweet spice that’s essential for any Christmas cake.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic holiday spice aroma and depth.
• 1 cup butter (slightly cooler than room temperature): Adds richness and moisture, helping to create a tender crumb.
• 1 cup eggnog (Southern Comfort brand used): Infuses the batter with traditional holiday flavor and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist and light.
• 2 tablespoons oil: Ensures extra tenderness and moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste): Rounds out the flavor with sweet warmth.
• 1 teaspoon rum flavoring: Adds a subtle, festive kick perfect for holiday treats.
• 3 large eggs: Provides structure, moisture, and richness.
• 2 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature): The base for the dreamy eggnog buttercream frosting.
• 6 cups powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its sweet, smooth texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness for a perfectly flavored buttercream.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds that signature holiday spice to the frosting as well.
• 1/4 teaspoon rum flavoring: Mirrors the cake’s festive rum notes in the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste): Deepens the flavor of the buttercream.
• 4 tablespoons milk: Used to adjust the buttercream’s consistency to silky perfection.

How to Make Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This slightly lower temperature allows the cake to bake slowly and retain moisture. Grease and flour two 8-inch round pans thoroughly—this step is vital so the cake layers come out cleanly without tearing, giving you beautiful, smooth edges for frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until evenly blended. In a separate bowl, combine the eggnog, milk, oil, vanilla extract or paste, rum flavoring, and eggs. Mixing these parts separately ensures even distribution and prevents clumps, setting you up for a perfectly emulsified batter.

Step 3: Combine Butter with Dry Ingredients

Cut your slightly cooled butter into chunks and add it in gradually to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Then raise the mixer speed to medium and continue until the butter has coated the flour mixture, creating a lovely crumbly, sand-like texture. This step is key to the tender crumb that makes this spice cake so irresistible.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Add about a third of the wet mixture to the butter-flour combination and mix on low to medium speed for about 30 seconds. Then pour in the remaining liquid and mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and finish mixing for no more than 15 seconds. This careful approach gives your cake its tender yet sturdy structure.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the cake edges gently pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes before turning them out to cool completely. This cooldown helps the cakes firm up just enough to handle without breaking.

Step 6: Prepare the Buttercream

Cream the unsalted butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add three cups of powdered sugar, beating on low first to avoid a sugar cloud, then medium until fully incorporated. Add two tablespoons of milk and the remaining powdered sugar, following the same process. Incorporate one more tablespoon of milk, along with the vanilla, rum extract, nutmeg, and salt. Beat on medium speed until the buttercream is luscious and fluffy. Adjust with more milk or powdered sugar as needed to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have fully cooled, spread a generous layer of eggnog buttercream between the two layers. Then frost the top and sides, smoothing it out or creating textured swirls with a spatula or knife. Let your creativity shine! This assembly transforms the beautiful spice cake into a festive showstopper that’s bursting with holiday flavor.

How to Serve Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing the Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream, simplicity is best to highlight its rich flavors. Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty aroma. Fresh cranberries dusted with powdered sugar bring vibrant color and a tart contrast. A dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top can also elevate the festive look and scent.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with warm, cozy drinks like spiced cider or rich hot chocolate, intensifying the holiday spirit. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can balance the spices with creamy sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent. Fresh fruit, like orange slices or spiced poached pears, offers a refreshing counterpart that keeps your palate excited.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, consider serving the cake on a rustic wooden board decorated with sprigs of pine or holly for an enchanting effect. Individual slices can be topped with a small rosette of buttercream and a sprinkle of edible gold dust for an elegant touch. You might also cut the cake into mini cupcakes or cake pops to create easy-to-handle festive treats that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh and prevent the cake from drying out. Properly stored, the Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream will stay delicious for up to 4 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and fragrant flavors.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, which is perfect if you want to prepare ahead of the holiday rush. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then assemble and frost with the eggnog buttercream. You can also freeze the frosted cake for short periods, but ensure it’s well covered to avoid freezer burn or frosting damage.

Reheating

The Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, gently warm single slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the entire cake as this can cause the buttercream to melt or separate. The warming brings out the cake’s spices and buttercream’s creaminess just beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk if you don’t have eggnog, but you’ll miss out on some of the rich, festive flavor that makes this cake special. To mimic eggnog, you might add a little extra vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg to the milk.

Is this cake suitable for freezing after it’s frosted?

While you can freeze the cake after frosting, it’s best to do so for short periods and make sure it is wrapped tightly to prevent frost damage and freezer burn. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers separately and frost fresh after thawing.

What can I use if I don’t have rum flavoring?

If rum flavoring isn’t available, you can substitute vanilla extract or almond extract, but the rum flavor does add an authentic holiday touch. Another option is to omit it entirely; the cake will still taste fantastic.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different but still very enjoyable.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best signs are when the edges start to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t expect it to come out completely dry because that can mean overbaked, leading to a dry cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a slice of the Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream to truly celebrate the season. Its warm blend of spices, tender crumb, and rich, creamy frosting make it a dessert that feels both familiar and special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, bake it with love, and watch the smiles as everyone enjoys a taste of cozy holiday magic. Happy baking!

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