Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

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Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the quintessential dessert that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. This scrumptious cake features a blend of spices that evoke the fragrant aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, reminiscent of cozy winter evenings spent with loved ones. Topped with a luscious Eggnog Buttercream, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. In this recipe, you’ll get to experience the joy of preparing a delightful dessert with our step-by-step guide that promises ease and success.

The allure of a perfectly baked spice cake isn’t just in its flavors; it also lies in the memories it creates. The moments spent frosting the cake with family, the sweet aroma wafting from the kitchen, and the sheer delight of indulging in a slice are what make festive gatherings truly special. Plus, who can resist the creamy goodness of Eggnog Buttercream? This cake is worth making not just for the holiday season but for any occasion that calls for a touch of magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best aspects of this Christmas Spice Cake is its ease of preparation. The straightforward ingredients and clear instructions make it family-friendly, allowing everyone to get involved in the baking process. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cake-making for the first time, creating this festive treat will be both enjoyable and rewarding. Moreover, with the minimal ingredients required for the cake, it’s an accessible and fun recipe to whip up.

This recipe features traditional spices that not only give the cake its characteristic flavor but also create a rich sensory experience that will excite your palate and warm your heart.

Ingredients for Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Cooking is all about embracing the right ingredients, and for this Christmas Spice Cake, we have a delightful selection that blends harmoniously:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — the base that provides structure to our cake.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder — for that perfect rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda — additional leavening to keep our cake fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — to enhance all the flavors.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon — the spice that anchors the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger — adds a warm undertone.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg — for its distinctive warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves — lending a spicy kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice — heightening the complexity of flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) — to create a creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar — for the perfect sweetness.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) — adding depth with its caramel notes.
• 3 large eggs — the binding agents for our batter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — for a warm, aromatic essence.
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature) — ensuring moisture and tenderness.

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) — to create a decadent frosting.
• 4 cups powdered sugar — for that sweet, fluffy texture.
• 1/4 cup eggnog (plus more as needed) — the holiday spirit in frosting form.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract — adding richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) — to accentuate the flavors.

Step-by-Step Directions for Christmas Spice Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice until well combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically taking about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the Eggnog Buttercream, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until incorporated. Stir in the eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using) until you reach your desired consistency — adjust with more eggnog or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with Eggnog Buttercream, place the second layer on top, and repeat. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and decorate as desired.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Christmas Spice Cake, consider these chef-approved tips:

• Use fresh spices for enhanced flavor; fresh-ground spices can make a significant difference.
• Make the cake ahead of time. This cake can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to three days before frosting.
• For an extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon between the cake layers.
• Consider adding nuts or dried fruits such as chopped pecans or cranberries for additional texture and sweetness.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a layer of cream cheese frosting alongside the Eggnog Buttercream.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

When presenting your Christmas Spice Cake, serve it on a festive tray, garnished with cinnamon sticks or fresh cranberries for a seasonal touch.

Pair it with a warm beverage, such as spiced tea or hot chocolate, to keep the holiday spirit alive. This cake also makes an excellent accompaniment to vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream on the side for an indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information

While this Christmas Spice Cake is a delightful indulgence, moderation is key. One slice typically contains about 350 calories, with a good amount of fats and sugars due to the combination of butter and sugar in both the cake and icing. It’s perfect for special occasions where we celebrate the joy of togetherness and tradition.

Keep in mind that although it may be a splurge, it’s also a moment to relish the flavors and experiences of the holiday season.

Storing Tips & Variations for Christmas Spice Cake

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, this cake freezes wonderfully!

Just wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or use the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Consider variations like a chocolate gingerbread cake by swapping out a portion of the flour with cocoa powder, or incorporating pumpkin puree for a unique twist. You could also turn this recipe into cupcakes—just adjust the baking time!

Conclusion for Christmas Spice Cake

This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and togetherness. With its delightful spices and rich frosting, it promises to become a beloved recipe for years to come. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow our simple step-by-step instructions, and create a cake that will surely bring smiles, laughter, and joy to your holiday season.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be baked a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and serve.

2. Can I use different size pans?
Yes, but keep an eye on the baking time if you change the size of the pans; smaller pans may bake faster, while larger pans may need more time.

3. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk mixed with a bit of vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.

5. Can I add other festive spices?
Feel free to experiment! Adding a hint of cardamom or even a touch of chili powder can give your cake a unique flavor profile that surprises your palate.

Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

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Pin Recipe

A delightful Christmas Spice Cake infused with warm spices, topped with creamy Eggnog Buttercream, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For Eggnog Buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg to desired consistency.
9. Once cooled, frost layers of the cake with Eggnog Buttercream and decorate as desired.

Notes

Use fresh spices for enhanced flavor and feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

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