Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream The Perfect Holiday Dessert

When it comes to festive desserts, few treats can rival the warm, comforting flavors of a spice cake with eggnog buttercream. Combining the aromatic spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the creamy richness of eggnog frosting, this dessert is the perfect choice for your holiday table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of cakes, this guide will walk you through everything you need to create a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is memorable.

Why Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Is a Holiday Favorite

The history of spice cake is steeped in tradition. Its roots can be traced back to centuries-old recipes where bakers used a combination of spices to flavor their cakes. Over time, this dessert has become a staple for the holiday season due to its rich, warming flavors.

The magic of a good spice cake lies in its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices don’t just add flavor—they evoke a sense of coziness and nostalgia that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings. To make your holiday baking even more festive, pair your spice cake with creamy eggnog buttercream, a frosting that’s equal parts indulgent and celebratory.

For more ideas on festive baking, you might enjoy exploring perfect holiday treats with gingerbread cookies. These gingerbread men cookies are another classic that complements the flavors of spice cake beautifully.

Ingredients for Holiday Spice Cake with Eggnog Frosting

To create this delightful dessert, gather the following ingredients:

For the Spiced Cake Base:

Dry Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons eggnog
A pinch of ground nutmeg

How to Make Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Frosting

Preparing the Cake

Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a medium-sized bowl. Sift the mixture to distribute the spices evenly.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine the mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Bake and cool: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Place them on the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and after 10 minutes, gently release the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Make the Best Eggnog Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
Pour in the eggnog and sprinkle in the nutmeg. Beat the frosting on medium speed until it becomes fluffy and light. Add small amounts of additional eggnog if the frosting needs to be thinned for spreading.

Assembling Your Festive Spiced Cake with Eggnog Frosting

Position the first cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of eggnog buttercream evenly across the surface.
Carefully place the second layer on top, ensuring it aligns evenly with the bottom layer. Coat the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula for a polished finish.
To add a festive flair, lightly dust the top with ground cinnamon or garnish with sugared cranberries.

For more holiday baking inspiration, explore these festive holiday baking ideas.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Spiced Cake with Eggnog Frosting

Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures that your batter mixes evenly and produces a smooth texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense rather than light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the cake’s center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready to be removed from the oven.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Add texture: Stir in chopped nuts, raisins, or candied ginger to enhance the cake’s flavor and texture.
Try alternative frostings: If you’re not a fan of eggnog, consider a vanilla bean or cream cheese frosting for a different yet equally delicious pairing.
Cupcake option: This recipe works wonderfully for cupcakes—just reduce the baking time to about 18–20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I Make This Cake Egg-Free?

Yes! Substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt for a moist and flavorful alternative.

How Should I Store the Cake?

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to bring out its flavors and soften the frosting.

Is Homemade Eggnog Necessary?

Not at all! While homemade eggnog can provide a richer taste, store-bought versions work perfectly and save time.

Conclusion

A spice cake with eggnog buttercream is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartwarming way to celebrate the holiday season. The combination of spiced cake layers and rich frosting will make this dessert the star of your festive table.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just for fun, this cake promises to impress. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the holiday baking magic begin!