The Perfect Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

Crafting a holiday spice cake with rich eggnog buttercream promises a festive adventure that melts winter’s chill.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will dance through your kitchen, beckoning loved ones closer.

Warm baking memories flood back with each tender crumb, creating nostalgic moments of comfort.

Seasonal baking rarely feels this magical and effortless.

Layers of complex flavors merge perfectly, surprising even experienced home bakers.

Delicate spices whisper stories of cozy gatherings and cherished traditions.

Flavor Ideas For Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream

• Gluten-Free Holiday Spice Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of almond and rice flour to accommodate celiac and gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Dairy-Free Eggnog Alternative: Swap buttermilk and butter with coconut milk and coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Sugar Festive Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener and reduce sugar content, replacing traditional sugars with natural, lower-calorie alternatives without compromising flavor.
• Nutmeg-Free Spice Blend: Substitute nutmeg with cardamom and allspice for those with nutmeg allergies or sensitivities, creating a warm, complex flavor profile.

Suggested Pairings For Spice Cake And Buttercream

• Holiday Festive Plating: Dust the cake with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, creating a magical winter wonderland effect that sparkles like fresh snow.
• Seasonal Garnish Showcase: Arrange vibrant cranberries, aromatic star anise, rustic cinnamon sticks, and fresh rosemary sprigs on top to create a stunning, natural holiday centerpiece.
• Elegant Serving Style: Present the cake on a vintage wooden board or elegant white porcelain plate to highlight its rustic yet sophisticated holiday charm.
• Beverage Pairing Delight: Serve alongside warm mulled wine, spiced hot apple cider, or a creamy eggnog to complement the cake's rich, festive flavors.

Storage Guidelines For Spice Cake And Buttercream

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap single slices in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft texture and enhance flavors.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this cake?

The key spices are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These warm spices create a rich, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for holiday baking.

• Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to create a similar tangy effect.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The edges should also be slightly pulling away from the pan sides.

Why Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream Excites

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Warm, spicy cake that brings winter holiday vibes right to your table.
• Bake with Ease: Simple mixing technique and straightforward ingredients make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Presentation: Stunning decorative touches with cranberries, star anise, and rosemary create an Instagram-worthy dessert that doubles as a centerpiece.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Rich eggnog buttercream and complex spice blend guarantee a delectable treat that will impress family and friends at gatherings.

Ingredients For Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the spice cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create the signature flavor profile of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the cake's moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Buttermilk: Contributes tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
• Applesauce: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a creamy base for the buttercream.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right buttercream consistency.
• Eggnog: Adds a festive flavor to the buttercream.
• Vanilla Extract, Nutmeg: Enhance the flavor of the buttercream.
• Cranberries, Star Anise, Cinnamon Sticks, Rosemary: Decorative elements that add visual appeal and seasonal charm.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting to create a snowy effect.

Step-By-Step Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pans

Grab your cake pans and give them a generous coating of butter.

Cut parchment paper circles to perfectly fit the bottom of each pan, ensuring your cake will slide out like a dream.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves

Set this magical spice mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like clouds of deliciousness.

This should take about 3-4 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Alternate between adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture.

Fold in some applesauce for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.

Slide them into a preheated oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Eggnog Buttercream

Beat butter until it becomes creamy and smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, creating a cloud-like frosting.

Pour in eggnog, vanilla, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Mix until the buttercream is fluffy and irresistible.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate.

Spread a luscious layer of eggnog buttercream.

Add the next cake layer and repeat.

Create a rustic “naked cake” look by lightly frosting the sides.

Step 9: Add Festive Decorations

• Scatter fresh cranberries
• Arrange star anise
• Place cinnamon sticks
• Tuck in sprigs of rosemary

Dust the top with a light snowfall of powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips For Spice Cake With Eggnog Buttercream

• Use parchment paper and grease cake pans thoroughly to ensure easy cake release and beautiful, intact layers.
• Freshly ground spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will elevate the cake's flavor profile, creating a more complex and aromatic dessert.
• Applesauce adds incredible moisture and subtle sweetness, helping prevent the cake from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Chill buttercream briefly if it seems too soft, ensuring smooth spreading and a professional-looking cake finish.
• Arrange garnishes like cranberries and rosemary strategically to create a stunning, winter-inspired presentation that looks professionally styled.

Delicious Spice Cake and Eggnog Buttercream Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday spice cake delights with warm, aromatic flavors dancing across each delectable slice. Creamy eggnog buttercream crowns this seasonal masterpiece, inviting you to savor winter’s most comforting dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cake Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Decoration:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons eggnog
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh cranberries
• Star anise
• Cinnamon sticks
• Rosemary or pine sprigs (non-edible)
• Walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by generously coating with butter and lining bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves) in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes at medium speed.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
5. Gradually combine dry ingredients with buttermilk, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Gently fold in applesauce to maintain mixture’s moisture.
6. Evenly distribute cake batter among prepared pans, creating smooth, level surfaces.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into cake’s center.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
9. Prepare buttercream by whipping butter until exceptionally creamy and smooth.
10. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, then blend in eggnog, vanilla, and a hint of nutmeg until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
11. Assemble cake by placing first layer on serving plate, spreading buttercream between each subsequent layer.
12. Apply a delicate layer of frosting around cake’s exterior for a rustic, “naked cake” aesthetic.
13. Embellish top with festive garnishes: fresh cranberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs.
14. Dust cake with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like finish that enhances visual appeal.

Notes

• Ingredient Swaps make this cake adaptable for various dietary needs, like using gluten-free flour or plant-based butter for a vegan version.
• Spice Balance is crucial; freshly ground spices will elevate the cake’s aromatic profile and provide deeper, more complex flavors.
• Room Temperature Ingredients ensure smoother mixing and help create a more consistent cake texture, preventing lumpy batter or uneven baking.
• Buttermilk Substitution can work with alternatives like yogurt or milk with vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, maintaining moisture and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg