Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream : A Festive Holiday Dessert

When it comes to holiday baking, few things are as comforting and festive as a slice of Christmas Spice Cake. Rich in flavor and perfect for winter gatherings, this moist Christmas spice cake topped with eggnog buttercream is the ultimate dessert to bring to your next holiday celebration. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, combined with the creamy sweetness of eggnog buttercream, this cake is the perfect balance of festive and indulgent.

Whether you’re planning a holiday party, making a treat for Christmas dinner, or just looking for something special to share with friends and family, this cake will be the highlight of your holiday dessert table. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine!

Let’s dive into this Christmas flavored cake and explore how to make it as delicious and festive as possible.

Save

What Makes Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream So Special?

What sets this cake apart from other holiday cakes is its depth of flavor. The spice cake is perfectly moist, thanks to a blend of ingredients that create a soft, tender crumb. The spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — evoke the essence of the holiday season, while the eggnog buttercream adds a rich, creamy finish that complements the cake perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of the holidays as it bakes.

Unlike traditional gingerbread cakes that can be dense and heavy, this holiday spice cake has a lighter texture, making it a great alternative if you want something flavorful but not too rich. The eggnog buttercream enhances the cake’s spices without overpowering them, creating a beautifully balanced treat that’s as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes.

If you’re looking for more holiday cake flavors, this cake offers the perfect balance between the spiced richness of a traditional Christmas gingerbread cake and the smooth, festive flavors of Christmas cake flavor ideas.

Ingredients for Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful holiday cake:

For the Christmas Spice Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup molasses

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• A pinch of salt

These ingredients come together to create a beautiful, moist Christmas cake recipe that’s full of flavor and holiday cheer.

Save

How to Make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper) to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This will help create a soft, moist cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Molasses

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and molasses. The molasses gives the cake a deep, rich flavor and helps keep it moist.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

While the cakes are cooling, make the eggnog buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggnog, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous layer of eggnog buttercream over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. If desired, garnish the cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and serve it as the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table. This Christmas spice cake pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a glass of chilled eggnog.

If you’re looking to complement this cake with other Christmas cake flavor ideas, consider serving it alongside a slice of Christmas Gingerbread Cake or Holiday Spice Cake from your collection of festive recipes.

Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Spice Cake

To make sure your Christmas cake recipes turn out perfectly, here are a few tips:

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to be dense. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature before baking. This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: To ensure the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
• Let the cakes cool completely: This is crucial for a smooth frosting application. If the cakes are warm, the buttercream may melt and slide off.

Variations to Try

This holiday spice cake is delicious as is, but there are a few variations you can try to make it your own:

1. Add a filling: Add a layer of cream cheese filling or a cranberry compote between the layers for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely texture to the cake. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.
3. Spice it up: If you love extra spice, add a bit of ground black pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the cake a kick.

If you’re a fan of Russian Christmas Cake, try adding a hint of brandy to the cake batter or the buttercream for a sophisticated twist.

Storing and Freezing Christmas Spice Cake

This moist Christmas cake stays fresh for several days when stored properly:

• Storing: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

How to Serve Christmas Spice Cake

This holiday cake is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Christmas Dinner: Serve it as the final sweet treat after your holiday feast.
• Holiday Parties: This cake makes a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table.
• Gifts: Bake individual spice cake slices and wrap them in festive packaging to give as delicious homemade gifts.

Pair it with a cup of hot spiced cider or mulled wine for the perfect winter treat.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature, and frost them the day you plan to serve.

Can I use a different frosting?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of eggnog, you can use a simple cream cheese frosting or a traditional buttercream instead.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers for longer, refrigerate the cake.

Conclusion: A Festive Cake to Remember

This Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect dessert for any holiday celebration. With its delightful balance of spices, richness from the buttercream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s sure to be the star of your dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or enjoying a quiet night in, this cake is the perfect way to sweeten up your Christmas cake flavor ideas.

Want more holiday baking inspiration? Check out other festive cakes like Christmas Gingerbread Cake or Russian Christmas Cake for a variety of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Print