why make this recipe
Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect treat to celebrate the holiday season. This cake combines warm spices with a creamy, rich frosting, creating a delightful flavor that fills your home with the scents of Christmas. It’s not just delicious; it also brings a festive touch to your table and is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is a warm and inviting addition to any occasion.
how to make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add in the powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake with the eggnog buttercream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg before serving.
how to serve Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Serve this cake as a delightful dessert during your holiday celebrations. Slice it into squares and plate it nicely. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add an extra touch. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy evening treat.
how to store Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
To store your cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help the buttercream stay fresh. The cake can last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.
tips to make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
- Make sure to properly measure the flour for best results. Too much can make the cake dense.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- To enhance the flavor, let the cake sit for a day before serving. It often tastes better after resting.
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
variation (if any)
You can switch the eggnog with another flavored liquid, such as milk or heavy cream, for the buttercream. If you prefer a different spice profile, try using allspice or cardamom instead of the traditional spices. For a lighter version, use a lighter buttercream or whipped topping.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different frosting instead of eggnog buttercream?
Yes! You can use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache if you prefer something different.
2. Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds moisture and richness to the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and frosted just before serving. It also freezes well if you want to make it further in advance.

Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake combining warm spices with creamy eggnog buttercream, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and eggnog until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake with the eggnog buttercream.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg before serving.
Notes
Make sure to properly measure the flour for best results. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Let the cake sit for a day before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
