This Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream brings the warmth of the holiday season straight to your table. Each layer of moist cake is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, capturing the cozy essence of the season. Topped with smooth, creamy eggnog buttercream, this cake is a decadent treat for every holiday gathering. Its rustic, “naked cake” charm makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert that’s simple yet elegant. Garnished with festive touches like cranberries and rosemary, it’s perfect for Christmas parties, family dinners, or just indulging in the flavors of the season.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Spice Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
For the Eggnog Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp eggnog (adjust to desired consistency)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Fresh cranberries
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Sprigs of rosemary or pine (non-edible)
- Walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in applesauce until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until smooth and fluffy, adjusting consistency with more eggnog if needed.
- To assemble, layer and frost cakes with the buttercream. For a “naked cake” effect, apply a thin layer to the sides, letting the cake show through slightly.
- Decorate with cranberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 520 per slice | Servings: 12
Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
As the holiday season approaches, the joy of baking becomes an essential part of the festive spirit. Among the wide array of traditional treats, one dessert truly captures the essence of the season: a Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. This elegant yet approachable cake combines the heartwarming flavors of winter spices with the creamy richness of eggnog in its frosting, making it a standout on any dessert table.
The Magic of Spice Cake
The spice cake is an age-old favorite, a dessert that exudes warmth and comfort with every bite. Its blend of spices cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves infuses the cake with a depth of flavor that evokes cozy memories of winter evenings by the fire. These spices are not only delicious but also carry historical significance, as they were once considered luxury ingredients. Today, they remain essential in holiday baking, imparting an irresistible aroma and taste to any dessert.
What makes this cake unique is its balance. While the spices are prominent, they don’t overpower. The subtle sweetness from the sugar, the moistness from the applesauce, and the tangy undertones from the buttermilk all come together harmoniously. The result is a dessert that feels indulgent yet light, making it the perfect treat after a hearty holiday meal.
The Role of Eggnog Buttercream
No spice cake is complete without a frosting that complements its robust flavors, and this eggnog buttercream does just that. Eggnog, a classic holiday beverage, adds a creamy, custard-like richness to the frosting. Its subtle notes of nutmeg and vanilla elevate the buttercream, creating a luxurious topping that pairs beautifully with the spiced layers of the cake.
What sets this frosting apart is its versatility. Adjusting the sweetness or the amount of eggnog can tailor the frosting to your preference. For those who prefer a more traditional buttercream, the eggnog can be substituted with heavy cream or milk, while a touch of rum extract can mimic the festive flair of spiked eggnog. The buttercream not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visual appeal with its smooth texture and the opportunity for decorative garnishes.
A Rustic and Festive Presentation
The presentation of the Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is where simplicity meets sophistication. The “naked cake” frosting style, where a thin layer of buttercream allows the cake layers to peek through, offers a rustic charm that’s perfect for the holidays. This minimalistic approach not only saves time but also lets the natural beauty of the cake shine.
To make it even more festive, the cake is garnished with fresh cranberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and sprigs of rosemary. These decorations are not just visually stunning but also echo the flavors of the cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar completes the look, resembling freshly fallen snow a touch that transforms this dessert into a winter wonderland centerpiece.
Why This Recipe is a Holiday Must-Try
The Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. From the moment the spices hit the warm batter to the final dusting of powdered sugar, every step of the process is infused with the spirit of the season. This cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion, whether it’s a formal dinner party, a cozy family gathering, or a casual evening with friends.
The cake’s ability to be made ahead of time adds to its appeal. The layers can be baked a day in advance, allowing you to focus on frosting and decorating closer to your event. This make-ahead feature not only reduces stress but also enhances the flavor, as the spices have more time to meld and intensify.
Tips for Making the Perfect Spice Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Even Layers: To achieve professional-looking layers, use a serrated knife to level any domed tops before assembling the cake.
- Adjustable Sweetness: Customize the frosting’s sweetness to your liking by adding powdered sugar gradually and tasting as you go.
- Festive Substitutions: If eggnog isn’t available, heavy cream or milk can be used with a hint of nutmeg and vanilla extract to replicate its flavor.
- Storage and Serving: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full range of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with warm beverages like mulled wine, spiced chai tea, or classic eggnog. For an extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to the next level. Its festive flavors also make it a delightful companion to sparkling wine or coffee with a splash of Bailey’s.
Conclusion:
The Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of the holiday season. Its rich flavors, moist texture, and creamy frosting come together to create a treat that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat your loved ones to something special, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
As you savor each bite, let the warm spices and creamy eggnog frosting transport you to a place of holiday joy. It’s desserts like these that make the season truly magical, bringing people together to share in the simple pleasures of good food and great company.
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Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream brings the warmth of the holiday season straight to your table. Each layer of moist cake is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, capturing the cozy essence of the season. Topped with smooth, creamy eggnog buttercream, this cake is a decadent treat for every holiday gathering. Its rustic, “naked cake” charm makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert that’s simple yet elegant. Garnished with festive touches like cranberries and rosemary, it’s perfect for Christmas parties, family dinners, or just indulging in the flavors of the season.
Ingredients
For the Spice Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
For the Eggnog Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp eggnog (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Fresh cranberries
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Sprigs of rosemary or pine (non-edible)
- Walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in applesauce until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by eggnog, vanilla extract, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until smooth and fluffy, adjusting consistency with more eggnog if needed.
- To assemble, layer and frost cakes with the buttercream. For a “naked cake” effect, apply a thin layer to the sides, letting the cake show through slightly.
- Decorate with cranberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
