Celebrate the holiday season with a delectable Christmas Spice Cake topped with Eggnog Buttercream. This cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of traditional spices with a creamy, festive eggnog frosting, making it a stunning addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

For the Eggnog Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake

• Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
• Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter with sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
• Bake: Evenly divide the batter between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Buttercream

• Beat Butter: Start with smooth, creamy butter.
• Add Sugar and Eggnog: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and eggnog. Adjust consistency with more eggnog if needed. Add vanilla and optional nutmeg.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

• Frost the Cake: Layer one cake on a plate, top with buttercream, then add the second cake and frost all over.
• Decorate: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or festive holiday sprinkles.

Tips for the Perfect Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake as a centerpiece at your holiday dinner or bring it to a festive gathering as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion

This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect blend of holiday cheer and comforting spices. Its rich flavors and festive appearance will bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy this delightful cake surrounded by friends and family this festive season!