A cozy, moist cake filled with warm spices and topped with creamy eggnog frosting makes any holiday table brighter.
introduction
This Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream brings classic holiday flavors to one simple cake. The cake feels soft and tender. The eggnog buttercream adds a rich, festive touch. If you like spiced baked goods, you might also enjoy the pumpkin option I linked to below for a different fall taste. For another fun sweet idea, try the strawberry cupcake recipe for a lighter, fruity treat.
If you want a warm, easy cake that still looks special, this recipe will fit well. It uses simple pantry items and a quick frosting. I used a little applesauce and oil to keep the cake moist but not heavy. The spices are warm and not too strong, so many people will like it.
pumpkin spice cupcakes with marshmallow frosting
Why You’ll Love This Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
You will love this cake because it feels like the holidays in every bite. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—mix with the eggnog buttercream to give that familiar seasonal taste. The cake is moist and soft. It is not too sweet, so the frosting balances it well. You can make it for a party, family dinner, or as a special dessert on a cold night.
It also uses simple steps that feel easy to follow. You do not need fancy tools or hard-to-find items. The eggnog in the frosting gives a small, grown-up flavor that says “holiday” without being too strong. You can decorate it in many ways to match your table and mood.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a show-stopping cake without a lot of work. The batter mixes quickly in two bowls. You can bake the layers at the same time and then make the frosting while the cakes cool. This cake works well if you want to bring something to a family gathering or if you want a homemade treat for guests.
This recipe also adapts well. You can make cupcakes from the same batter, or make a sheet cake to feed more people. The frosting keeps well, so you can make it a bit ahead of time. The cake stores for several days, which makes planning easier.
What You Need for Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
You need a few common tools and the ingredients listed below. For tools, have:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer or hand mixer (for the frosting)
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
These tools are simple and most home bakers have them. If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. For a variation in shape or serving size, you can use cupcake pans or a 9×13 inch pan and adjust the bake time.
strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream
How to Make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Follow these steps to make the cake and frosting. Read the directions first, then work step by step. Keep your oven at the right temperature and do not overmix the batter.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, oil, eggs, and buttermilk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in eggnog and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Keep the steps simple in your kitchen. Do not overmix once you add wet ingredients to dry. Overmixing makes the cake dense. Let the layers cool before frosting so the buttercream does not melt.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Best Ways to Serve Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Serve this cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Place it on a cake stand to make it look special. You can add simple decorations like a light dusting of cinnamon, chopped nuts around the base, or small holiday sprinkles on top. Fresh cranberries or a few rosemary sprigs also make a pretty and easy decoration.
This cake pairs well with hot drinks. Try it with coffee, tea, or more eggnog. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream is a nice touch on the side for each slice. If you plan a party, make small slices so guests can try more desserts.
How to Store Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Store the cake in a cool place, not in direct sun or heat. If your home is warm, keep it in the fridge in an airtight cake container or covered with plastic wrap. The frosting has butter, so chilling helps it hold shape longer.
At room temperature, store the cake covered for up to 2 days. In the fridge, it will keep for 4 to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, cut the cake into slices and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Easy Tips to Make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off. Do not pack the flour.
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter. Stir until just combined to keep the cake light.
- Check doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it is ready.
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting to keep the frosting smooth.
- If your frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog, one teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Try These Variations of Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for texture.
- Make it a bundt cake instead of layers and reduce bake time as needed.
- Use cream cheese in the frosting for a tangy twist—replace half the butter with cream cheese.
- Add a small amount of rum or brandy to the frosting for a more adult flavor.
- Make cupcakes instead of a layer cake; bake 18-22 minutes depending on size.
Common Questions About Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes. Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit five minutes to make a quick buttermilk substitute.
Q: Can I make the cake a day ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the layers a day ahead and wrap them well. Make the frosting the next day or the same day and frost before serving.
Q: Can I use low-fat applesauce or omit the oil?
A: You can use low-fat applesauce, but the cake may be less moist. You should keep some oil or butter for better texture.
Q: What if my frosting is too runny?
A: Add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it firms up. Chill briefly if needed.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in larger pans or more pans. Watch bake time closely.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream gives you warm spice flavors and creamy frosting with easy steps. It looks pretty, tastes like the season, and keeps well for guests or family. You can change small parts to fit your taste, and the cake still turns out moist and tasty. Try the simple tips above to make it smooth and lovely.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you want a holiday cake that feels special but stays simple, this recipe will work well. Follow the steps, use fresh spices, and enjoy the smell while it bakes. The eggnog buttercream is the small detail that makes it feel like a holiday treat.
Conclusion
For another take on this festive cake and to see a similar full recipe and photo guide, check the detailed write-up at Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream – Hunger Thirst Play.
Print
Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, moist cake filled with warm spices and topped with creamy eggnog frosting that brings holiday flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together applesauce, oil, eggs, and buttermilk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in eggnog and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Notes
Store the cake in a cool place. If necessary, refrigerate to keep the frosting firm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg