Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Name: Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup buttermilk; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup eggnog; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon nutmeg (for garnish)

By:

Sophie

November 21, 2025

Moist Christmas spice cake with eggnog buttercream decoration

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There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season, and one taste of Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream will fill your home with that spirit. This cake embodies everything we love about Christmas: the warm scent of spices wafting through your kitchen, the promise of family gatherings, and the joy of indulging in treats that evoke fond memories. Imagine slicing into a rich, velvety cake, each bite a perfect blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and the classic taste of eggnog. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to share with everyone, whether at a festive gathering or as a cozy treat on a chilly winter evening.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this Moist Christmas Spice Cake apart from others? It’s a delightful combination of flavor, nostalgia, and simplicity that makes it a surefire hit during the holiday season.

Flavor Explosion: The spices in the cake provide warmth and depth, giving you that cozy Christmas feel in every bite.
Festive Frosting: With a sweet eggnog buttercream on top, this cake tastes just like the holiday drink we all know and love.
Texture Perfection: The cake remains remarkably moist thanks to the buttermilk and butter, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to delight seasoned pros.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or visiting friends, this cake makes for a beautiful centerpiece that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.

How to Make Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Creating this delightful Moist Christmas Spice Cake is a breeze, and I promise it will feel like a holiday hug in every slice. Let’s walk through the process together. First things first, you’ll want to gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon nutmeg (for garnish)

Now, let’s break down some of these key ingredients. Unsalted butter is essential for this recipe as it helps create a rich flavor, and it allows you to control the salt level in your cake. Buttermilk not only helps tenderize the cake but also contributes to its beloved moist texture. As for the spices, they elevate the cake, wrapping you in a comforting aroma reminiscent of fresh-baked gingerbread. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, feel free to substitute it with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans is next, ensuring a seamless release once baked. Trust me, this step is crucial!

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you see its pale yellow color and it feels airy.

Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. After each addition, give it a gentle stir before adding the vanilla extract. It’s at this point when the kitchen will start filling with a warm, inviting scent—just a hint of what’s to come!

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This not only helps combine these dry ingredients evenly but also adds a nice fluffiness to the cake.

Now it’s time for a bit of multitasking. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture—this method will help maintain that lovely texture. Don’t worry if it looks thick at first; just keep mixing, and it will smooth out beautifully.

Once everything is well combined, divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While you wait, the beautiful aromas of spices will swirl around your kitchen, and you may find it hard to resist sneak peeking!

When the cakes are done, cool them in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Now for the fun part—the frosting! In a bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and light. Gradually mix in the eggnog until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer your frosting to have a thinner texture, add a little more eggnog until it’s just right. Adorn your cooled cakes by frosting between the layers and all around the top and sides. The shimmering white of the eggnog buttercream against the spiced cake is simply beautiful.

Finish by garnishing with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and your Moist Christmas Spice Cake is ready to take center stage!

How to Serve Moist Christmas Spice Cake

This delightful cake is perfect for a myriad of occasions, particularly during the holidays. It makes a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or holiday party, adding a warm glow to the festivities. Serve it on a festive platter adorned with winter decorations, or simply on a classic cake stand.

For extra flair, consider pairing the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. The contrasting textures of the airy whipped cream against the rich cake create a lovely experience. As for beverages, a cup of hot cocoa or a spiced chai tea will complement your dessert beautifully. The cake’s moist and dense texture allows it to be enjoyed at breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea!

How to Store Moist Christmas Spice Cake

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I highly encourage you to save!), here’s how to store your cake properly. For up to 3-5 days, you can keep your Moist Christmas Spice Cake airtight at room temperature, which helps retain its moisture and flavor. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It stays fresh for about 2-3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, the best way to reheat it is in the oven at a low temperature—around 300°F (150°C)—for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This not only warms the cake but also crisps up the edges, enhancing the texture!

Tips for Perfect Moist Christmas Spice Cake

Here are a few handy tips from my own baking journey to help ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create an airy structure. Take them out of the fridge an hour before you start baking.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so make sure to keep an eye on your cakes towards the end of the baking time. Sometimes a few extra minutes make all the difference.
Cooling: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and sliding off.
Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with spices. A little cardamom or cloves can add a unique twist to the flavor profile if you want to get creative.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are a few ideas for variations on this classic cake:

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version. Just ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: You can easily make this cake dairy-free by using a plant-based butter option and substituting buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
Add-Ins: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a burst of color and sweetness.
Chocolate Twist: For a chocolate version, swap out a cup of flour for unsweetened cocoa powder. It’ll give your cake a decadent flavor that pairs remarkably well with the eggnog buttercream.

FAQs about Moist Christmas Spice Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Feel free to bake it in advance and store it as directed.

Can I use a different frosting?
Definitely! While the eggnog buttercream is festive and delicious, cream cheese frosting or even a simple vanilla buttercream would work wonderfully as alternatives.

What if I don’t have eggnog?
If eggnog isn’t available, you can use a mixture of heavy cream with a little nutmeg and vanilla extract to mimic the flavor profile.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of one layer. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it (not wet batter), your cake is done!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this Moist Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream. The lovely combination of spices and creamy frosting is sure to warm your heart and soul during this festive season. Don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with your friends and family; it might just become a beloved holiday tradition you’ll cherish for years to come. If you love this cake, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious treats!