If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas that include a spectacular dessert, this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the ultimate holiday treat. Loaded with warm spices, rich eggnog flavor, and a soft, velvety crumb, this dessert tastes like everything magical about winter baking. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing cake that instantly fills the kitchen with aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and holiday cheer.
Perfectly moist, beautifully spiced, and topped with silky eggnog buttercream, this recipe transforms simple family recipes into unforgettable showstoppers. When you want affordable meals, holiday baking inspiration, and quick weeknight recipes that still feel festive, this cake brings the best flavors of the season to your table. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a holiday dinner, or simply craving a slice of warm, comforting sweetness, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic American Christmas desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch easily for large gatherings.
• Perfect for meal prep recipes because the cake layers can be made ahead.
• A great choice for healthy recipes for families using simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Beginner-friendly and ideal for anyone needing an easy dinner for beginners.
• Deliciously spiced and filled with classic holiday flavor, making it perfect for parties and celebrations.
• Customizable variations allow you to create gluten-free recipes, low-carb dinner ideas for dessert, or dairy-free options.
Ingredient Breakdown
Butter : Unsalted butter adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb. Using softened butter ensures the batter becomes smooth and creamy, creating a cake texture that melts in your mouth. Butter also enhances the spices and eggnog flavor, making this one of the best cheese-free holiday desserts.
Eggnog : Eggnog is the star ingredient, bringing creaminess, warm spices, and holiday sweetness. It deepens the texture and complements the nutmeg and cinnamon. When choosing the best eggnog for cooking, look for full-fat versions, which create a richer crumb.
Cake Flour : Cake flour keeps the cake light and airy. Its low protein structure prevents toughness and ensures a delicate, bakery-style texture. This is one of the best flour choices for baking during the holidays.
Baking Powder : This leavening agent gives the cake height, softness, and a fluffy interior. Always make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
Granulated Sugar : Sugar sweetens the cake while also helping retain moisture. It contributes to the golden color and enhances the warm holiday spices.
Rum Flavoring : Rum flavoring gives that classic Christmas taste without using alcohol. It complements the nutmeg and vanilla and creates an authentic holiday cake experience.
Cinnamon : A hint of cinnamon brings warmth and depth. The spice blends beautifully with nutmeg to create a cozy, comforting aroma.
Nutmeg : Freshly ground nutmeg gives the cake a bold and fragrant holiday essence. It’s essential for achieving the traditional Christmas spice profile.
Vegetable Oil : A little oil keeps the cake extra moist and tender. This is an important step for maintaining softness, especially when the cake is stored for leftovers or meal prep ideas.
Eggs : Eggs bind the ingredients together while adding richness and structure. Using room-temperature eggs helps the batter mix evenly and yields a smoother crumb.
Vanilla Bean Paste : This ingredient adds deep, aromatic vanilla flavor—much more intense than extract. It elevates the cake into a bakery-quality dessert.
Salt : Salt balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially the spices. A small amount goes a long way.
Milk : Milk adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb. It also helps blend the flavors and keeps the cake tender.
Buttercream Ingredients : The buttercream includes butter, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, rum flavoring, milk, salt, and nutmeg. Together, they create a smooth and airy frosting that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake. Powdered sugar adds sweetness, milk adjusts the consistency, and nutmeg brings an irresistible festive aroma. Vanilla bean paste ties everything together and enhances the rich, warm flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Always use room-temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients cause curdled batter and uneven texture.
- Preheat your oven fully before baking. Even heating prevents sinking and creates a perfectly domed cake.
- Sift the powdered sugar for ultra-smooth buttercream. This step avoids grainy frosting.
- For deeper flavor, allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Warm cake can melt buttercream and ruin the texture.
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method for accurate baking. Too much flour leads to a dense, dry cake. These best kitchen tricks for home cooks guarantee professional-level results every time.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a high-quality gluten-free cake flour blend. Many gluten-free recipes turn out beautifully with a 1:1 baking blend.
- Dairy-Free Eggnog Cake: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free eggnog. This maintains flavor while making the dessert allergy-friendly.
- Low-Carb Variation: Replace granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener and use almond flour for a low-carb dinner ideas dessert option.
- Spicier Version: Add ginger, cloves, or allspice to enhance the warm holiday spice profile.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the batter for a bright, aromatic holiday flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Spice Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Consider serving it as part of a festive spread including the best side dishes, like roasted vegetables, fresh fruit salads, or warm beverages. It also works well with easy party food ideas such as cheese boards, appetizers, or Christmas brunch favorites. For healthy meal pairings, serve it alongside lighter dishes like green salads or lean proteins to balance the richness of the dessert.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
• Make-Ahead: Bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• Buttercream Storage: You can prepare the buttercream up to five days ahead. Store it in an airtight container and re-whip before use.
• Freezing Cake Layers: Freeze layers for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.
• Storing Leftovers: Once frosted, the cake stays fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: If serving cold cake, let slices warm at room temperature for 20 minutes to restore softness. These tips make holiday dessert planning simple and efficient.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Christmas spice cakes are inspired by traditional American comfort food desserts that use warm spices, dairy-rich batters, and sweet frosting. Historically, spice cakes were made during winter months when spices like nutmeg and cinnamon were treasured holiday ingredients. This recipe blends timeless tradition with modern holiday dinner recipes to create a festive dessert everyone remembers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the layers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Assembling the cake the next day allows flavors to deepen.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for several days.
Can I make the cake healthier?
Use low-fat milk, reduced-sugar options, or dairy-free eggnog. These healthy substitutions keep the cake light without losing flavor.
What can I use instead of rum flavoring?
Vanilla extract or almond extract are excellent alternatives. They add depth while maintaining a festive holiday flavor.
Can I frost the cake while warm?
No. Warm cake melts buttercream and causes sliding. Always cool cake layers completely.
Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Ingredients
Method
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line with parchment.
- Make the cake batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Mix in vanilla bean paste, rum flavoring, oil, and eggnog.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until smooth.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the buttercream: Beat softened butter until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed.
- Add milk, vanilla bean paste, rum flavoring, salt, and nutmeg. Beat 2–3 minutes until creamy and smooth.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of buttercream on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining eggnog buttercream.
