Christmas Spice Cake is a delightful treat filled with the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. This moist cake is infused with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creating a comforting flavor that transports you to a cozy gathering. Topped with rich eggnog buttercream frosting, this cake embodies festive cheer, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a festive celebration, this cake is sure to impress guests and create lasting memories.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Spice Cake

There are numerous reasons to adore this moist holiday spice cake. First, its rich combination of warm spices creates an aromatic experience that evokes the spirit of the season. Second, the creamy eggnog buttercream frosting adds a delightful contrast to the spiced cake, making each bite irresistible. Additionally, this traditional Christmas spice cake is easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert. With its moist texture and impressive flavors, it’s no wonder this spiced cake for festive celebrations is a favorite among many. Plus, it’s suitable for vegetarians and can be paired with a variety of sides, like cranberry compote or lemon cheesecake mousse, for a festive touch!

Ingredients for Christmas Spice Cake

Gather these items:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs

1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons eggnog
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to Make Christmas Spice Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices in a medium bowl.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
Step 5: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 6: Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops.
Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 9: Make frosting: Beat butter until fluffy, add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in eggnog, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
Step 10: Frost and stack cooled cake layers. Add a swirl of buttercream and dusting of nutmeg or sprinkles.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Spice Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use full-fat eggnog for best frosting texture.
Cut spices in half for a milder cake version.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Pair with cranberry compote or Lemon Cheesecake Mousse for extra contrast.
Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Spice Cake

This Christmas cake with warm spices can be served in various delightful ways. One option is to present it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a rich contrast. Another idea is to drizzle the cake with caramel sauce or serve it with a side of fresh fruit compote. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with sprigs of mint or edible flowers. This makes for a truly stunning presentation, perfect for any holiday gathering.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Spice Cake

To keep your moist holiday spice cake fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the cake layers. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Spice Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Spice Cake?

The secret lies in the balance of spices and moisture. Using ingredients like sour cream and oil helps create a tender crumb, while the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives the cake its signature flavor. Ensuring you don’t overmix the batter is also crucial for a light texture.

Can I make Christmas Spice Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste. This makes it an ideal choice for holiday meal prep.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Spice Cake?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, particularly the eggs and butter. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake. Lastly, always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.

Variations of Christmas Spice Cake You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations of this classic recipe. You can add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor. Another option is to incorporate a layer of cream cheese frosting along with the eggnog buttercream for a rich combination. You could also transform it into a gingerbread spice cake by increasing the ginger and molasses in the recipe for that signature taste. Each twist adds a unique flair to this beloved cake.

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