Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream Recipe
Three layers of ultra moist cake with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and more surrounded by creamy, sweet eggnog frosting.
How to Make the Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
This stunning Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Featuring a moist, flavorful spice cake infused with warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of molasses, each layer is a celebration of seasonal flavors. The creamy eggnog buttercream frosting adds a luxurious touch that perfectly complements the rich spices, while the white chocolate ganache drizzle provides an elegant finishing detail.
A Holiday Show-Stopper
This three-layer dessert is elegant enough for formal holiday gatherings yet approachable enough to make for a special family dinner. The combination of warmly spiced cake with creamy eggnog frosting captures the essence of the season in every bite. The addition of white chocolate ganache takes this cake from delicious to absolutely decadent.
Make It Your Own
While this recipe is absolutely delicious as written, don’t be afraid to customize it to your preferences. You can adjust the spice levels to taste, add a splash of rum or brandy to the frosting for an adult version, or top the finished cake with candied ginger or crushed gingersnaps for extra texture and visual appeal. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—it’s perfect for Christmas dinner, New Year’s celebrations, or anytime you want to bring holiday cheer to the table.
Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream
Three layers of ultra moist cake with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and more surrounded by creamy, sweet eggnog frosting.
Ingredients
Christmas Spice Cake
Eggnog Buttercream
White Chocolate Ganache
Instructions
Christmas Spice Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, combine molasses, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until well mixed.
- Add unsweetened apple sauce, eggs, and vanilla to the oil mixture and beat until well combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among the three prepared pans.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Eggnog Buttercream
- Beat softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add confectioner's sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add eggnog, nutmeg, and heavy cream and beat until light and creamy.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost with eggnog buttercream.
- Add the second cake layer and frost again.
- Top with the final cake layer and frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream.
White Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour over white chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Drizzle ganache over the top of the frosted cake.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The spice cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.