Spiced Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

why make this recipe

Spiced Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of spices with the creamy richness of eggnog. It is perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want a festive treat. This cake not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive, making it a showstopper on any dessert table. Plus, the eggnog buttercream adds a festive twist that everyone will love!

how to make Spiced Eggnog Cake

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cake flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup butter (slightly cooler than room temp)
• 1 cup eggnog (Southern Comfort brand recommended)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 tsp rum extract
• 3 eggs

For the Buttercream:

• 2 cups unsalted butter (room temp)
• 6 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp rum extract
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 4 tbsp milk

Directions:

For the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
3. Add the butter and mix until it becomes a crumbly texture.
4. In another bowl, combine the eggnog, milk, oil, vanilla bean paste, rum extract, and eggs. Whisk well.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

For the buttercream:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, mixing until combined.
3. Add salt, nutmeg, rum extract, vanilla bean paste, and milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

how to serve Spiced Eggnog Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of eggnog buttercream on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream. For an added festive touch, consider decorating with a sprinkle of nutmeg or some festive edible decorations.

how to store Spiced Eggnog Cake

Store the Spiced Eggnog Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

tips to make Spiced Eggnog Cake

• Ensure your butter is at the right temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t skip sifting the dry ingredients; it helps achieve a lighter cake.
• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Experiment with different brands of eggnog to find your favorite flavor.

variation

For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the cake batter or using a chocolate ganache as part of the frosting. You can also swap out the nutmeg and cinnamon for other spices like ginger for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog in the cake?
   
   Yes, but the cake will lack the typical eggnog flavor. If you do, you might want to add additional spices to mimic the flavor.

2. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
   
   Yes, you can substitute regular cake flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend. Just ensure to follow the package instructions for the best results.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
   
   Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.