There are holiday recipes you make because they’re traditional, and then there are recipes you bring out because they make you feel something.
This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is one of those recipes that brings warmth before you even take the first bite. It fills the kitchen with a smell that makes people stop, smile, and say, “Oh wow… what are you making?”

And honestly, that’s my favorite part.
This cake tastes like the holiday season wrapped in a soft, fragrant hug—the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and brown sugar is enough to make anyone feel nostalgic. The frosting? A creamy swirl of festive eggnog that melts over the cake like soft snow on warm pavement.

It’s simple, approachable, and honestly kind of magical. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who lives for winter baking marathons, this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream is the recipe that turns ordinary December days into something memorable.

This recipe sits comfortably between a cozy American spice cake, a nostalgic Russian Christmas Cake, the rich depth of a Christmas Gingerbread Cake, and the playful charm of Christmas Bundt Cakes. It’s everything we love about the winter season, baked into one comforting dessert.

So grab your apron, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s make something beautiful together.

If you loved this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream , you might also enjoy exploring a few other favorites on the blog. Try my Rosemary’s Bakery Whipped Cream Cake.

Ingredients for the Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp molasses (optional but wonderful for deeper Christmas Cake Flavor Ideas)

Eggnog Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

How to Make This Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Below, you’ll find each step along with a Midjourney prompt so you can generate beautiful visual instructions for your blog or social media.

Step 1 : Prep Your Baking Space

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch pans or one Bundt pan. Put on a Christmas playlist to set the mood — trust me, it helps.

Step 2 : Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

This mixture is the heart of those Winter Cake Flavors.

Step 3 : Cream Butter, Oil & Sugars

Beat the butter, oil, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy, light, and creamy.

Step 4 : Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Pour in the vanilla and smile — it already smells like Christmas.

Step 5 : Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently.

This is how you get the tender crumb that makes this Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream melt in your mouth.

Step 6 : Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes.

The moment you open the oven door, you’ll understand why this recipe is unforgettable.

Step 7 : Make the Eggnog Buttercream

Whip butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and eggnog until creamy and smooth — like a little bowl of holiday magic.

Step 8 : Frost and Decorate

Let the cake cool completely, then spread the frosting generously.

You can decorate with sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks, or a dusting of nutmeg.

Helpful Tips for the Best Christmas Spice Cake with Eggnog Buttercream

Variations & Substitutions

a. Make It a Christmas Bundt Cake

If you want an effortless but stunning dessert, turn the batter into a Bundt masterpiece.
Just grease a Bundt pan well, pour in the batter, and bake a little longer (usually 40–45 minutes).

Finish it with an eggnog glaze or powdered sugar and you’ve got a showstopper that fits perfectly on any festive table.
It’s one of the easiest ways to transform this recipe into one of your go-to Christmas Bundt Cakes.

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b. Add Nuts, Raisins, or Orange Zest

If you want more texture, flavor, or a touch of old-fashioned Christmas charm, a few mix-ins can make this recipe feel extra special.

• Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch
• Raisins or dried cranberries give it a comforting, fruity depth
• Orange zest brightens the flavors and pairs beautifully with winter spices

People who love exploring Christmas Cake Flavor Ideas will appreciate how customizable this cake is.

c. Boozy Holiday Version

If you’re making this for adults only (or want a dessert with a little festive kick), add a splash of rum, brandy, or bourbon to the frosting about 1 tablespoon.

It gives the buttercream a warm holiday glow without overpowering the spices.
Very reminiscent of traditional Christmas desserts found across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s even better the next day because the spices have time to bloom.
Just keep the frosted cake chilled overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.

2. Can I use boxed eggnog?

Yes, boxed eggnog works beautifully.
Choose one that’s full-fat and well-spiced for the richest buttercream.

3. Can I bake cupcakes instead?

You sure can. This recipe makes about 18–20 cupcakes.
Reduce the baking time to 15–17 minutes and frost once cooled.
They’re perfect for holiday parties or gifting.

4. Is this similar to a Russian Christmas Cake?

There are similarities like the warm spices and cozy, nostalgic flavor — but this cake is much lighter and softer.
It’s a more modern, fluffy twist on the deep, rich flavors of traditional winter cakes.