The holiday season calls for flavors that bring warmth and joy, and nothing embodies this spirit better than a delicious Holiday Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe combines warm spices, rich cream cheese frosting, and a moist, tender crumb to create a festive treat that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Not only is this cake easy to make, but it’s also guaranteed to impress with its flavorful layers and beautiful presentation.
Holiday Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
For the Spice Cake:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Baking soda – 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 2 tsp
- Ground ginger – 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg – 1/2 tsp
- Ground cloves – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, softened
- Brown sugar – 1 cup, packed
- Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Molasses – 1/4 cup
- Buttermilk – 1 cup, at room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, softened
- Powdered sugar – 3 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Salt – a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.
- Set aside. This blend of spices gives the cake its signature holiday flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed.
- Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is important for achieving a moist, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and molasses until combined. The molasses adds depth and richness to the spice flavors.
Step 5: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
- With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then add half of the buttermilk.
- Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- For an elegant finish, use a spatula to create swirls or smooth the frosting, as you prefer.
Tips for a Perfect Holiday Spice Cake
- Use fresh spices: Spices lose their potency over time, so using fresh spices will give your cake the best flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Don’t skip the molasses: Molasses not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cake its deep color and moist texture.
- Chill the frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft to spread, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Nutritional Benefits of Spices
Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg aren’t just for flavor; they also have health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties, while ginger aids digestion and can reduce inflammation. Nutmeg and cloves add warmth and are also rich in antioxidants, making this cake a tasty and slightly healthful indulgence.
Variations to Try
- Add cranberries: For a pop of color and tartness, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries into the batter before baking.
- Nutty topping: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the frosting or as a garnish for added crunch.
- Orange zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the frosting to brighten up the flavors and add a citrusy twist.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them covered in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for best results.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely. You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature before frosting.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Conclusion
This Holiday Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for the festive season. With its aromatic spices, soft crumb, and creamy frosting, this cake brings holiday cheer to every slice. It’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious, making it ideal for gatherings or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea by the fire.
The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a warm, nostalgic flavor profile that complements the richness of the cream cheese frosting. This cake is not only a delight to eat but also a beautiful addition to any holiday table. Give this recipe a try, and share the joy of the season with family and friends.
This holiday, bring warmth and sweetness to your celebrations with a homemade spice cake that’s sure to become a festive favorite.