Christmas Spice Cake Recipe with Warm Festive Flavors

Name: Christmas Spice Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled; Powdered sugar for dusting; Cream cheese frosting; Chopped toasted walnuts

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Walking into my grandmother’s kitchen during December meant being greeted by the most incredible aroma, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dancing together in perfect harmony. Her Christmas Spice Cake was the centerpiece of every holiday gathering, filling the house with warmth that went far beyond the oven’s heat. This beloved Christmas Spice Cake recipe captures those same magical flavors that truly define the season.

What makes this Christmas Spice Cake so special is the way it balances rich, warming spices with a tender, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Unlike heavy fruitcakes that some find overwhelming, this Christmas Spice Cake delivers all the festive flavors you crave in a lighter, more approachable package. The blend of traditional baking spices creates beautiful layers of complexity; sweet cinnamon brings comfort, cardamom adds an exotic note, and a hint of ginger provides subtle warmth.

This Christmas Spice Cake has become my go-to dessert for holiday entertaining because it’s incredibly forgiving and actually improves with time. As the Christmas Spice Cake rests overnight, the spices meld beautifully, making it perfect for busy hosts who love to prepare ahead. Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition or starting a new one, this Christmas Spice Cake delivers that nostalgic, homemade flavor that makes the holidays feel truly complete.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

Optional Garnish

Powdered sugar for dusting
Cream cheese frosting
Chopped toasted walnuts

Substitution Ideas:

Gluten-free: Replace flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar instead of buttermilk
Vegan: Use flax eggs (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water) and plant-based alternatives

Time & Planning

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Make-Ahead Tips:

Mix dry ingredients up to 3 days in advance
Cake can be baked 2 days ahead and wrapped tightly
Flavors actually improve after resting overnight

Time-Saving Strategy

To streamline your Christmas Spice Cake prep, start by creaming the butter and sugars while the oven preheats. Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients for your Christmas Spice Cake batter to keep everything smooth and well combined. Let the coffee cool while you prepare the remaining ingredients, and allow the buttermilk to come to room temperature during prep; simple steps that make baking this Christmas Spice Cake efficient and stress-free.

How to Make It

1. Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter a 10-cup Bundt pan or two 9-inch round pans. Dust with flour, tapping out excess. This extra step prevents sticking and ensures clean release.

2. Combine the Spice Blend

Whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. The aroma should be immediately festive and warming – this tells you the spices are fresh and potent.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars

Beat softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. The mixture should look pale and increased in volume, creating the foundation for a tender cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk and coffee in two additions. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix just until combined – overmixing leads to tough cake.

6. Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should pull slightly from pan edges and spring back when lightly touched.

7. Cool and Release

Cool in pan for 15 minutes before turning onto a wire rack. This resting time prevents breaking while ensuring the cake doesn’t stick.

Christmas Spice Cake Recipe with Warm Festive Flavors 7

Nutrition Overview

Per serving (12 servings):

Calories: approximately 285
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g

This cake provides warming spices rich in antioxidants, while the moderate portion size makes it a reasonable holiday indulgence. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes used.

Healthier Variations

Reduce Sugar: Cut granulated sugar to ⅓ cup and add extra cinnamon for sweetness perception.

Lighten the Fat: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce, though texture will be slightly denser.

Boost Fiber: Substitute ½ cup flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added nutrition without compromising tenderness.

Lower Sodium: Reduce salt to ¼ teaspoon and enhance flavor with additional vanilla or spices.

Serving Ideas

Serve slices dusted with powdered sugar alongside hot coffee or spiced tea. For elegant presentation, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or serve with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

This cake pairs beautifully with hot cider, eggnog, or mulled wine at holiday gatherings. Consider serving with fresh whipped cream flavored with a touch of rum extract for adult entertaining.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Dense, Heavy Texture: Usually caused by overmixing or expired baking powder. Mix just until ingredients combine and check leavening agent dates.

Dry Cake: Often from overbaking or measuring flour incorrectly. Use the toothpick test and spoon flour into measuring cups rather than scooping.

Weak Spice Flavor: Fresh spices make a significant difference. Replace ground spices every 1-2 years for maximum potency.

Sticking to Pan: Always butter and flour Bundt pans thoroughly, getting into every groove and crevice.

Storage & Reheating

Store covered Christmas Spice Cake at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate the Christmas Spice Cake for up to one week. This Christmas Spice Cake actually improves after the first day as the flavors meld and deepen.

For longer storage, wrap the Christmas Spice Cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the Christmas Spice Cake overnight at room temperature before serving.

To refresh day-old Christmas Spice Cake, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This gently revives the spices and softens the texture for that just-baked experience.

Conclusion

This Christmas Spice Cake delivers all the cozy, festive flavors that make the holiday season so special. The blend of warming spices in this Christmas Spice Cake creates a dessert that’s sophisticated enough for entertaining yet comforting enough for family gatherings. Best of all, this Christmas Spice Cake is incredibly reliable, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their holiday baking journey.

The beauty of this Christmas Spice Cake lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you serve your Christmas Spice Cake simply dusted with powdered sugar or dress it up with an elaborate frosting, it’s guaranteed to fill your home with the irresistible aromas of the season. Give this Christmas Spice Cake a try this holiday season, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new family tradition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes! Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Let stand 5 minutes before using. The slight tang enhances the spice flavors beautifully.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly done?

Look for edges that pull slightly from the pan sides, and insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use two Bundt pans or divide between multiple smaller pans. Baking time may vary slightly, so test for doneness with a toothpick.

What’s the best way to get clean Bundt pan release?

Butter every groove thoroughly, dust with flour, then tap out excess. Let the cake cool 15 minutes before inverting – this timing is crucial for clean release.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?

Certainly! Fold in up to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries with the final flour addition. Toss add-ins in a bit of flour first to prevent sinking.

How far ahead can I make this for holiday entertaining?

Bake up to 3 days ahead and store covered at room temperature. The flavors actually improve with time, making this perfect for advance preparation during busy holiday schedules.