As the holiday season rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of a freshly baked Old-Fashioned Butter Cake wafting through the kitchen. This cake is rich, moist, and buttery—everything you expect from a timeless dessert. But we’re taking this classic treat up a notch by adding a festive twist: creamy eggnog frosting. The subtle nutmeg and vanilla notes in the frosting pair perfectly with the buttery cake, making it an irresistible dessert for holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, baking for a holiday party, or just treating yourself to some seasonal indulgence, this butter cake with eggnog frosting will become a go-to recipe for the festive season.

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Ingredients:

For the Old-Fashioned Butter Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Eggnog Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for dusting)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan, depending on your preference. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, helping the cake rise uniformly.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes and is key to creating a tender cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk. Start with the flour mixture, then add half the milk, followed by more flour, and finish with the remaining milk. Beat just until combined—overmixing can result in a denser cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and tap the pans lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important for the cakes to be fully cooled before frosting, as warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt.

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Making the Eggnog Frosting:

Step 1: Beat the Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, until light and creamy. This step helps create a smooth, airy frosting.

Step 2: Add the Sugar and Eggnog

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent it from flying everywhere. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add eggnog (starting with 3 tablespoons), vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

If the frosting is too thick, add a little more eggnog (1 tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add more powdered sugar.

Step 3: Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake (if making a layer cake). Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides. If you’re making a sheet cake, simply spread the frosting evenly over the top. For an added festive touch, dust the finished cake with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

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COOKING NOTES:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
• Eggnog Flavor: For a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add a splash of rum extract or bourbon to the frosting. This will give it that classic eggnog kick.
• Cake Texture: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, making the cake denser.

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Serving Suggestions:

This Old-Fashioned Butter Cake with Eggnog Frosting is a festive showstopper, perfect for holiday parties or Christmas dinner. Serve slices of the cake with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or mulled wine for a cozy, indulgent dessert experience. You can also garnish the top with holiday-themed sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or sugared cranberries for added holiday flair.

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Tips:

1. Make Ahead: Both the cake and frosting can be made ahead of time. Bake the cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature for up to 24 hours. The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge—just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and beat it again before frosting the cake.
2. Freezing: This butter cake freezes well. Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
3. Frosting Piping: If you’re feeling fancy, you can pipe the eggnog frosting onto the cake using a star tip to create decorative swirls or rosettes.

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Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes

Total Time:

• 50 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 250mg (Values are based on 12 servings)

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Conclusion:

The Old-Fashioned Butter Cake with Eggnog Frosting is the perfect combination of nostalgia and holiday cheer. With its rich, buttery base and the creamy, spiced eggnog frosting, this cake offers the ideal dessert for any festive occasion. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its timeless appeal, paired with the festive eggnog twist, ensures that it will become a holiday tradition in your home for years to come.

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