Description
This classic Spice Cake recipe features tender, moist cake layers infused with warm cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, perfectly complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for cozy occasions and holiday celebrations, this cake offers a delightful balance of spice and sweetness that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar (440g)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (240ml)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (240ml)
- ½ cup buttermilk (120ml)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g)
- 1 8-ounce / 115g block cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar (720g)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, which form the base of your cake’s warm spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and cake springs back when pressed.
- Cool Cakes: Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: On low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, pausing to scrape down the bowl to mix thoroughly. Add vanilla extract and beat on medium-low speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of frosting evenly over the top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate and Serve: Decorate the cake as desired. If not serving immediately, cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
- If frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before frosting the cake.
- This cake freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: spice cake, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon cake, ginger cake, holiday cake, moist cake, easy cake recipe, classic desserts
