Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake

This spice cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cake form. You’ll appreciate how easy it comes together with simple steps and ingredients you probably have on hand. Picture a cozy afternoon where the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen as the cake bakes to golden perfection.

Health benefits make it even better, as spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger offer antioxidant properties and might help with inflammation. By using unsweetened applesauce and oil, this recipe keeps things moist without overloading on fats. It’s versatile too, adapting to dietary needs like vegan or gluten-free options, all while delivering that signature spicy flavor everyone craves.

In fact, the blend of spices creates a depth that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this cake’s comforting taste will keep you coming back for more. For similar easy baking ideas, check out our peach cobbler dump cake recipe on our site.

Essential Ingredients for Spice Cake

To make this spice cake, you’ll need a precise list of ingredients for both the cake and the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Here’s everything listed out clearly so you can gather what you need without any guesswork.

Spice Cake Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations

• Cinnamon sticks
• Candied nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)

These ingredients ensure a moist and flavorful spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting. Remember, measuring accurately is key for the best results, like gently spooning flour into your cup and leveling it off.

How to Prepare the Perfect Spice Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with this spice cake recipe is as simple as preheating your oven. Begin by setting it to 350°F and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. If you have damp cake strips, wrap them around the pans to help the cakes rise evenly.

Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves. This step ensures the spices distribute evenly for that perfect flavor.

In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients: 2 cups packed light brown sugar, 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, and 1 cup unsweetened applesauce until the sugar is fully moistened. Whisk in the 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 3 teaspoons vanilla extract. For even baking, make sure the eggs and 3/4 cup sour cream are at room temperature before adding.

Combine the mixtures by adding half the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix until just combined, then add the sour cream, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick it should come out clean from the center.

While the cakes bake, prepare the brown butter for the frosting by melting 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat until it bubbles, foams, and turns a rich amber color. Pour it into a shallow dish and chill it. Once the cakes are done, let them cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a rack and chill completely.

For the frosting, beat the chilled browned butter with 16 ounces room temperature cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add 5 cups powdered sugar one cup at a time, followed by 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. If it’s too thin, chill it more. Assemble by leveling the cakes, adding frosting between layers, applying a crumb coat, and chilling for 20-30 minutes before finishing. Decorate with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts for a beautiful touch.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Spice Cake

Making this spice cake work for your dietary needs is straightforward and fun. For instance, if you’re avoiding eggs, swap them with flaxseed meal mixed with water or mashed bananas to keep things vegan-friendly. All-purpose flour can be replaced with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

When it comes to oils and sweeteners, try using coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to cut calories, or switch brown sugar for coconut sugar or agave syrup. Spices are easy to tweak too add a bit more ginger if you like it spicier, or include cardamom for an extra layer of flavor. These changes let you enjoy brown butter cream cheese frosting without straying from your preferences.

One great tip is to experiment with plant-based milk in place of sour cream for a vegan twist. This way, your spice cake stays moist and delicious while fitting various lifestyles, making it a go-to recipe for everyone.

Mastering Spice Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Sifting your spices multiple times really brings out their flavors, creating a more even distribution in every bite. Always use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream for a lighter, fluffier texture that makes your spice cake stand out. To add a twist, try incorporating orange zest or crystallized ginger into the batter for a fresh take.

If you’re aiming for a professional look, garnish with toasted nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For make-ahead meals, prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight the spices will meld beautifully. You can even bake and freeze the cake layers for up to three months without losing quality.

Flavor variations keep things exciting; add a hint of espresso powder to deepen the taste or use candied nuts as both decoration and a crunchy topping. This approach ensures your spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting becomes a versatile favorite. Plus, for more baking inspiration, explore our peach cobbler dump cake recipe.

How to Store Spice Cake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your spice cake fresh and tasty. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. This method helps maintain that moist texture from the oil and applesauce.

For longer-term options, freeze the cake layers individually by wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil they’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the microwave or oven to bring back that soft feel. Meal prep becomes a breeze when you bake in batches and store portions separately to avoid drying out.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Spice Cake

Spice Cake

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🎂 Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting offers a rich, moist dessert that combines warm spices with the luxurious flavor of brown butter frosting.
🧁 This recipe is perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings, delivering a flavorful and memorable treat that’s sure to impress.

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 2-layer 8-inch cake

Ingredients

– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 tablespoon cinnamon

– 1 teaspoon cardamom

– 1 teaspoon ginger

– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon cloves

– 2 cups packed light brown sugar

– 1 cup vegetable or canola oil

– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

– 4 large eggs, room temperature

– 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

– 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature

– 1 cup unsalted butter

– 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

– 5 cups powdered sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– Cinnamon sticks

– Candied nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)

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Instructions

1-Getting started with this spice cake recipe: preheating your oven. Begin by setting it to 350°F and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. If you have damp cake strips, wrap them around the pans to help the cakes rise evenly.

2-Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves. This step ensures the spices distribute evenly for that perfect flavor.

3-In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients: 2 cups packed light brown sugar, 1 cup vegetable or canola oil, and 1 cup unsweetened applesauce until the sugar is fully moistened. Whisk in the 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 3 teaspoons vanilla extract. For even baking, make sure the eggs and 3/4 cup sour cream are at room temperature before adding.

4-Combine the mixtures by adding half the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix until just combined, then add the sour cream, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, filling each about two-thirds full, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick it should come out clean from the center.

5-While the cakes bake, prepare the brown butter for the frosting by melting 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat until it bubbles, foams, and turns a rich amber color. Pour it into a shallow dish and chill it. Once the cakes are done, let them cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a rack and chill completely.

6-For the frosting, beat the chilled browned butter with 16 ounces room temperature cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add 5 cups powdered sugar one cup at a time, followed by 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. If it’s too thin, chill it more. Assemble by leveling the cakes, adding frosting between layers, applying a crumb coat, and chilling for 20-30 minutes before finishing. Decorate with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts for a beautiful touch.

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Notes

🍚 Measure flour gently (spoon into cup and level) to avoid dry or crumbly cake.
🥚 Use room temperature eggs and sour cream for even baking and smooth texture.
🔥 Properly brown and chill butter for frosting to get the best flavor and consistency.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling & Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice