If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in warmth with every bite, Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer. This luscious cake combines rich autumn spices with the nutty decadence of browned butter, making it perfect for any celebration or as a cozy weekend treat. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, this cake is not only a showstopper but also irresistibly delicious. Trust me, every forkful feels like a warm hug on a crisp day.
About the Recipe
As a lifelong baking enthusiast, I’ve always been on the hunt for that perfect spice cake recipe—a cake that’s not too sweet, perfectly spiced, and boasts a tender, moist crumb. After a few trials (and plenty of taste tests!), this recipe finally hit the mark. The addition of unsweetened applesauce and sour cream brings an incredible depth of flavor and ensures every slice remains moist and flavorful.
To elevate this cake further, I paired it with a luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting. The nuttiness of the browned butter enhances the warm spices of the cake, creating a balance that will make your taste buds sing.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile! You can serve it as a layered celebration cake or bake it as a single-sheet cake for a casual dessert. Either way, this spice cake is bound to be a crowd favorite.
Reasons You’ll Love This Spice Cake:
- Packed with cozy, aromatic spices.
- Incredibly moist and tender crumb.
- Topped with a decadent brown butter cream cheese frosting.
- Perfect for celebrations or a casual treat.
- Easy to make and customize.
Let’s get started on this delightful bake!
Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. This ensures your cake turns out beautifully and makes the process a breeze.
Must-Have Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix your dry ingredients evenly.
- Stand or Hand Mixer: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free batter and fluffy frosting.
- 8-Inch Cake Pans: Two pans for even, uniform cake layers. Alternatively, you can adjust for different sizes.
- Parchment Paper: To line the bottoms of the pans for easy removal.
- Cake Strips (Optional): For even baking without domed tops.
- Cooling Rack: Ensures the cakes cool evenly before frosting.
- Offset Spatula: Perfect for spreading frosting with ease.
Having everything ready will streamline the baking process and help you achieve a professional result. Now, let’s gather the ingredients for this masterpiece!
Ingredients
To create the perfect Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few standout ingredients that add depth and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this cake an irresistible treat.
For the Spice Cake:
- 2 ¾ cups (350g) all-purpose flour
Provides the structure for the cake. - 1 ½ tsp baking powder
Helps the cake rise evenly. - 1 tsp baking soda
Balances the acidity and ensures a tender crumb. - ½ tsp salt
Enhances the flavors of the spices. - 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cardamom, 1 tsp ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp cloves
The heart of this recipe—aromatic spices that make every bite warm and cozy. - 2 cups (380g) light brown sugar, packed
Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. - 1 cup (200ml) vegetable or canola oil
Keeps the cake moist and soft. - 1 cup (235g) unsweetened applesauce
A natural sweetener and moisture booster. - 4 large eggs, room temperature
Binds the ingredients and adds structure. - 3 tsp vanilla extract
Enhances the overall flavor profile. - ¾ cup (200g) sour cream, room temperature
Adds richness and ensures a tender crumb.
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
Browned to perfection for a nutty, toasty flavor. - 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
Adds tanginess and creaminess to the frosting. - 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
Sweetens the frosting and gives it structure. - ½ tsp vanilla extract
Complements the browned butter and spices.
Optional Decorations:
- Cinnamon sticks
For a rustic, elegant touch. - Candied nuts
Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
With all the ingredients prepped, it’s time to dive into the magic of baking this delectable cake. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch cake pans by lightly spraying them with nonstick spray, lining the bottoms with parchment paper, and wrapping them with damp cake strips (if available). Set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves). This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, oil, and applesauce until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is evenly moistened.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic base.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the sour cream. Then, fold in the remaining dry ingredients until just combined. The batter will be fairly thin but smooth.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Divide the Batter: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared cake pans, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. If decorating the same day, transfer the layers to the fridge to chill. Otherwise, wrap them in plastic wrap and store overnight.
Step 3: Brown the Butter
- Create Brown Butter: While the cakes are cooling, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it bubbles, foams, and turns a rich amber color with a nutty aroma.
- Cool the Butter: Pour the browned butter into a shallow glass dish and refrigerate it until it reaches a spreadable consistency (opaque and firm, like softened butter).
Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting and Assemble the Cake
With your cake layers cooled and butter perfectly browned, it’s time to create the decadent frosting and assemble your masterpiece.
Step 1: Make the Frosting
- Check the Brown Butter: Ensure the browned butter has reached the right consistency—it should be firm but soft enough to scoop easily with a knife. If it’s still too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to beat the browned butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a fluffy, light texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to complete the frosting. If the frosting feels too thin, chill it for about 30 minutes before use.
Step 2: Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake layer if needed. For an even distribution of frosting, you can slice each layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers (optional).
- Stack the Layers: Place the first layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of frosting on top. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, ensuring each layer is evenly frosted.
- Apply a Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap crumbs. Chill the cake for 20–30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Frost the Cake: Once chilled, use an offset spatula to apply the remaining frosting over the entire cake. Smooth the sides and top for a polished finish or leave swirls for a rustic look.
Step 3: Decorate
- Add Finishing Touches: Decorate the cake with cinnamon sticks, candied nuts, or crumbled cake scraps for a charming presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This will make slicing and serving easier.
FAQs, Troubleshooting, and Storage Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour if needed. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
3. Can I omit or substitute the spices?
Yes, you can customize the spice blend to your taste. If you don’t have cardamom, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and ginger or use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.
4. Why is my cake dense or dry?
Common causes for a dense or dry cake include overmixing the batter or overbaking. To avoid this, mix until just combined and keep a close eye on the baking time.
5. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of making brown butter frosting?
Of course! Regular cream cheese frosting works wonderfully. The brown butter adds a unique depth of flavor but is not essential for a delicious cake.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your frosting is too thin:
Chill it for 20–30 minutes to firm up. You can also add ½ cup of powdered sugar to thicken.
If your cake layers are uneven:
Trim them with a serrated knife to create flat, stackable layers.
If your cake sticks to the pan:
Make sure your pans are greased and lined with parchment paper before adding the batter.
How to Store Your Cake?
At Room Temperature:
If you plan to enjoy the cake within 1–2 days, you can store it at room temperature in a covered cake dome.
In the Refrigerator:
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
In the Freezer:
To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Enjoy!
Slice and serve your Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Each bite will delight with its perfect balance of spices, moist cake, and creamy frosting.
