Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you are looking for a cozy homemade dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or a relaxing weekend treat, Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a wonderful choice. This cake has a soft and tender texture with warm spices throughout and a smooth cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish.
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this cake a comforting homemade flavor. Brown sugar adds richness while oil and buttermilk help keep the cake soft and moist. The creamy frosting brings everything together and makes every slice delicious.
This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers and special enough for celebrations. It can be served as a sheet cake or adapted into a layer cake for birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, fall gatherings, and family dinners.
Ingredients List
For the Spice Cake
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serving Prep Time Cooking Time Calories
Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 580 calories per slice with frosting
Calories are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients used, portion size, and amount of frosting added.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and Comforting Flavor
The warm combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this cake a delicious spice flavor. The spices blend beautifully with the brown sugar and vanilla to create a comforting dessert that tastes homemade.
Soft and Moist Texture
Oil and buttermilk help create a tender cake that stays moist after baking. The texture is soft without being overly heavy, making every bite enjoyable.
Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor. It balances the sweetness of the cake and makes the dessert feel extra special.
Easy to Prepare
This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. You do not need advanced baking skills to make a delicious cake at home.
Perfect for Gatherings
The cake is easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday celebrations, birthdays, potlucks, and afternoon tea.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Lightly dust the pan with flour or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until the spices and leavening ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil to a large bowl. Whisk until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the Buttermilk
Pour the buttermilk into the wet mixture. Stir gently until the ingredients are combined and the mixture looks smooth.
Combine the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter because this can make the finished cake less tender.
Fill the Baking Pan
Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula so the cake cooks evenly.
Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before adding the frosting.
Prepare the Frosting
Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting becomes light and smooth.
Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the completely cooled cake. Use a spatula to create an even layer across the surface.
Slice and Serve
Let the frosting settle before slicing. Cut the cake into 12 pieces and serve. You can serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Variations To Try
Add Chopped Nuts
Pecans or walnuts can add a pleasant crunch. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the frosting or mix a small amount into the cake batter.
Add Raisins
Raisins pair naturally with warm spices. Add them to the batter for extra sweetness and texture.
Make a Layer Cake
Divide the batter between two round cake pans. Bake until the centers are set. Cool completely, then place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting over it, and add the second layer on top.
Add Apples
Finely chopped apples can add extra moisture and natural sweetness. Use firm apples and avoid adding too much so the cake keeps its structure.
Add Extra Cinnamon
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a small amount of cinnamon to the frosting or sprinkle it over the finished cake.
Try a Simple Glaze
If you prefer a lighter topping, replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a small amount of milk.
Freezing Or Restoring
Freeze the Unfrosted Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer safe container. The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to three months.
Freeze the Frosted Cake
The frosted cake can also be frozen. Place the cake in the freezer uncovered until the frosting becomes firm. Wrap it carefully and transfer it to a freezer safe container.
Thaw the Cake
Move the frozen cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw gradually. Allow it to sit at room temperature briefly before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
Store Leftovers
Because the frosting contains cream cheese, store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within several days for the best quality.
Recipe Notes
Use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese when possible. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly.
Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour has been added. Mix only until the ingredients are incorporated.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the cream cheese frosting to become too soft.
For a stronger spice flavor, you can slightly increase the cinnamon or ginger.
If the frosting is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for a short time before spreading it over the cake.
For decoration, add chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few cake crumbs over the frosting.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the cake one day before serving. Keep it covered and refrigerated after adding the cream cheese frosting.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and allowing it to sit for several minutes.
Why did my spice cake turn out dry?
Overbaking can cause the cake to become dry. Begin checking the cake near the end of the recommended baking time and remove it when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make the frosting less sweet?
Yes. You can slightly reduce the powdered sugar. Keep in mind that powdered sugar also helps give the frosting structure, so reducing it too much may make the frosting softer.
Can I add nuts to the frosting?
Yes. Chopped pecans or walnuts make an excellent topping for cream cheese frosting and add extra texture.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes. Divide the batter between lined cupcake cups and bake until the centers are set. Cupcakes will require less baking time than a full cake, so begin checking them early.
How should I store Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Store the finished cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator because the frosting contains cream cheese. Allow a slice to sit briefly before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
Conclusion
Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a comforting homemade dessert filled with warm spices and finished with smooth, creamy frosting. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it a wonderful choice for both everyday desserts and special occasions.
The recipe is easy to customize with nuts, raisins, apples, or extra cinnamon. You can also prepare it as a sheet cake, layer cake, or cupcakes depending on the occasion.
For the best results, avoid overmixing the batter, watch the baking time carefully, and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Once finished, you will have a deliciously soft and flavorful spice cake that everyone will enjoy.
For the best texture, use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese. Do not overmix the cake batter after adding the flour.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the cream cheese frosting. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator because the frosting contains cream cheese.
You can decorate the finished cake with chopped pecans, walnuts, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Course: Banana Bread Recipe12
servings20
minutes35
minutes580
kcalIngredients
2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the buttermilk and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Frost and Serve
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice into 12 pieces and serve.
Notes
- For the best texture, use room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese. Do not overmix the cake batter after adding the flour.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the cream cheese frosting. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator because the frosting contains cream cheese.
You can decorate the finished cake with chopped pecans, walnuts, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
