When the weather cools down and cozy baking scents fill the kitchen, nothing hits the spot quite like a spice cake recipe layered with brown butter cream cheese frosting. This moist, fluffy cake blends warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom with the richness of brown sugar and applesauce, creating the ultimate comfort food dessert for fall or winter gatherings.
If you love easy dinner ideas turned dessert favorites or enjoy homemade baking for the holidays, this easy spice cake will instantly become your go-to. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, budget-friendly groceries, and can even be prepped a day ahead. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend treat, or just a sweet finish to a family meal, this cake delivers irresistible flavor and bakery-quality texture every time.
This homemade spice cake strikes a balance of sweet, spiced, and tangy, thanks to the velvety brown butter cream cheese frosting that adds depth and luxury to each bite. It’s everything you love about fall comfort desserts warm, aromatic, and irresistibly moist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy and aromatic: Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger for that unmistakable fall fragrance.
- Moist and tender crumb: Applesauce and sour cream create a soft, rich texture that stays fresh for days.
- Easy to make: Perfect for beginner bakers looking for simple family recipes or affordable baking ideas.
- Versatile dessert: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
- Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it a cost-effective homemade cake for any occasion.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep desserts or freezing ahead of time.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Spice Cake
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups / 350g): The foundation of the cake, providing structure and balance. For a lighter version, you can use part cake flour.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This combo ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances spice intensity.
- Cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice that gives this dessert its cozy fall aroma.
- Cardamom (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle floral note key for depth of flavor.
- Ginger (1 tsp): Brings a gentle spice kick that cuts through sweetness.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp): A classic autumn spice that adds warmth and complexity.
- Cloves (¼ tsp): Just enough for that rich, nostalgic flavor found in classic holiday cake recipes.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 cups / 380g): Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, keeping the cake moist.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (1 cup / 200ml): Gives the cake its tender, moist crumb while making it budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
- Unsweetened Applesauce (1 cup / 235g): Adds natural moisture and sweetness without extra fat great for healthy baking.
- Eggs (4 large): Bind everything together and create a light texture.
- Vanilla Extract (3 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the spices and rounds out the sweetness.
- Sour Cream (¾ cup / 200g): Adds tanginess and moisture, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 220g): Browning the butter gives the frosting a deep, nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Cream Cheese (16 oz): Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cake a must for cream cheese frosting lovers.
- Powdered Sugar (5 cups / 600g): Creates a fluffy, smooth frosting with the perfect level of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances the richness of the frosting and ties all flavors together.
For Decoration
- Cinnamon Sticks: Add a rustic, festive look that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
- Candied Nuts: Provide crunch and sweetness an elegant finish for your holiday dessert.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room temperature ingredients: They mix more evenly and create a smoother batter one of the top healthy baking tips for consistent results.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a denser cake.
- Check for doneness early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 35 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Cool completely before frosting: Warm cake melts frosting; patience pays off.
- Brown the butter carefully: Keep an eye on the color it should be golden amber, not dark brown.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free spice cake recipe that’s just as moist.
- Low-Sugar Option: Replace part of the brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
- Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free cream cheese brand.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger for a bold twist.
- Cupcake Conversion: Turn this batter into cupcakes for easy party food ideas just bake for 18–20 minutes instead.
Serving Suggestions
This spice cake pairs beautifully with:
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or maple glaze
- Hot coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider
- A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
- Savory mains like roasted chicken or squash soup for a balanced meal pairing
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until ready to frost.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.
- Refrigeration: Store the frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Meal Prep Ideas: Slice and freeze individual portions for quick dessert meal prep or lunchbox treats.
- Leftover Hacks: Crumble leftovers into trifles, parfaits, or ice cream toppings for budget-friendly dessert ideas.
Cultural & Historical Notes
Spice cake has long been a staple in American comfort food traditions, dating back to colonial times when bakers used molasses and seasonal spices for warmth and preservation. The modern twist of brown butter cream cheese frosting gives this nostalgic dessert a gourmet feel—bridging old-fashioned flavor with contemporary indulgence. It’s a cake that tells a story of heritage, family gatherings, and timeless baking traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this spice cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and chill the layers a day or two before assembling just keep them tightly wrapped for freshness.
2. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes replace half the oil with Greek yogurt or reduce sugar by 25%. These healthy substitutions keep it moist without sacrificing flavor.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use this frosting for other cakes?
Definitely! This brown butter cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with pumpkin cake, banana bread, or even carrot cake.
5. Can I bake this as a sheet cake?
Yes use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. It’s perfect for family meal prep or potluck desserts.
Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Prepare Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Wrap with damp cake strips if available. Set aside. - Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside. - Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and apple sauce until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. - Step 4: Combine Batter
Mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the sour cream, and then the remaining dry ingredients. The batter should be smooth and fairly thin. Divide evenly between pans. - Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Step 6: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it bubbles, foams, and turns amber brown. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Pour into a shallow dish and chill until firm but spreadable. - Step 7: Make Frosting
Once butter is ready, beat it with cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Chill briefly if frosting is too soft. - Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Level the cakes and optionally slice each into two layers for four total. Spread frosting between layers, then cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes. - Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the cake. Decorate with cinnamon sticks, candied nuts, or crumbled cake pieces. Chill until ready to serve.
