Oh, let me tell you about my favorite spice cake with cream cheese frosting recipe! This cake is the epitome of autumn flavors, with its warm spices and indulgent creaminess. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delicious treat to enjoy all by yourself.
The rich and moist cake is infused with a wonderful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, giving it a delightful aroma that fills the air. And the cream cheese frosting is simply heavenly – smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet. It perfectly complements the spiced cake, creating a match made in dessert heaven. Trust me, once you take a bite of this heavenly combination, you’ll be going back for seconds (or possibly thirds)!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
Spice Cake Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup milk (2% or whole)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for several hours on a wire rack.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese and butter until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Turn the mixer to medium and add the vanilla extract and salt. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beater several times as needed.
- Spread the frosting over the fully-cooled cake.
Tips for achieving a moist and flavorful cake
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off the dry ingredients with a straight edge.
Be sure to soften the butter before creaming it with the sugar. Leave it at room temperature for about 1 hour for optimal results.
Use fresh and high-quality spices for maximum flavor. Grinding whole spices at home can also enhance the taste of the cake.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a tough texture.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
To enhance the flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before baking.
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Tips for storing leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cake or need to store the cake before serving, here are some tips to keep it fresh and delicious:
Refrigeration: Cream cheese frosting has dairy ingredients and should be stored in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This will help keep the cake moist and prevent any potential spoilage.
Storage Duration: Cream cheese frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, it’s important to note that the texture may change slightly over time. It may become denser, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing: If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It’s advisable to freeze the cake without the cream cheese frosting and add it after thawing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your cake with cream cheese frosting stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Whether you’re serving it for a celebration or saving it for later, these tips will help you make the most of your delicious creation.
Variations
Ideas for adding unique twists and flavors to the Spice Cake
Spice cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to add a unique twist to this classic dessert, here are some ideas to consider:
Citrus Zest: Add some zest from oranges, lemons, or limes to the batter to give the cake a refreshing citrus flavor. This addition complements the warm spices in the cake and adds a zesty kick.
Nuts and Dried Fruits: Enhance the texture and taste of the cake by mixing in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, and dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries. This will add a delightful crunch and bursts of sweetness.
Spiced Frosting: Instead of using cream cheese frosting, consider making a spiced frosting to complement the flavors of the cake. You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a buttercream or vanilla frosting for a deliciously spiced twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the flavor profile of the spice cake by drizzling it with a rich caramel sauce. The combination of warm spices and the sweet, sticky caramel will create a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
Apple or Pumpkin Filling: For a seasonal twist, fill the layers of the cake with a spiced apple or pumpkin filling. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make the cake even more moist and delicious.
Alternative frostings that pair well with the cake
While cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for spice cake, there are several alternatives that can pair exceptionally well with the flavors of the cake. Here are some options to consider:
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: If you still want the cream cheese flavor but prefer a lighter and fluffier texture, try making a whipped cream cheese frosting. This frosting is made by combining cream cheese, whipped cream, and powdered sugar, resulting in a creamy and airy topping.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: For a deliciously sweet and fall-inspired frosting, mix maple syrup into your cream cheese frosting. The combination of the earthy maple flavor and the warm spices in the cake creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: To add a burst of citrusy freshness to the cake, make an orange cream cheese frosting. Simply add a splash of fresh orange juice and a bit of orange zest to your cream cheese frosting recipe. This tangy and creamy frosting pairs perfectly with the warm spices of the cake.
Brown Butter Frosting: If you want to experiment with a different flavor profile altogether, consider making a brown butter frosting. Browning the butter adds a rich and nutty taste to the frosting, which complements the spices in the cake and creates a decadent combination.
More Cakes Recipe
Here are some other cakes recipes you might like:
- Peach Cobbler With Cake Mix Recipe
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
- Lemon Curd Cake
- Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries and solutions related to the recipe
Here are some common questions that people often have about making spice cake, along with their solutions:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the spice cake ahead of time. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to frost the cake right before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze the spice cake?
Absolutely! Spice cake freezes well, making it a convenient option for those who like to prep in advance. After the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I substitute the spices in the recipe?
While the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is traditional for spice cake, you can definitely experiment and customize the spices to your liking. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices used or omit certain spices altogether. Additionally, you can also add other warm spices, such as ginger or allspice, to add a unique twist. Just keep in mind that altering the spice proportions may change the overall flavor of the cake.
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegan or gluten-free version of spice cake. For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with substitutes like applesauce, mashed banana, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. You can also use plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cake may vary slightly with these substitutions.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Definitely! While cream cheese frosting is a popular choice, you can use other frostings that pair well with the flavors of the cake. Some alternatives to consider are whipped cream cheese frosting, maple cream cheese frosting, orange cream cheese frosting, or even a brown butter frosting. These options can add a unique twist and complement the warm spices in the cake.
Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
INGREDIENTS
Spice Cake Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 ¾ cups packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup milk 2% or whole
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for several hours on a wire rack.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese and butter until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Turn the mixer to medium and add the vanilla extract and salt. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beater several times as needed.
- Spread the frosting over the fully-cooled cake.
