Introduction

Imagine walking into your kitchen on a crisp autumn day, the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves filling the air from a freshly baked Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful dessert is the epitome of fall flavors, with its perfectly spiced, moist crumb, and rich frosting that adds a layer of indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering, preparing for a holiday dinner with loved ones, or simply craving something that brings comfort and warmth, this Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting will not disappoint.

With every bite, you’ll savor the blend of aromatic spices, making this cake not only delicious but also a true celebration of the season. The brown butter cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level, adding a nutty, caramelized richness that pairs beautifully with the deep, earthy spices in the cake. Unlike traditional frostings, the browned butter gives the cream cheese frosting an extra depth of flavor that makes this Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting stand out.

Baking this cake is more than just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth; it’s about creating a dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the joy of sharing food with those closest to you. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone new to the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, and the results are guaranteed to be stunning. The Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat that’s both comforting and impressive.

Why You Should Make This Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

There are plenty of spice cake recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:

  • Perfectly Balanced Spice Blend: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves provides warmth without overpowering the cake. The flavors are subtle yet memorable, giving this cake a distinctive taste that is comforting and inviting.
  • Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: Traditional cream cheese frosting is already a favorite, but adding brown butter takes it to the next level. Browning the butter enhances its flavor, adding a nutty, caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
  • Moist Texture: No one likes a dry cake. This recipe uses a combination of butter and milk to ensure a tender crumb that stays moist for days.
  • Versatility: This cake works beautifully for various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party, Thanksgiving dessert, or simply a weekend treat, it fits the bill. You can also make it in a variety of shapes, from a simple layer cake to cupcakes or even a sheet cake.
  • Easy to Customize: There’s room for experimentation here. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences, adding nuts, raisins, or even swapping the frosting for a different one if you’re feeling creative.

Spice Cake With Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes don’t stick. You can also line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper for extra assurance.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the cake batter.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring a tender cake texture.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, adding them in three parts and the milk in two. Mix on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.

6. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Brown the Butter for the Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

8. Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cooled brown butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

9. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering both the top and sides. If you like, you can decorate the cake with a dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts.

Tips and Substitutions

  • Substitutions: You can substitute the whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can replace it with white sugar, but the brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
  • Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the ginger or add a pinch of cardamom.
  • Add-ins: Consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.

Recipe Variations

  • Cupcakes: Instead of making a layer cake, you can turn this recipe into cupcakes. Divide the batter into 24 lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-22 minutes.
  • Sheet Cake: This recipe can also be made as a sheet cake. Simply pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  • Naked Cake: If you prefer a more rustic look, frost only the top of each layer and leave the sides bare for a trendy “naked” cake.

Nutritional Information

This cake is indulgent, but let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 12 servings):

  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 77g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sugar: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g

For those looking to reduce calories, you could opt for a lighter frosting by reducing the amount of butter and cream cheese or skipping the frosting altogether and serving with a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

  • Storage: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you need to keep it for longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap the unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
  • Serving: This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What other frostings can I use?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, a simple vanilla buttercream or even a caramel glaze would work well with the spiced flavors of this cake.

How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
To ensure a moist cake, avoid overbaking and use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. Additionally, storing the cake properly (covered) will help retain its moisture.

Related Recipes

Conclusion

This Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace in every bite. Its perfectly spiced flavors, combined with the rich, nutty brown butter frosting, make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of fall flavors or looking to impress guests, this cake is a must-try. So, grab your apron, start baking, and enjoy the delicious results!

Don’t forget to explore more of our recipes, and if you try this cake, share your experience in the comments below! Happy baking!