Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delightful and perfectly moist Spice Cake Recipe you’ll ever bake! This single-layer masterpiece is generously infused with a harmonious blend of warm, inviting spices and crowned with a luxurious, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Reminiscent of the cozy, comforting flavors found in classic pumpkin pie, this cake stands out as the quintessential fall dessert, perfect for any autumn gathering or a quiet evening at home.
What makes this particular creation truly special is its convenient Applesauce Spice Cake format. Baked in a humble 8×8-inch pan, it achieves a delightful snack cake size – meaning it’s incredibly approachable to make and irresistibly easy to devour. The thoughtful incorporation of applesauce, vegetable oil, and a touch of buttermilk ensures every bite is profoundly moist, tender, and utterly decadent. Prepare to fill your home with an intoxicating aroma that will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first slice!
Why This Spice Cake Recipe Belongs in Your Kitchen
If you’re searching for a dessert that offers warmth, comfort, and undeniable flavor, look no further. This Moist Spice Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Unparalleled Moisture and Aroma: From the moment you mix the batter, you’ll notice the rich, fragrant spices. As it bakes, your kitchen will be enveloped in an absolutely amazing aroma that signals autumn’s arrival, promising a cake that’s incredibly moist and tender thanks to the applesauce and buttermilk.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake itself is a star, the luscious cream cheese frosting elevates it from a simple, cozy dessert to a truly indulgent treat. The tangy sweetness perfectly complements the deep, warm spices of the cake, creating a balanced and unforgettable flavor profile.
- The Epitome of Autumn Dessert: This Fall Dessert captures the very essence of the season. The same beloved warm spices often associated with pumpkin pie – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – are beautifully harmonized in this single-layer snack cake, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving, harvest festivals, or any cool-weather celebration.
- Perfectly Portioned for Any Occasion: Baked in a versatile 8×8-inch pan, this cake is ideal for times when you desire a homemade dessert but don’t need a massive, multi-tiered creation. It’s the perfect size for a family treat, a potluck, or sharing with a few close friends without the pressure of a large cake.
- Easy and Approachable Baking: Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients. It’s a rewarding project for bakers of all skill levels, delivering fantastic results every time.
Mastering Your Ingredients: Tips for the Perfect Spice Cake
The success of any great cake lies in the quality and preparation of its ingredients. Understanding the role each plays and knowing a few tricks can make all the difference in your Homemade Spice Cake. Here’s a closer look at some key components:
- Baking Powder: Your Leavening Lifeline: This powerful leavening agent is crucial for giving your cake its light and airy texture. Unlike baking soda, baking powder contains an acid, making it a complete leavener. A common pitfall is using expired baking powder, which can lead to a dense, flat cake. Always check the expiration date on the container. For an extra layer of assurance, you can test its potency: simply place a spoonful in some very hot water. If it’s still active and viable, it will bubble vigorously and immediately. If not, it’s time for a new can!
- Dark Brown Sugar: The Secret to Deep Flavor and Moisture: Dark brown sugar is a star ingredient here, not just for sweetness but for its unique properties. It contains a higher molasses content than light brown sugar, which imparts a richer, deeper caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the warm spices. Furthermore, the molasses contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and tenderness. If you only have light brown sugar on hand, don’t despair! You can easily make your own dark brown sugar by adding 1 tablespoon of molasses to every cup of light brown sugar. Mix thoroughly, kneading it with your fingers until the molasses is evenly distributed. Repeat if your recipe calls for more than a cup.
- Vegetable Oil: For a Consistently Moist Crumb: The choice of fat in a cake can dramatically affect its texture. Vegetable oil, particularly canola oil, is preferred in this recipe over butter because it contributes to an incredibly moist crumb that stays tender longer, even when chilled. It also allows the delicate spice flavors to shine through without competition. It is crucial to use a neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil. Avoid strongly flavored oils like olive oil, as their distinct taste can overpower the nuanced spices of the cake.
- Buttermilk: The Tangy Tenderizer: Buttermilk is a fantastic addition to baked goods, renowned for its ability to create a tender crumb and add a subtle tang that balances sweetness. Its acidity also reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise beautifully. If you find yourself without buttermilk and a sudden craving for this spice cake, a quick substitute is simple to make. Measure out 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or fresh lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup. Then, fill the remainder of the cup to the 1-cup mark with whole milk or 2% milk. Stir it gently and let it sit for 5 minutes. During this time, the milk will curdle slightly, becoming a perfectly acceptable substitute for buttermilk.
- Flour, Eggs, and Standard Staples: While not detailed in the original, remember the importance of all-purpose flour for structure, large eggs for richness and binding, and a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. Accurate measurement of flour (lightly spooned into the cup and leveled, not scooped) is vital to prevent a dry cake.
Mastering Your Bake: Expert Tips for a Flawless Spice Cake
Achieving a bakery-quality spice cake at home is entirely within reach with these expert tips. Pay attention to these details, and your cake will be a resounding success every time.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the best emulsification and a smooth, even batter, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize, leading to a lumpy texture and uneven baking. Plan ahead by taking them out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour before you begin baking.
- Fresh Spices Make All the Difference: The heart of a truly exceptional Spice Cake lies in its vibrant, aromatic spices. If your spice jars have been lingering in the pantry for several years, it’s highly likely they’ve lost a significant amount of their potency. Stale spices will result in a dull, flavorless cake. Invest in fresh ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves regularly to ensure your cake bursts with robust, warm flavors. A simple sniff test can often tell you if your spices are still lively.
- Ensure Your Leavening is Active: This is a crucial step often overlooked! Baking powder and baking soda can lose their effectiveness over time, even if they haven’t reached their printed expiration date. As mentioned in the ingredient notes, test your baking powder by placing a spoonful in very hot water; it should fizz vigorously. For baking soda, place a spoonful in a bit of vinegar; it should also bubble up. If either fails this test, replace them immediately.
- Prevent Sticking with Parchment Paper: To guarantee your beautiful cake releases cleanly from the pan, always use parchment paper. Start by placing a square of parchment paper in the bottom of your 8×8-inch baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire base. Then, grease the top of the parchment paper and the sides of the pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray. This creates a foolproof barrier, preventing any part of the cake from sticking.
- The Convenience of Flour and Oil Spray: For ultimate ease and reliable non-stick results, consider using a specialized flour and oil non-stick spray, like Baker’s Joy. This all-in-one product eliminates the need for separate greasing and flouring, saving you time and ensuring a perfectly released cake every time.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, dry cake. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and will likely disappear during baking. Use a silicone spatula for the final incorporation to avoid overworking the batter.
- The Toothpick Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary significantly in temperature and baking times. Always rely on the toothpick test to determine when your cake is perfectly baked. Insert a clean wooden toothpick into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter), your cake is ready. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to frosting. Ensure your cake is completely cooled on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting. Attempting to frost a warm cake will result in a melted, runny mess.
Your Questions Answered: Spice Cake FAQ
Curious about spice cakes? Here are some frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding and enhance your baking journey.
A spice cake earns its name from its defining characteristic: it’s generously flavored with a unique blend of several warm, aromatic spices. While many cakes might feature one or two spices, a true spice cake boasts a symphony of four, five, or even more distinct spices working together to create its signature complex and comforting flavor profile. This abundance of spices sets it apart from other cake varieties.
The core quartet of spices almost always found in a traditional spice cake includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These four provide the foundational warmth and classic aroma. Beyond these staples, other popular additions can include allspice, which offers a complex flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combined, and cardamom, which adds a fragrant, slightly citrusy, and floral note, deepening the cake’s aromatic complexity.
Beyond the standard cake ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and eggs, a delicious spice cake also incorporates several key components to achieve its signature texture and flavor. These include dark brown sugar (for moisture and a deeper caramel note), both baking powder and baking soda (for optimal leavening), vegetable oil (for a consistently moist crumb), plain applesauce (adding natural sweetness and further moisture), and buttermilk (for tenderness and a subtle tang). Of course, the defining element is the generous blend of 4-5 warm spices.
Due to its incredible moistness and the presence of cream cheese frosting, this spice cake is best stored covered in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from your fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bring the cake out an hour or so beforehand to allow it to come to room temperature; this significantly enhances its flavor and texture. Stored properly, it will remain fresh and delicious for 4-5 days. For longer preservation, you can also wrap slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature to serve.
The term “snack cake” often conjures images of commercially packaged treats, but in the world of home baking, it refers to a delightful and informal style of cake. A homemade snack cake, or “snacking cake,” is typically a single-layer cake, often made in one bowl with simple, everyday ingredients. It’s less formal than a grand layer cake and usually features no topping, or a very simple frosting, like the cream cheese frosting here. These cakes are typically baked in round or square cake pans (like our 8×8-inch pan) and are perfect for casual enjoyment, whether for an afternoon treat, a quick dessert, or an easy contribution to a gathering.
Absolutely! The beauty of baking with spices is the ability to customize them to your preference. If you have a particular love for cinnamon, feel free to add a bit more. If you prefer a milder ginger note, you can slightly reduce it. You can also experiment with other warm spices like a pinch of white pepper for a subtle kick, or a dash of star anise for an exotic twist. Remember to taste and adjust the spice levels in small increments to find your perfect balance, especially when trying new combinations.
Explore More Delicious Cakes
If you’ve enjoyed baking and tasting this delightful spice cake, you might be interested in exploring other fantastic cake recipes from our collection:
- Super Moist Carrot Cake from Sally’s Baking Addiction
- One Layer Yellow Cake
- White Sheet Cake
- Cocoa Fudge Cake
- One Layer Fudge Cake
- More of the Best Cake Recipes
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Moist Applesauce Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
30 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour 10 minutes
9 servings
An incredibly easy and wonderfully moist single-layer spice cake, enhanced with applesauce and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy fall treat!
Ingredients
For the Moist Spice Cake
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, ensure it’s fresh
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, high quality for best flavor
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup neutral vegetable oil (like canola or sunflower oil)
- ½ cup plain applesauce
- ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature (or homemade substitute)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted to prevent lumps
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly with a flour and oil nonstick spray. For extra assurance, line the bottom of the pan with a square of parchment paper, then spray the top of the parchment paper as well. Set the prepared pan aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps distribute the leavening agents evenly. Whisk the sifted dry ingredients thoroughly to combine them. Set this bowl aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients (Part 1): In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, granulated sugar, and packed dark brown sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly lighter in color. Pour in the vegetable oil and continue whisking until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients (Part 2): To the egg mixture, add the plain applesauce, room temperature buttermilk, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the liquid ingredients are smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture. Using a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon, fold them together gently. Mix just until the batter is smooth and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Bake the Cake: Scrape the cake batter into your prepared 8×8-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack, remove the parchment paper, and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before frosting. This is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps.
- Finish the Frosting: Add the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until just combined. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, until it is fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, airy, and truly fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can serve the cake immediately, or cover and refrigerate it. Remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your homemade spice cake!
Notes
Storage: To maintain its moist texture and fresh frosting, cover and store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for 4-5 days.
Serving Tip: For the most tender crumb and vibrant flavors, allow the refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Freezing Instructions: This spice cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire unfrosted (or frosted, but the frosting texture might change slightly upon thawing) cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe adapted from Pretty. Simple. Sweet., with enhancements for moisture and flavor.
Recommended Baking Tools
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps support this blog.
- Baker’s Joy Non-Stick Baking Spray
- OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk
- KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
- Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper Sheets
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9 servings
Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 387Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 307mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 1gSugar: 37gProtein: 5g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.
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