Name: Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 3/4 cup vegetable oil (or applesauce); 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted brown butter (cooled); 4 cups powdered sugar

Print Recipe

There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of a freshly baked spice cake wafting through your kitchen. Imagine warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dancing in the air, wrapping you in a cozy hug. Now, when you top that with creamy brown butter cream cheese frosting, well, let’s just say it’s a celebration for your taste buds that you don’t want to miss.

This spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with laughter, memories, and the kind of sweetness that makes every day feel special. Whether it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon or a festive gathering, this cake is the perfect companion to create memorable moments.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The process of making this spice cake is as enjoyable as eating it
The rich flavors blend effortlessly, making it approachable for all bakers
The frosting adds an elegant touch, turning an everyday cake into a showstopper
Perfect for birthdays or cozy gatherings with friends!

When I first made this recipe for my family’s annual potluck, I was met with oohs and ahhs that filled the room. My cousin even asked if I had secretly enrolled in culinary school! It was one of those moments where everyone united over a slice of deliciousness.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the foundation of our cake. Make sure to sift it to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Use fine sugar for better integration into the batter.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth to our spice cake. Light or dark works; just pick your preference!
- Ground Cinnamon: A generous sprinkle will elevate flavors and add warmth. Always choose fresh ground for optimal flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings out the best in our spices. Freshly grated nutmeg can elevate your baking game!
- Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise. Check expiration dates on yours to avoid flat cakes!
- Baking Soda: Balances acidity from other ingredients while giving our cake an extra lift.
- Eggs: They bring richness and help bind everything together. Room temperature eggs work best.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps our cake moist and tender. Feel free to substitute with applesauce for a healthier twist!
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and moisture—don’t skip this one! Greek yogurt can be an excellent alternative.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have for flavor enhancement; opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation when possible.
- Cream Cheese: For that dreamy frosting texture! Make sure it’s at room temperature before whipping.
- Brown Butter: The star of our frosting! Take your time browning it for that nutty flavor depth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray or butter and dust them lightly with flour. This ensures easy removal after baking without any sticky surprises.

Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined and fluffy. The aroma will be intoxicating as you mix!

Combine Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, beat together eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Be sure to incorporate some air into this mixture—this will keep your cake light as air!

Bring It All Together : Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want tender crumb goodness here!

Bake Your Cake : Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, enjoy the smell filling your home—it’s heavenly!

Cool Down Before Frosting : Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting them with that luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Create Your Frosting Magic : In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and cooled brown butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach desired sweetness and consistency—fluffy yet spreadable!

Now you’re ready to assemble! Place one layer on a serving plate; generously spread frosting on top before adding the second layer. Finish by frosting the sides or decorating as you please—let your creativity shine!

Baking this spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting doesn’t just fill your belly; it fills your heart too—one slice at a time!

You Must Know

Spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
The warm spices and creamy texture create a delightful harmony that will have your taste buds singing in joy
Perfect for gatherings, this cake turns any occasion into a celebration

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve a perfectly moist spice cake, start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. This ensures even distribution of moisture throughout the batter.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your spice cake with add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture. You can also swap in different spices such as cardamom or allspice to create your unique flavor profile that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing & Reheating

Store your spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it where it will last up to a week. If reheating, just pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When making this spice cake, always sift your dry ingredients together first; it helps to incorporate air and prevent clumping
Be patient when browning the butter—it’s worth the wait!
Also, let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting

I once brought this magnificent spice cake to a potluck, and it was gone before I could grab a slice! Everyone raved about how the flavors blended perfectly, and I felt like a superstar baker that day.

FAQs

FAQ

How can I make my spice cake more moist?

To enhance moisture in your spice cake, consider adding an extra egg or incorporating applesauce into your batter. Both options ensure a tender crumb that won’t dry out quickly.

Can I use other types of frosting?

Absolutely! While brown butter cream cheese frosting is heavenly, you can try vanilla buttercream or even a simple glaze if you prefer something lighter on top of your delicious spice cake.

What spices are best for my spice cake?

Classic choices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. However, feel free to experiment with cloves or cardamom to elevate your spice cake’s flavor profile and make it truly unique!