There’s something truly comforting about rolling up your sleeves, tying on an apron, and bringing together a melange of warm spices that sing of cozy evenings and festive gatherings. This Homemade Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of recipe that fills your heart as much as your kitchen, with its symphony of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves dancing through a tender, moist crumb. Each bite offers a pleasant warmth that spreads from your taste buds to your toes, reminding you of crisp autumn walks, laughter around the dinner table, and those moments when a simple dessert becomes the star of the show. The light tang of buttermilk cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for one more slice—and maybe another.
Beyond its delectable flavor profile, this spice cake feels like a warm hug in dessert form. I’ll never forget the first time I experimented with this recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, determined to capture the essence of fall in a single cake. As the layers baked, the kitchen transformed into a sanctuary of comfort, and my family gathered around, eagerly anticipating that first forkful. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of tangy-sweet, this cake has the power to turn any ordinary day into a celebration. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, a cozy tea time with friends, or simply want to treat yourself, this cake delivers joy with every bite—and might just become your new favorite way to spread warmth and sweetness to everyone you love.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HOMEMADE SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Before diving into the baking process, it’s helpful to get acquainted with each ingredient’s role. From the foundation of cake structure to the luscious frosting that crowns this dessert, every component has its moment to shine and contribute to the final harmony of flavors and textures.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the essential structure and crumb of the cake, creating a tender yet sturdy base that holds all the wonderful spices and moisture together.
- Baking powder
A key leavening agent that ensures the cake rises beautifully, giving it a light and airy texture that’s impossible to resist.
- Baking soda
Works alongside buttermilk to create lift and contributes to a fine crumb by reacting with acids to release carbon dioxide.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses the cake with a warm, sweet-spicy note that’s quintessential to any traditional spice cake.
- Ground ginger
Adds a sharp, zesty warmth that brightens the overall spice blend and keeps each bite interesting.
- Ground nutmeg
Offers a subtle, sweet-earthy undertone, rounding out the spice profile and adding depth.
- Ground cloves
Brings an intense, aromatic warmth that complements the cinnamon and ginger for a perfectly balanced spice mix.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness and ensuring each spice note can shine.
- Unsalted butter
Contributes richness and moisture, helping to create a velvety texture in both the cake and the frosting.
- Granulated sugar
Adds crisp sweetness that helps to aerate the batter when creamed with butter, resulting in a light cake.
- Brown sugar
Brings a hint of caramel-like richness and extra moisture, deepening the flavor profile.
- Eggs
Act as a binding agent, providing structure and stability while adding richness and moisture.
- Vanilla extract
Lends a sweet, floral aroma that enhances the spice blend and ties all flavors together.
- Buttermilk
Introduces a light tang and tenderizes the crumb, while reacting with baking soda for lift and a moist texture.
- Cream cheese
Forms the creamy base of the frosting, giving it a signature tangy-sweet flavor and smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Powdered sugar
Sweetens and thickens the frosting, ensuring it holds its shape while remaining airy.
- Milk
Adjusts the frosting’s consistency, making it easier to spread and giving it a silky finish.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
With our ingredients prepped, let’s walk through the process of crafting this show-stopping treat. From mixing the batter to piping or spreading the frosting, each step is straightforward and designed to help you achieve that perfect balance of moist cake layers and creamy frosting.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly and dusting with flour to ensure easy release once the cakes are baked.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures all the spices are evenly distributed and the leavening agents are fully incorporated.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
4. Add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter. Increase to medium-high speed and beat until fluffy, approximately 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a light texture. Once all the eggs are incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract on medium speed until just combined.
6. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the dry ingredients in three parts with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until you no longer see streaks of flour—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with an offset spatula for an even rise.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
10. Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until it’s incorporated, then increase to high speed and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk, adjusting the consistency with additional milk if needed.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula for smooth edges.
12. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HOMEMADE SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Presenting your Homemade Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in style can elevate every slice into a memorable moment. Whether you’re sharing this cake at a brunch, evening gathering, or a quiet treat for yourself, these suggestions will help you highlight its warm flavors and velvety texture.
- Enhance each slice with a generous sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb and silky frosting.
- Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the chilled ice cream against the slightly warm cake creates a delightful temperature interplay and adds creamy sweetness.
- Pair your cake with a steaming cup of chai tea or spiced coffee. The additional layers of cinnamon and ginger in your beverage will echo the cake’s spices, creating a cohesive and cozy tasting experience.
- Garnish the top of the frosted cake with a light drizzle of maple syrup or honey and a dusting of extra ground cinnamon for an elegant finish that highlights the cake’s fall-inspired profile.
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Proper storage is key to preserving the moistness of the cake layers and the creamy texture of the frosting. Keeping your spice cake fresh means it will continue to taste as wonderful on day two as it did straight from the oven.
When storing at room temperature, cover the cake loosely with a cake dome or an overturned large bowl to shield it from air without squashing the frosting. Enjoy within 1–2 days for optimal freshness.
For refrigeration, place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap, ensuring the frosting is protected. Chilled storage extends the cake’s life to about 4–5 days and helps keep the cream cheese frosting firm.
To freeze individual slices, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you’d like to prepare the frosting ahead of time, make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature and beat briefly to restore its spreadable consistency before frosting the cooled cake.
CONCLUSION
This Homemade Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting brings together the perfect balance of warm spices, tender crumb, and luscious frosting for a dessert that feels special yet is wonderfully approachable. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving something sweet to brighten your day, this recipe promises to deliver on flavor, texture, and heartwarming nostalgia. From preheating the oven to the final chilling step, each part of the process is designed to guide you toward baking success and sweet satisfaction.
Feel free to print out this article and tuck it into your recipe collection for easy reference whenever you crave a slice of fall-inspired goodness. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions as you bake. If you give this cake a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment, share your favorite spice tweak, or ask for tips if you hit a snag. Happy baking, and may every slice bring a smile to your table!
Homemade Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Experience the perfect blend of warm spices and creamy frosting in this homemade spice cake. It's moist, fluffy, and an irresistible dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
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Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter. Beat on medium-high speed until well blended and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until incorporated.
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Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.
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Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy.
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Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase the speed to high and beat for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk, and beat until combined, adjusting the consistency with a little more milk if necessary.
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Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
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Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Note
- For a richer spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of cardamom.
- Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter to mix smoothly.
- You can garnish the cake with chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for additional texture.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- The frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; allow it to come to room temperature before using.
