Best Homemade Spice Cake Recipe – Moist, Warm,

Spice Cake Recipe – A spice cake is one of the most comforting desserts ever created—warm, aromatic, and beautifully balanced with earthy spices that evoke feelings of coziness and nostalgia. Whether you enjoy it during autumn, around the holidays, or simply as a year-round treat, this cake’s rich combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice makes every bite unforgettable.

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The flavors are deep, warm, and comforting without being overwhelmingly sweet, making it a great dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or an afternoon tea.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Time: 30 minutes

• Resting Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes

• Cuisines: American

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12 slices

• Calories per serving: ~420

Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Approximate, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 420

• Carbs: 53g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Sugar: 38g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 350mg

Equipment Needed

• Two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Rubber spatula

• Whisk

• Parchment paper

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula (optional for frosting)

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon allspice

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease two round cake pans thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray.

3. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking soda

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Ginger

• Nutmeg

• Cloves

• Allspice

These spices are the heart of the cake and create the warm, aromatic flavor that makes spice cake iconic.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.

2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

This step helps create a soft, airy crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

2. Begin and end with the dry mixture.

3. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

The batter will be thick, fragrant, and creamy.

Step 5: Bake the Spice Cake

1. Divide the batter between the prepared pans.

2. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

5. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually.

3. Mix in vanilla and optional cinnamon.

4. Whip until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate.

2. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.

3. Add the second cake layer.

4. Frost the top and sides completely.

5. Decorate with cinnamon dust, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Spice cake pairs wonderfully with:

• Chai or black tea

• Hot coffee or espresso

• Warm apple cider

• Vanilla ice cream

• Maple or caramel drizzle

Conclusion

Spice cake is a dessert that warms the heart and delights the senses with its comforting blend of aromatic spices and moist texture. Perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy moment at home, this cake offers rich flavor in every bite.