Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are searching for a truly irresistible treat, you must try this Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is the perfect marriage of warm, cozy spices and decadently rich, nutty brown butter frosting made creamier and tangier by cream cheese. Every bite delivers moist, tender crumb bursting with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, complemented perfectly by the luscious frosting on top. Whether it’s a family gathering or just an excuse to indulge, this cake will quickly become your go-to dessert to impress and satisfy all your cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first joy in making this cake; each component plays a vital role, from deepening the flavor to producing that soft, moist texture you crave. Here’s what you’ll need to create magic in your kitchen:

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (313g): The foundation that provides structure to keep your cake tender but stable.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures gentle rising to a fluffy crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the brown sugar and applesauce to lighten the batter.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the cake.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a lovely spicy kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Introduces subtle nutty undertones.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings an earthy, rich spice complexity.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake luxuriously moist without masking flavors.
• 1 and 3/4 cups packed light or dark brown sugar (350g): Adds natural sweetness and moisture with deep caramel notes.
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (240g): A secret ingredient for moistness and a subtle fruity hint.
• 4 large eggs: Provides structure and richness that binds everything beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet floral scent.
• 1 cup shredded apple: Adds texture and bursts of fresh, subtle sweetness.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon unsulphured dark molasses: For a slightly deeper, more rustic flavor if you want to elevate the spice notes.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced (56g): The star of the frosting; browning it unlocks rich nutty aromas.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226g): Delivers the perfect tangy creaminess in the frosting.
• 2 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (300g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a silky finish.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting): Rounds out the flavor of the icing with gentle sweetness.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness so the flavors shine bright.
• Optional garnish – ground cinnamon or nutmeg: A final aromatic sprinkle that makes each slice irresistible.

How to Make Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch pan well is crucial so your cake releases easily after baking. I love using a glass pan for even heat distribution, but feel free to use what you have—just make sure it’s well-prepared to prevent any sticking disasters.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the wonderful spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This mix will give your cake that unmistakable warming aroma and flavorful complexity. Setting this aside helps you mix the wet and dry ingredients more efficiently later on.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil with brown sugar until blended, then add unsweetened applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses if you’re using it. These wet ingredients bring moisture and sweetness, while molasses enhances the depth of flavor. When combined just right, this mixture promises a rich and tender cake.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry, Add Shredded Apple

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry and whisk just until combined. It’s perfectly fine to have a few tiny lumps—overmixing can make the cake tough. The finishing touch here is folding in the shredded apple, which adds subtle texture and juicy bursts to every bite.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 38 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it as ovens vary; use a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, loosely cover it with foil to protect it while the center cooks through.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Once out of the oven, transfer the cake to a cooling rack and let it cool fully. This step ensures your frosting won’t melt and slide off, giving you clean, beautiful slices every time.

Step 7: Brown the Butter for Frosting

Browning butter is a game changer. Melt your sliced butter over medium heat in a light-colored pan to watch the color change. Stir constantly until it foams, then browns to a light caramel hue with nutty aromas. Pour it into a bowl, including all the browned bits, then let it cool first at room temperature, then chill in the fridge until solidified.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat the solidified brown butter until smooth and creamy. Add softened cream cheese and keep mixing for a luscious combo. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Start on low speed then crank it up until the frosting is fluffy and perfect for spreading.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Spread this dreamy brown butter cream cheese frosting over your completely cooled cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle it lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set neatly.

How to Serve Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg adds a fragrant, beautiful finish to your cake. For a special touch, you could also top with chopped toasted pecans or crystallized ginger for extra texture and flavor harmony.

Side Dishes

This spice cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. You could also serve it alongside freshly brewed chai tea or a warm cup of coffee to complement the spice notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for indulgence. For a festive occasion, plate the cake with fresh apple slices or candied ginger for added flair. Even stacking this cake as mini layers with frosting in between makes for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the cake stays moist and fresh for up to 5 days, making it perfect for savoring over several occasions.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake, wrapped well in plastic and foil, for up to 3 months. It freezes beautifully both frosted and unfrosted. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight, and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

For a just-baked warmth, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the frosting and revives the tender crumb, making every bite taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?

Yes, you can use mashed banana or even pumpkin puree to provide similar moisture and subtle flavor variations. Each substitute will add its own unique twist to the cake.

What makes this a ‘super moist’ spice cake?

The combination of oil, applesauce, and shredded apple, along with careful mixing and baking, ensures the cake stays incredibly moist and tender without being dense or oily.

Is it necessary to brown the butter for the frosting?

While not absolutely required, browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty, caramel flavor that greatly enhances the frosting’s complexity and richness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that can be used cup for cup. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

How do I avoid the cake top from burning during baking?

If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil halfway through the bake. This shields it while allowing the inside to cook completely.

Final Thoughts

This Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a celebration of layered flavors and textures that you will absolutely adore sharing. From the warm spices that fill your kitchen with comfort to the luscious, nutty frosting that crowns each slice, this cake is destined to become a beloved classic. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you might just find a new favorite that brings joy to your table again and again.

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