Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a warm, cozy dessert that simply wraps you in comforting flavors, this Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute gem. Imagine a tender, moist cake bursting with fragrant spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, perfectly balanced with rich molasses and a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe is a delightful celebration of autumn-inspired flavors that makes every bite feel like a hug from the inside, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so special is how humble, everyday ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each component plays a distinct role in building this cake’s tender texture, deep flavor, and irresistible cream cheese topping.

• Salted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cake stays tender.
• Light Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar lends a subtle caramel note and natural sweetness.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, supporting the cake’s structure and fluffiness.
• Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
• Molasses: Unsulfured molasses gives a deep, complex sweetness and that signature spicy note.
• Hot Water: Enhances the molasses flavor and helps blend the batter smoothly.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure with a delicate bite.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together to give the cake a perfect rise.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves: The aromatic trio that defines the warm spices of the cake.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the rich and tangy base of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifted for a silky smooth frosting without lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely fragrant sweetness to the frosting.

How to Make Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This early prep makes the rest of the process seamless.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and packed light brown sugar together for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, contributing to a light and tender cake texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Sour Cream

Mix in the large egg and sour cream thoroughly until the batter looks smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness from the sugar and molasses beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Molasses and Hot Water

In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses and hot water until fully combined. This soothing liquid heats the spices and helps create a perfectly moist crumb in the cake.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in another bowl. Making sure the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed ensures every bite has a hint of warmth and the cake rises just right.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Molasses Mixture and Dry Ingredients

Begin folding half of the molasses mixture into the batter, then half of the dry ingredients, alternating until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake might turn out dense instead of tender and light.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the tempting aroma of warm spices. Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, whip together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar gradually, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. This frosting adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy to your spice cake.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. This final touch transforms your spice cake into an absolute showstopper ready for sharing!

How to Serve Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of your frosting can elevate the presentation and add an extra layer of crunch and spice. Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds also lend a festive and colorful contrast.

Side Dishes

This spice cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more indulgent experience, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the rich spice flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into small squares and stacking them to create a rustic layered mini cake on a dessert plate. Alternatively, serve individual slices warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. A slice with a side of spiced apple compote also highlights the cake’s cozy spice profile beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting’s cream cheese base needs to stay cool, and this method will keep your cake fresh for up to 3 days while preserving its moist texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake, but it’s best to freeze it without the frosting to maintain texture quality. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices gently at room temperature or warm them in a microwave for about 15 seconds. This will revive the cake’s soft crumb without melting the frosting too much, allowing you to enjoy it as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar in this Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Light brown sugar is preferred for its molasses content that enhances flavor, but you can substitute with dark brown sugar for a richer taste or even half white sugar and half molasses if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the moisture and flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is meant for baking. Make sure your mix includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to help maintain the cake’s structure and tenderness.

How spicy is the cake? Can I adjust the spice levels?

The spices in this cake are warm and comforting rather than overwhelming. If you prefer a milder spice profile, reduce the amounts of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves slightly. For a bolder kick, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ground black pepper.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir or whip before spreading to restore its smooth texture.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake the cake and keep it covered or wrapped tightly once cooled. The sour cream in the batter helps retain moisture, but proper storage is key to preserving that tender crumb you love.

Final Thoughts

This Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly one of those special treats that comfort and delight all at once. Its warm, inviting spices combined with the creamy frosting make it perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this cake as much as I do—it’s a heartfelt slice of happiness on a plate you’ll come back to time and again.

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