Hey there, sweet friend! If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and packed with flavors that remind you of autumn, let me introduce you to Homemade Spice Cake. This delightful treat is like a big hug from the kitchen, wrapped in spices and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger fills the air while it bakes, transforming your home into a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy family dinner, or simply to enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea, this spice cake is something you’re going to love.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should dive into making this Homemade Spice Cake. Well, let me give you a few sweet reasons! First of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, even if you’re just getting started in the kitchen. The straightforward ingredients combine to create rich flavors that are perfect for any season but truly shine in the fall. It’s a nostalgic recipe that can evoke warm memories, comfort, and joy, all incredible feelings to share with family and friends.
Moreover, this cake can be a wonderful centerpiece for any gathering. Imagine serving up slices of this moist, spiced delight to your loved ones, each bite reminding them of home and fond memories. And, if that isn’t enough, you can customize this cake to suit your taste, add nuts, use alternative flours, or mix in dried fruits. Making it your own adds to the joy of baking, and who doesn’t love a personal touch?
How to Make Homemade Spice Cake
Now that you’re as excited as I am, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to make this delightful cake. Trust me, with a simple follow-along and these easy-to-find ingredients, your little piece of heaven is just a few steps away!
Ingredients:
To embark on this baking adventure, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your chosen baking pan, whether it’s a sheet, layer, cupcake, or Bundt.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This mix is where the magic begins!
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract and stir until fully combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While your cake cools, it’s time to make the frosting. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it turns a lovely golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract for a touch more flavor.
Once your cake is completely cool, generously frost it with the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Slice, serve, and most importantly, enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Spice Cake
Serving your Homemade Spice Cake is all about creating a moment of joy. I suggest pairing it with a steaming cup of your favorite tea or coffee for that ultimate cozy vibe. Cut generous slices and don’t forget to add an extra dollop of frosting on top if you’re feeling indulgent. You can also dress it up with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped nuts on top for an elegant touch. This cake is perfect for gatherings, I mean, who could resist such a lovely centerpiece?
How to Store Homemade Spice Cake
To keep the deliciousness intact, store your spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience. If you’ve baked ahead and want to freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it’ll last about three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Homemade Spice Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a better batter incorporation.
Don’t Overmix: Gentle folding is key to keeping your cake light and airy!
Spice It Up: Feel free to add in chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch. You could also mix in raisins or cranberries for added sweetness.
Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before frosting your cake.
Variations
While this spice cake is delicious as it is, you can switch it up a bit! Try adding pumpkin puree for a Pumpkin Spice Cake variation or swap in different warm spices like cardamom or allspice to put your twist on the recipe. Another fun idea is to replace the buttermilk with apple cider for a delightful, fruity flavor infusion.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can make the cake a bit denser but can add a nutritious touch. You may need to adjust the liquids slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure!
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well at room temperature for a few days or can be frozen for later enjoyment. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping for storage.
Now that you’ve got all the ins and outs of making this tempting Homemade Spice Cake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bake something wonderful. Don’t forget, the magic happens in the kitchen enjoy every moment of it!
Print
Homemade Spice Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and cozy cake packed with autumn spices, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your chosen baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- For the frosting, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, then let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is cool, frost it with the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with tea or coffee for a cozy experience. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg