Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines warm spices and creamy frosting, making it perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. Its moist texture and rich flavors will impress your guests, while its versatility allows it to shine at birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. The standout feature of this recipe is the brown butter cream cheese frosting, which adds a unique nutty flavor that beautifully complements the spiced cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices like cinnamon and cardamom creates a warm, comforting taste that everyone loves.
• Moist Texture: Using applesauce ensures your cake remains extra moist and tender.
• Versatile Frosting: The brown butter cream cheese frosting is not only delicious but can be used on other desserts too.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this cake suits bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or just a family dinner, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to streamline your efforts. Having everything ready will make creating this spice cake easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• 8-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures even mixing for a light texture.
• Spatula: Helpful for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading frosting smoothly.

Ingredients

This extra moist spice cake is perfectly spiced and coated in a silky brown butter cream cheese frosting.

For the Cake

• 2 3/4 cups (350g) all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 2 cups (380g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (200ml) vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup (235g) unsweetened apple sauce
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (200g) sour cream, room temperature

For the Frosting

• 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sticks
• Candied nuts (half the recipe)

How to Make Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with oil or butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Whisk together until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together light brown sugar and vegetable oil until smooth.
2. Add unsweetened apple sauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream; mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans:
1. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

While cakes are cooling:
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until it turns golden brown; remove from heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and brown butter until smooth.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Decorate with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts if desired. Slice into pieces and enjoy your delicious spice cake!

How to Serve Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

This extra moist spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting is perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon treat, there are many ways to enjoy this delightful dessert.

Pair with a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The richness of coffee enhances the spices in the cake.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai complements the flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: For a sweeter pairing, hot chocolate works wonderfully.

Garnish Creatively

• Cinnamon Sticks: Use as a decorative element for an aromatic touch.
• Candied Nuts: Sprinkle on top for added crunch and sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the flavors.

Serve as a Layered Dessert

• Layered Trifle: Alternate layers of cake and frosting in a glass dish for a stunning presentation.
• Cupcake Style: Cut into squares and serve as mini cupcakes topped with frosting.

How to Perfect Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Ground spices lose potency over time, so opt for newer ones if possible.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and dairy are at room temperature to help create a smooth batter and even baking.
• Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely while browning; it should be golden with a nutty aroma but not burnt.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake; overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool fully before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

While spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting stands alone as a delicious dessert, pairing it with certain side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sweet cake.
3. Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer earthy flavors that complement the spices in the cake.
5. Cheese Platter: Include tangy cheeses that work well with the sweetness of the frosting.
6. Nutty Granola: Serve alongside yogurt for breakfast-style enjoyment or as an afternoon snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. An incorrect temperature can lead to an undercooked or overcooked cake.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use the correct measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right cake texture.
• Skipping the room temperature step: Ensure your eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them mix better and results in a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the cake batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of light and fluffy.
• Neglecting to check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your spice cake is done. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the spice cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If your frosting has been applied, it’s best to keep the cake covered to maintain moisture.

Freezing Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For whole cakes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the slice on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice for about 15-20 seconds on low power. Check periodically to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place on a pan over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I substitute other oils in this spice cake recipe?

Yes! Vegetable or canola oil works best, but you can also use melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

How do I make my brown butter cream cheese frosting?

Start by browning butter until it turns golden brown. Let it cool before mixing with cream cheese and powdered sugar for a rich flavor.

Can I add nuts or fruits to my spice cake?

Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the batter for added texture and flavor.

How long does spice cake last on the counter?

When stored properly, spice cake can last up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

What makes this spice cake so moist?

The combination of apple sauce, oil, and sour cream adds moisture, resulting in an extra tender and flavorful cake.

Final Thoughts

This Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!