Super Moist Spice Cake Recipe with Rich Flavor and Soft Texture

Why You’ll Love This Moist Spice Cake

If you’re a home baker looking for a cozy, foolproof dessert, this moist spice cake is about to become your go-to treat. It’s a dense, tender cake with a flavorful crumb that’s perfect for fall gatherings, thanks to the mix of oil, applesauce, shredded apple, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Whether you’re baking for busy weeknights or special occasions, its versatility makes it easy to whip up as a sheet cake, layer cake, cupcakes, or even a Bundt cake, appealing to everyone from students to baking enthusiasts.

One of the best parts is how simple it is to prepare, using everyday ingredients that come together quickly without much hassle. The health perks are a bonus too, as spices like cinnamon and ginger bring antioxidants that can support digestion and overall wellness. Plus, its rich taste and adaptable nature mean you can tweak it for dietary needs, making it a hit for busy parents, diet-conscious folks, or anyone wanting a comforting bake that feels just right.

For more ideas on spiced treats, check out our spiced zucchini sweet potato cake recipe on the blog, which pairs well with this one for seasonal inspiration. This cake’s comforting flavors improve if you let it rest overnight, turning it into a versatile option that fits into your routine seamlessly.

Essential Ingredients for Moist Spice Cake

Getting the ingredients just right is key to making a truly moist spice cake that bursts with flavor. This recipe focuses on simple, accessible items that create a tender, flavorful result, enhanced by oil, applesauce, and shredded apple for that perfect crumb. You’ll love how easy it is to gather these from your kitchen or local store, and they work for various baking forms like sheet cakes or cupcakes.

Below is a complete list of ingredients needed for the cake and its brown butter cream cheese frosting. I’ve listed them with precise measurements to make your baking straightforward and stress-free. Remember, using sturdy all-purpose flour helps support the wet batter, and don’t skip the applesauce for extra moisture.

Cake Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (220 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses (optional)
• 1 cup shredded apple (peeled; alternatives include shredded carrot or zucchini)

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 8 ounces (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, brick style
• 3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

For special tweaks, like making it vegan or gluten-free, you can swap items as needed, but these core ingredients ensure the cake stays moist and full of flavor.

How to Prepare the Perfect Moist Spice Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bake a moist spice cake that’s dense, tender, and packed with warm spices? Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan whether it’s for a sheet cake, layer cake, cupcakes, or Bundt cake. This recipe keeps things simple, so you can enjoy the process without fancy tools, and the mix of oil, applesauce, and shredded apple makes the crumb extra moist and flavorful.

In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and the spices 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil, 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar, ½ cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses if you’re using it, until everything is combined.

Mixing and Baking Steps

1. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix until just combined, leaving some small lumps for a tender texture.
2. Fold in 1 cup of shredded apple gently to boost moisture options like shredded carrot or zucchini work too.
3. Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 38-40 minutes for a standard cake, adjusting time for cupcakes or Bundt pans.
4. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the frosting, melt ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s golden-brown and aromatic, then cool and solidify it in the refrigerator. Once solid, beat it until creamy, add 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, 3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth. Frost the cake, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if you like, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The whole process, from prep to serving, takes about 5 hours, including cooling and frosting, with 45 minutes of prep time.

If you want more frosting ideas, head over to our blueberry cream cheese crumb cake recipe for simple variations. For a deeper dive into similar bakes, check out this super moist spice cake recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Moist Spice Cake

Making a moist spice cake that fits your lifestyle is easier than you think, especially with its base of oil, applesauce, and shredded apple for that tender crumb. You can adapt it for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie needs while keeping the warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves intact. This flexibility makes it ideal for home cooks, busy parents, or anyone exploring new flavors.

Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal one tablespoon flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons water per egg for a vegan twist, or use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to cut calories. Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil for a different fat profile, and for those with lactose issues, replace any dairy in add-ins with plant-based options.

• Protein alternatives: Use flax eggs or applesauce for binding without eggs.
• Vegetable modifications: Add grated carrots or zucchini alongside shredded apple for more nutrition and moisture.
• Seasoning tweaks: Bump up the cinnamon or add cardamom for a fresh spin on the classic spices.

These changes ensure your cake remains dense and flavorful, perfect for various occasions.

Mastering Moist Spice Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your moist spice cake to the next level with pro techniques that highlight its dense texture and warm spices. Adding sour cream to the batter boosts moisture, and using room-temperature ingredients helps everything mix evenly for that ideal tender crumb enhanced by oil and applesauce. Don’t forget, the flavors get even better after the cake rests overnight.

For fun variations, try mixing in orange zest or swapping half the brown sugar with molasses for a richer taste. You could also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture, making it versatile for sheet cakes, cupcakes, or Bundt styles. Presentation is key too dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries to make it pop at your next gathering.

This cake’s magic lies in its simplicity mix, bake, and enjoy the cozy aromas filling your kitchen!

How to Store Moist Spice Cake: Best Practices

Keeping your moist spice cake fresh is simple, especially with its naturally tender crumb from oil, applesauce, and shredded apple. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to lock in that flavorful spice blend. For longer keeping, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months it’s a great way for working professionals or seniors to have treats on hand.

To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil. Cut into portions for easy meal prep, so you can grab a piece for a quick dessert or snack without fuss.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Spice Cake

Moist Spice Cake

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 12 to 16 servings 1x

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Description

🍰 Enjoy a richly flavored and super moist spice cake that captures the warmth of fall spices and fresh apples.
✨ This cake’s tender texture and luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting make it perfect for any festive occasion or cozy gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil

1 cup (220 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed

½ cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses (optional)

1 cup shredded apple (peeled; alternatives include shredded carrot or zucchini)

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter

8 ounces (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, brick style

3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1-Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix until just combined, leaving some small lumps for a tender texture.

2-Fold in 1 cup of shredded apple gently to boost moisture options like shredded carrot or zucchini work too.

3-Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 38-40 minutes for a standard cake, adjusting time for cupcakes or Bundt pans.

4-Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

5-For the frosting, melt ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s golden-brown and aromatic, then cool and solidify it in the refrigerator. Once solid, beat it until creamy, add 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, 3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until smooth. Frost the cake, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg if you like, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

🌾 Use sturdy all-purpose flour to support the heavy, wet batter.
🌰 Dark brown sugar deepens flavor.
🍎 Applesauce and shredded apple increase moisture.
🌻 Vegetable oil keeps the crumb moist; avoid melted butter substitution.
⏰ Cake flavor improves after resting overnight.
🍴 Frosting can be made a day ahead.
❄️ Store leftovers refrigerated up to 5 days or freeze cake up to 3 months.
🔥 Adjust bake times according to pan size; cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling and frosting time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking and frosting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice

Keywords: Spice cake, Moist spice cake, Brown butter frosting, Fall dessert