Moist Spice Cake Recipe With Warm Rich Flavors

Name: Moist Spice Cake
Prep time: 4 h 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (313g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 cup vegetable oil (240ml); 1 and 3/4 cups brown sugar (light or dark) (350g); 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (240g); 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup shredded apple (or shredded carrot or zucchini) (150g); 1 tablespoon unsulphured or dark molasses (optional) (21g); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons; 56g), cut into 4 slices; 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature (226g); 2 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (300g); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Moist Spice Cake

This moist spice cake brings together simple ingredients and warm, rich flavors that make baking feel like a comforting ritual. Imagine pulling a pan of soft, spicy goodness from the oven that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a recipe that’s not only easy but also flexible for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home.

One reason this cake stands out is its straightforward preparation, allowing even beginner bakers to mix everything quickly. The warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves offer potential antioxidant benefits that add a healthy twist to your dessert. This blend creates a moist, flavorful treat that can adapt to various dietary needs, ensuring it’s enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you’re a busy parent or a baking enthusiast, this cake’s unique taste makes it a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Its moisture from ingredients like applesauce and shredded apple keeps it tender for days. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a base for creative variations, making it perfect for experimenting in the kitchen.

Key Features That Make It Special

It uses everyday items like flour and spices for an approachable recipe.
The cake stays fresh and moist, ideal for meal prep or sharing.
You can customize it with options like vegan swaps, appealing to a wide audience.

For more ideas on similar treats, check out our spiced zucchini sweet potato cake recipe for another flavorful option.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Moist Spice Cake
2. Essential Ingredients for Moist Spice Cake
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Moist Spice Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Moist Spice Cake
5. Mastering Moist Spice Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Moist Spice Cake: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Spice Cake
8. Moist Spice Cake

Essential Ingredients for Moist Spice Cake

Creating a truly moist spice cake starts with the right ingredients, which blend together to deliver that perfect texture and flavor. This recipe focuses on simple, accessible items that ensure your cake turns out tender and full of spice. Let’s break down what you’ll need for both the cake and the frosting to make baking straightforward.

Below is a complete list of ingredients for the moist spice cake, pulled directly from the recipe. Each one plays a key role in achieving the desired moisture and taste, so measure them accurately for the best results.

Cake Ingredients

2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (313g)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup vegetable oil (240ml)
1 and 3/4 cups brown sugar (light or dark) (350g)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (240g)
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup shredded apple (or shredded carrot or zucchini) (150g)

1 tablespoon unsulphured or dark molasses (optional) (21g)

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons; 56g), cut into 4 slices
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature (226g)
2 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (300g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Optional: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

These ingredients work together to keep the cake moist and flavorful, with tips like using sturdy all-purpose flour for the heavy batter. For inspiration on complementary recipes, explore our blueberry cream cheese crumb cake for a similar creamy topping idea.

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

Getting started with this moist spice cake is simple and fun, even if you’re new to baking. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy release. This step sets the stage for a cake that’s moist and full of rich flavors from the spices.

Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until they’re evenly mixed. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses if you’re using it, whisking until smooth. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, stirring just until combined to keep the batter tender.

Then, fold in the shredded apple to boost moisture, and spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 38-40 minutes, checking with a toothpick for a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil after 25 minutes, then cool the cake fully on a wire rack before frosting.

For the Frosting

Brown the butter on medium heat until it’s golden and fragrant, then pour it into a bowl to cool and solidify in the fridge. Once solid, beat it smooth, add the softened cream cheese, and mix well. Finally, beat in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt on low then high speed for about 2.5 minutes, spread over the cooled cake, and chill for 30 minutes before slicing.

This process takes about 45 minutes to prep, 50 minutes to cook, and around 5 hours total including cooling. It yields about 12 servings, making it great for sharing. As a tip, this recipe adapts easily to forms like cupcakes or layer cakes, so feel free to get creative.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Moist Spice Cake

Making this moist spice cake work for your needs is easy with a few smart swaps. For instance, you can replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed meal mixed with water to create a vegan version that still holds together well. Applesauce or mashed bananas can stand in for vegetable oil if you’re aiming for a lower-fat option, keeping the cake just as moist.

Another idea is to use coconut yogurt or silken tofu as an egg substitute for added creaminess. For vegetable tweaks, try adding grated carrots or zucchini in place of shredded apple to enhance nutrients and moisture without changing the core taste. You can also switch sweeteners like maple syrup for brown sugar to bring in new flavors while keeping the cake adaptable.

These changes let you tailor the recipe for gluten-free diets or allergies, ensuring everyone enjoys the warm spices. Remember, adjusting seasonings can make it milder or bolder, like focusing on cinnamon if that’s your favorite.

Mastering Moist Spice Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your moist spice cake to the next level, start with basic techniques like using room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a consistent texture. Sifting the dry ingredients helps aerate the batter, leading to a lighter cake, and baking on the middle rack prevents uneven cooking. Always check the cake early to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.

Flavor and Presentation Ideas

For fun variations, add orange or lemon zest to bring in citrus notes that pair well with the spices. You could also mix in toasted nuts or dried fruits like raisins for extra texture and taste. When it comes to serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze, and garnish with cinnamon sticks for a nice touch.

Tip Category	Suggestion
Make-Ahead Options	Prepare batter ahead and refrigerate, or freeze baked cake for up to 3 months.
Baking Adjustments	Adjust times for different pans to keep the cake moist.

The brown butter frosting adds a nutty flavor that’s less sweet, making it a great match. For more frosting inspiration, visit Super Moist Spice Cake Recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction. These tips help keep the focus on moisture and spice.

How to Store Moist Spice Cake: Best Practices

Keeping your moist spice cake fresh is key to enjoying it later, so store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out too quickly. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F. These steps ensure the cake stays soft and flavorful. Slicing and wrapping pieces individually makes meal prep easier for busy days.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Spice Cake

What type of flour works best for making a moist spice cake?

All-purpose flour is the best choice for a moist spice cake because its protein content supports a sturdy yet tender crumb. Cake flour, which is lighter and lower in protein, can make the batter too loose and affect the cake’s texture. Using all-purpose flour helps the heavy, wet batter hold together well, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake.

Can I use substitutes for molasses in a spice cake recipe?

Yes, you can omit molasses if you don’t have any on hand. The cake will still be moist and tasty without it, though molasses adds a distinct rich flavor and depth. If you want a similar taste, try adding a bit of dark brown sugar or honey as alternatives, but keep in mind these will slightly change the final flavor profile.

How can I make a brown butter cream cheese frosting for spice cake?

To make brown butter cream cheese frosting, melt unsalted butter over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Let the butter cool and solidify in the refrigerator, then beat it with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This frosting adds extra richness and pairs perfectly with the spice cake’s warm flavors.

Is it necessary to include shredded apple in the spice cake, or can I substitute it?

Shredded apple adds extra moisture and mild sweetness, but it’s not required. You can omit it if preferred, and the cake will remain moist thanks to other wet ingredients. Alternatively, shredded zucchini or carrot can be used as substitutes, contributing moisture and texture without overpowering the cake’s spice flavors.

What is the best way to store leftover spice cake to keep it fresh?

Store leftover spice cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake wrapped securely for up to 3 months.

Super Moist Spice Cake Recipe with Warm, Rich Flavors