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.

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

Description

🍰 This Super Moist Spice Cake Recipe delivers warm, comforting flavors with a rich, moist texture that’s perfect for any season.
🌿 The blend of spices and fresh shredded apple adds depth and natural sweetness, making it a wholesome, delicious treat worth trying.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

1-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.

2-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.

3-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.

4-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.

Notes

🧂 Use sturdy all-purpose flour as the batter is heavy and wet.
🍎 Brown sugar, especially dark brown, deepens the flavor.
🥕 Substitute shredded carrot or zucchini for the apple for a different moisture and flavor profile.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cooling and chilling time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 40 g
Sodium: 230 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Spice Cake, Moist Cake, Brown Butter Frosting, Warm Flavors