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Spice Cake with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 91 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
  • Yield: 8 servings (8-inch layered cake)
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This moist and fragrant Spice Cake is bursting with warm autumnal spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. The cake is enhanced with tangy sour cream and apple sauce for extra moisture and texture. It is perfectly complemented by a rich, silky Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting that adds nutty depth and creamy sweetness. Finished with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts, this elegant 8-inch layered cake is a perfect dessert for cozy family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 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

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Candied nuts (half the recipe)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spice Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and unsweetened apple sauce until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
  2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
  3. Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake them in the oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. Make the Brown Butter: While the cakes bake, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful to not burn the butter. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the cooled brown butter while mixing continuously. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy, smooth, and spreadable.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Decorate the cake with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts as desired for an elegant and seasonal touch. Chill the cake briefly if needed to set the frosting before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • This extra moist spice cake is perfectly spiced and coated in a silky brown butter cream cheese frosting.
  • Make sure all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream are at room temperature for best results.
  • Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the warm spices beautifully.
  • The cake layers can be baked ahead and stored wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Use unsweetened apple sauce to add moisture without extra sugar.
  • Use a gentle folding technique to keep the batter light and prevent tough cakes.
  • Candied nuts can be prepared separately or bought pre-made for garnish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Find it online: https://tastyrates.com/spice-cake-with-brown-butter-frosting-recipe/