Name: Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 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 (240ml) vegetable oil; 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 cup (240g) unsweetened applesauce; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; optional: 1 Tablespoon (21g) unsulphured or dark molasses (not blackstrap; preferably Grandma’s brand); 1 cup (150g) shredded apple (or shredded carrot/zucchini); 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices; 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 2 and 1/2 cups (300g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; pinch of salt; optional, for garnish: sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 83 reviews

The Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a heartwarming celebration of cozy flavors and tender textures that will instantly become your go-to for any occasion. This cake marries a perfectly spiced, moist crumb infused with warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, with a luscious, deeply flavorful frosting made from nutty browned butter and tangy cream cheese. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for sharing with family, friends, or just indulging in a little self-care moment. Once you try this recipe, your dessert repertoire will never be the same!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, light brown batter mixed with small, cream-colored chunks. Inside the bowl is a silver whisk partially dipped into the mixture, with traces of batter clinging to its thin wires. The batter has a smooth but slightly lumpy texture, showing gentle swirls and small darker specks throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a starring role. From the aromatic spices that awaken your senses to the creamy frosting that complements the cake’s moistness, the components are both simple and thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor and texture harmony.

All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups / 313g): The sturdy base that shapes your tender cake without weighing it down.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps your cake rise beautifully for a light crumb.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to create the perfect levity.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and familiar spice.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle zing that brightens the profile.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a slightly sweet, nutty note.
Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend with rich depth.
Vegetable oil (1 cup / 240ml): Keeps the crumb incredibly moist and tender.
Brown sugar (1 3/4 cups / 350g, packed): Adds natural sweetness with a hint of molasses character.
Unsweetened applesauce (1 cup / 240g): A clever moisture booster that keeps the cake light.
Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lends a smooth, sweet undertone that softens the spice.
Shredded apple (1 cup / 150g): Adds subtle fruit texture and moisture; can substitute with shredded carrot or zucchini.
Molasses (optional, 1 tablespoon / 21g): Deepens the flavor for a richer cake; Grandma’s brand is a favorite.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup / 56g, cut into slices): Essential for browning and adding nutty seasoning to the frosting.
Full-fat brick cream cheese (8 ounces / 226g, softened): Creates a velvety, tangy contrast in the frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar (2 1/2 cups / 300g): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky smooth.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor with sweet aroma.
Pinch of salt: Balances and elevates the frosting’s sweetness.
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional garnish): Adds a charming final touch to the decorated cake.

How to Make Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch glass baking pan. This size is perfect to achieve a uniform bake and thickness. A glass pan helps to monitor the browning so your spice cake turns out just right every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed through the cake, making every bite consistently flavorful. Setting this mix aside prepares you for an easy combination with the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, vigorously whisk the vegetable oil, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional molasses until smooth and well blended. The brown sugar and molasses bring a deep, caramel-like richness, while the applesauce imparts moisture with a whisper of natural sweetness that keeps the cake delightfully tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and whisk gently until everything just comes together. It’s perfectly fine if the batter has some small lumps—that means you haven’t over-mixed, which helps maintain the cake’s tenderness. Then, fold in the shredded apple carefully to infuse fresh texture and subtle fruity moisture.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your greased pan and bake for 38 to 40 minutes. Remember to keep a close watch because ovens vary. Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. If the top seems to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking. This step preserves the perfect golden crust without burning.

Step 6: Cool Completely

After removing the cake from the oven, set it on a cooling rack and let it cool completely before frosting. This is crucial because the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting melts if the cake is still warm, and you want clean, beautiful slices.

Step 7: Brown the Butter for Frosting

For the frosting, take the sliced butter and melt it in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch carefully as the butter foams and then begins to brown, filling your kitchen with a nutty, irresistible aroma. Once golden-brown specks form and the color is a light caramel, remove the pan from heat and transfer the butter and its brown bits to a bowl. Let it cool and solidify in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Using a mixer, beat the cooled brown butter until smooth. Add in the cream cheese, beating until creamy and lump-free. Then, incorporate the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Start mixing on low to avoid a powdered sugar cloud, then kick it up to high speed for about 2 minutes for an airy, luscious frosting.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg if you like to add an extra hint of spice and beauty. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to let the frosting set, making slicing a breeze.

How to Serve Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of four square pieces of moist brown cake, each topped with a thick, smooth layer of creamy white frosting that has a slightly swirled texture on top. The frosting is sprinkled lightly with fine brown specks of spice, possibly cinnamon or nutmeg. The cake base looks soft and fluffy with a crumbly texture, and some crumbs are scattered around the edges on a white marbled surface. The squares are placed closely together, highlighting the contrast between the rich brown cake and the pale frosting layers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly ground cinnamon or nutmeg atop the frosting adds an inviting aroma and festive look. For extra charm, consider toasted chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch complementing the soft cake texture.

Side Dishes

This spice cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, balancing out its rich spiced flavors. A cup of hot chai tea or spiced coffee can elevate the experience, turning any afternoon into a special treat time.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper, cut the cake into individual squares and top each with a small slice of fresh apple or pear for an elegant touch. Serving it on vintage plates alongside a sprinkle of edible flowers can transform your dessert from everyday to exceptional.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese frosting, keeping it chilled maintains freshness and flavor for up to five days without drying out the cake layers.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy the Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the moist texture and delectable frosting.

Reheating

While this cake is best enjoyed chilled, you can warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out aromas and soften the frosting a touch. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.

FAQs

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter in this spice cake?

While butter adds richness, using oil is key to keeping this spice cake ultra moist and tender. If you prefer butter, consider using melted butter but be aware the texture may be slightly different.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. However, texture might vary slightly, so use a trusted blend.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brown butter cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before spreading on the cake.

What is the purpose of the shredded apple in the batter?

Shredded apple adds natural moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness, enriching the cake’s moist texture without overpowering the warming spices.

How do I know when the brown butter is perfectly browned?

Look for a golden caramel color with dark specks and a nutty aroma. If you wait too long, it may burn, so remove from heat as soon as this stage is reached for the most delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm embrace, the Super Moist Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is waiting for you. Its rich layers of spice, fruit, and creamy frosting come together to create a truly memorable treat that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just whenever your heart desires comfort in cake form. Give it a try—you’re going to love every bite!