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Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm spices wafting through your home. This Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just dessert; it holds cherished memories of joyful gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of loved ones gathered around the table. With its rich, cozy flavors and inviting texture, each slice offers a delightful experience that speaks to the heart of an American kitchen. Imagine serving this cake during weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply to treat yourself after a long week. You’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is.

Quick Recipe Overview Box

Prep Time: One hour

Cook Time: Forty-five minutes

Total Time: One hour and forty-five minutes

Servings: Twelve slices

Difficulty: Intermediate

Key Ingredients: All purpose flour, light brown sugar, unsweetened apple sauce, for the cake; cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, for the frosting

Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, nut-free

This recipe captures the essence of warmth and comfort through delightful spice cake topped with luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Why Make This Recipe

Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a celebration of flavor and nostalgia that will transport you back to the moments of gathering with family around the kitchen. The warm, fragrant notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg create a harmonious symphony that fills your home, inviting everyone to savor the upcoming treat. With its moist cake and indulgent frosting, each bite is a delicious reminder of fall afternoons spent baking with loved ones and sipping warm cider.

The ease of this recipe allows you to create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. The generous use of apple sauce adds a touch of sweetness and moisture, making the cake delightfully tender while minimizing the need for excess oil. Imagine the vibrant colors on your kitchen counter as you pour the batter into the baking pan, anticipating the delightful aroma that will soon envelop your space.

And when it comes time to frost the cake, the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting enhances the flavor profile, creating a silky, creamy finish that glides on easily and pairs beautifully with the spiced cake. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all year long.

How to Make Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Start by preheating your oven to three hundred fifty degrees, creating an inviting warmth synonymous with home baking. Gather your ingredients and feel the anticipation building as you prepare to create your cake masterpiece. In a large mixing bowl, first combine two and three-quarters cups of all purpose flour, one and a half teaspoons of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. Sifting these together brings air into the flour, contributing to a light texture in your cake.

Next, spice it up by adding one tablespoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of cardamom, one teaspoon of ginger, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a quarter teaspoon of cloves. The scent of these spices will dance in the air, as they mingle together, hinting at the delicious cake to come. In a separate bowl, blend two cups of packed light brown sugar with one cup of vegetable or canola oil and one cup of unsweetened apple sauce until the mixture takes on a light, creamy consistency.

Then, incorporate four large eggs, which should be at room temperature for better blending. Add three teaspoons of vanilla extract and three-quarters of a cup of room-temperature sour cream, stirring just until combined. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones, folding them gently to keep the mixture airy. This act will unfold the promise of deliciously spiced cake batter.

Pour the batter into a greased and floured nine by thirteen-inch baking pan, coaxing it into the corners with a spatula for an even bake. As you slide the pan into the oven, you’ll be met with a wave of warm, inviting fragrance minutes later. Bake for approximately forty to forty-five minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake cools, let’s prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt one cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch as it transforms from solid to a golden liquid, then to a beautiful brown hue, releasing a rich, nutty aroma that makes your mouth water. Remove from heat and allow the brown butter to cool slightly before whisking in sixteen ounces of softened cream cheese until the mixtures smooths out luxuriously.

Gradually add five cups of powdered sugar and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Taste-test the frosting; it should be a decadent blend of sweetness with a hint of nuttiness from the brown butter.

Now that your kitchen smells amazing, let’s look at what you’ll need. You will use two and three-quarters cups of all purpose flour, one and a half teaspoons of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of salt, one tablespoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of cardamom, one teaspoon of ginger, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, a quarter teaspoon of cloves, two cups of packed light brown sugar, one cup of vegetable or canola oil, one cup of unsweetened apple sauce, four large eggs at room temperature, three teaspoons of vanilla extract, three-quarters of a cup of room-temperature sour cream, one cup of unsalted butter, sixteen ounces of cream cheese at room temperature, five cups of powdered sugar, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For garnish, you may want to add cinnamon sticks and candied nuts, which adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.

This cake shines bright when fresh. If you would like to substitute ingredients, feel free to experiment with different types of oil or even swap the apple sauce for pureed pumpkin when autumn calls for that seasonal flair.

Assemble

To assemble your cake, start by allowing the cooled cake to settle on a wire rack. This moment is perfect for letting the flavors deepen and for the texture to solidify just a bit more. Once it reaches a comfortable temperature, gently remove it from the baking pan and place it on your serving platter.

Next, using a spatula, spread a generous layer of the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting across the top, letting it drape over the edges for that indulgent effect. Use a light hand to create soft peaks and swirls, or simply smooth it out for a clean finish. Allow your cake to sit at room temperature for thirty minutes, letting the frosting set slightly and the flavors mingle.

Once it is ready, slice into the rich, spiced layers and allow everyone to savor the cake’s bursting flavors. Consider garnishing with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of candied nuts for that added crunch and festive flair.

One troubleshooting tip to consider is if your frosting turns out too runny, just add a touch more powdered sugar to thicken it up, ensuring every serving carries that delightful creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works (The Science)

This recipe produces a beautifully velvety cake with a uniquely moist texture thanks to the incorporation of apple sauce, replacing some of the fat content and enhancing the cake’s tenderness. The combination of spices delivers a warm, enveloping flavor that enhances that cozy feeling as it bakes.

Science Tip: The balance of baking powder and baking soda works synergistically with the acids in the sour cream and apple sauce, creating a perfect amount of rise that gives your cake a light crumb while maintaining its structure.

Expert Insight: The addition of brown butter in the frosting not only introduces a rich depth of flavor, but it also contributes to an exquisite creaminess that elevates the overall experience.

This cake also comes with added health benefits, as apples are high in fiber, supporting a healthy digestive system and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

How to Serve Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving this delightful Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting can transform ordinary moments into cherished memories. Picture a cozy afternoon in autumn, sipping spiced tea with a friend while enjoying a slice of cake that’s moist and bursting with flavor. Pair this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast that even the pickiest eaters will love.

This cake also shines on holiday tables, exuding warmth and charm as it brings loved ones together. The colors of the frosting contrasting with the rich hue of the cake create an enticing centerpiece sure to capture the attention of everyone present.

How to Store Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

To preserve the deliciousness of your cake, cover it lightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. You may also opt to refrigerated it if your kitchen tends to be warm, which will maintain its freshness. Once chilled, simply let the cake sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften before serving; the flavors deepen overnight, making each bite more satisfying.

If you wish to enjoy this delightful cake later, consider freezing it after frosting. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you want to indulge again, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours, readying for your next sweet moment.

Tips to Make Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

For perfectly even baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing your cake inside.

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt makes a great substitute that retains moisture and tanginess.

When mixing the frosting, take care not to overbeat, as this may cause it to become too thin.

This Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is easier to slice cleanly if you use a warm knife.

Adding an extra sprinkle of cinnamon to the frosting before serving enhances both visual appeal and flavor.

Feel free to store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days to maintain freshness.

Save this recipe for your next cozy weekend dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

Consider replacing half of the brown sugar with honey for a delightful twist that adds a floral note to the cake.

If you’re looking for a seasonal flavor, try adding fresh pumpkin puree in place of the apple sauce.

For a nutty approach, mix in half a cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

A dairy-free version can easily be made by swapping the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using coconut oil in place of butter.

You can enjoy this Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting as mini cupcakes for a delightful bite-sized option at your next gathering.

FAQs

What makes the Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting so moist?

The blend of apple sauce and oil keeps this cake exceptionally tender and moist. These ingredients work together to provide a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour in this recipe. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser, so consider reducing the flour by a few tablespoons for best results.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

A cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates that the soft, fluffy structure is complete.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time for the Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading it on the cooled cake.

What should I do if the frosting is too runny?

If your frosting turns out too thin, simply add additional powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach the desired thickness. This will provide that creamy consistency you’re looking for.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Four hundred

Protein: Four grams

Carbs: Sixty-five grams

Fat: Twenty-three grams

Fiber: One gram

Vitamin A: Twenty percent

This invigorating cake offers a balance of flavors and textures while being a source of dietary fiber from the apple sauce.

Conclusion

The Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a sweet symphony of festive flavors, reminiscent of cherished moments spent in the kitchen. Each slice is a warm invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and make new memories with those you love most. Each bite unveils the heartwarming nostalgia of home baking while delivering a consistent burst of comforting flavors. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let every slice remind you that joy can be found in the simplest of moments.

Natalie Pierce