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There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen. This Super Moist Spice Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a hug in cake form, beautifully spiced and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Super Moist Spice Cake
This Super Moist Spice Cake is an absolute delight, perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it will become your new favorite:
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to buttermilk and hot coffee, every bite is wonderfully tender.
- Rich & Aromatic Spices: A perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, inviting flavor profile.
- Effortlessly Delicious: Simple steps lead to a bakery-quality cake right in your own kitchen.
- Creamy Dreamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the spice cake beautifully.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy evening at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone raves about this classic dessert!
Ingredients Needed for Your Super Moist Spice Cake
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking this delicious cake. We love using fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor!
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (choose a fresh, fragrant cinnamon)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is even better!)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (a neutral oil works best)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or a DIY substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor)
- 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (enhances the chocolate and moisture, don’t worry, you won’t taste coffee!)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat cream cheese yields the best texture)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
YOU MIGHT LOVE: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins – A delightful treat if you love spiced desserts!
Essential Equipment for a Perfect Spice Cake
Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking this amazing spice cake.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking for our generous cake.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two large bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: Makes light work of beating sugars and butter for the cake, and creating a smooth frosting.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
- Wooden skewer: For checking cake doneness.
Recipe Overview: Super Moist Spice Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Delicious Spice Cake
Follow these easy steps to create a truly irresistible and super moist spice cake.
1. Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, thoroughly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Make sure these are well combined to distribute the spices evenly throughout the cake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients (Part 1):
- In a separate, large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer until it is well combined and slightly lighter in color.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients (Part 2):
- Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar and oil mixture. Continue to beat with your electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2 to the wet ingredients from step 4. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Add Hot Coffee:
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth and slightly thin. The hot coffee helps to “bloom” the spices and contributes to the cake’s incredible moisture.
7. Bake the Spice Cake:
- Pour the thin batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the skewer has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
8. Cool Completely:
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you even think about frosting it. A warm cake will melt your beautiful cream cheese frosting!
CHECK OUT: Pineapple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – For another fantastic moist cake with creamy frosting, try this recipe!
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until they are perfectly smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth. This prevents a powdery mess and ensures a uniform consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
- Once the spice cake is completely cool, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Finally, cut, serve, and enjoy your delightful Super Moist Spice Cake!
Tips for Success with Your Spice Cake
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for flour for best results, or spoon and level your flour if using measuring cups.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, emulsified batter and frosting.
- Hot Coffee is Key: The hot coffee melts the sugar and helps create a tender crumb.
- Cool Completely: Patience is vital! Frosting a warm cake will result in a runny mess.
Variations & Substitutions for Your Spice Cake
Feel free to customize this Super Moist Spice Cake to your liking!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute (plant milk + lemon juice) and dairy-free cream cheese/butter alternatives for the frosting.
- Add-ins: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded carrots for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice Blend: Adjust the spices to your preference; a pinch of ground ginger can add another layer of warmth.
- Frosting Flavors: Add a touch of orange zest or a hint of maple extract to your cream cheese frosting.
Serving Suggestions for Your Super Moist Spice Cake
This Super Moist Spice Cake is wonderful on its own, but a few additions can elevate the experience.
- Serve a slice with a warm cup of herbal tea or a refreshing glass of sparkling cider.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few toasted pecans.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes a decadent accompaniment.
- Perfect for an afternoon coffee break or as the grand finale to a comforting meal.
Health Benefits of this Super Moist Spice Cake
While this is an indulgent treat, our Super Moist Spice Cake offers some nutritional points too!
- It contains a moderate amount of protein from eggs and buttermilk.
- Dietary fiber from the flour contributes to digestive health.
- Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are known for their antioxidant properties.
- Enjoying a homemade treat allows you to control the quality of ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Your Super Moist Spice Cake
Keep your Super Moist Spice Cake fresh and delicious for days to come!
- Fridge: Store leftover cake, covered loosely, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting. Frosted cake can also be frozen, but wrap carefully to protect the frosting.
- Reheating: Allow chilled cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Super Moist Spice Cake
How do I make my own buttermilk?
You can easily make buttermilk at home! Just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
Can I use cold coffee instead of hot?
While cold coffee works, hot coffee helps dissolve the sugar and “bloom” the spices, enhancing the cake’s flavor and texture. We highly recommend using hot coffee for the best results.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A cake sinking can be due to several reasons: opening the oven door too early, overmixing the batter, or the oven temperature being too low. Ensure your oven is accurately preheated and avoid disturbing the cake while it bakes.
Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Absolutely! This Super Moist Spice Cake batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Fill liners about two-thirds full and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Thoroughly grease your pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. For extra security, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper after greasing.
More Delicious Dishes
If you loved this comforting Super Moist Spice Cake, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic recipes:
- Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes & Dreamy Molasses Frosting: Dive into more warm spices with these festive and delicious cupcakes.
- Delicious Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: Another incredibly moist cake featuring the delightful pairing of cinnamon and apple.
- Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing: Enjoy similar flavors in a soft, chewy cookie form, complete with that irresistible cream cheese icing.
Conclusion
This Super Moist Spice Cake is truly a baking triumph, delivering warmth, flavor, and a tender crumb in every bite. We hope you cherish making and sharing this recipe as much as we do. Happy baking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.
