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Super Moist Homemade Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a thick, moist slice of spice cake with three layers and generous cream cheese frosting.
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A tender, moist spice cake recipe featuring warm autumn spices, paired with a classic, silky cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
  • For the Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Add the oil, applesauce, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Carefully pour the hot water or coffee into the batter and mix on low speed until just combined. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a 9×13 pan, bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  10. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar if you prefer a stiffer frosting.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the layers or the top of the sheet cake.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, substitute the hot water with hot brewed coffee. This deepens the spice notes without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • You can use this recipe to make cupcakes; bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
  • If you are looking for easy meal planning ideas for your busy week, consider looking into best meal delivery services for quick dinner options.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/moist-spice-cake-recipe-from-scratch/