Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert packed with warm spice and topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for holidays or any cozy gathering, this easy-to-make cake can be customized for vegan and gluten-free diets, making it a versatile treat everyone will love!

spice cake

Equipment Needed

  • 2 (7-inch) springform cake pans
  • 2 large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric hand mixer or standing mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Turntable or cake stand (optional)
  • Cake frosting spatulas or spreaders
spice cake

Ingredients

Spice Cake Batter

  • ½ cup melted butter (regular or vegan)
  • ½ cup milk (regular or dairy-free)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ⅓ cup applesauce
  • 2 heaping teaspoons pumpkin spice
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free)
  • ½ cup oat flour
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter (regular or vegan)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (regular or vegan)
spice cake

Instructions

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the springform cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin spice, salt, baking powder, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and oat flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.

For the Frosting:

  1. Cream Ingredients: In a bowl, use an electric hand mixer or standing mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy and well combined.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a turntable or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
  2. Frost and Decorate: Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Use a spatula to smooth the sides and top. Decorate as desired.
  3. Serve: Slice and enjoy!
spice cake

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I store the leftovers?

To store leftovers of your Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, follow these tips:
Refrigerator:
Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist.
Freezer (for longer storage):
Slice the cake into individual portions for convenience.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Make sure to bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!

Can I bake the cake ahead of time to frost later?

Absolutely! You can make the cakes ahead of time and frost them later. Here's how:
How to Make Ahead and Store Cakes
Bake and Cool:
After baking, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
Once cooled, remove them from the pans and peel off any parchment paper.
Wrap and Store:
Tightly wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Store at room temperature for up to 1 day, or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing Option:
For longer storage, wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil.
Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
When Ready to Frost
Ensure the cake layers are at room temperature (if refrigerated) for easier frosting.
Prepare the frosting fresh for the best texture and spreadability.
Assemble and decorate as usual.
Making the cakes ahead of time is a great way to save time and make the assembly process smoother!

What does spice cake taste like?

Spice cake has a warm, comforting flavor that's rich with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Its taste is reminiscent of autumn desserts, with a balance of sweet and slightly earthy notes. The addition of ingredients like pumpkin puree or applesauce often adds a subtle fruitiness and keeps the cake moist. Paired with cream cheese frosting, the tangy, creamy topping complements the spiced sweetness beautifully, creating a cozy, indulgent treat that's perfect for cool-weather gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Do you have any other festive cakes?

Absolutely! We recommend trying our Vanilla Cake or Gingerbread Cake!

spice cake

Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Jillian Glenn
Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings warm autumn flavors to life in every bite. This moist and tender cake is infused with pumpkin, applesauce, and a perfect blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a true celebration of fall. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, it’s a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday party, or just because, this cake is easy to make, adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets, and irresistibly delicious. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate treat!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 348 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 7 inch springform cake pans
  • 2 large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • electric hand mixer or standing mixer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • turntable or cake stand
  • cake frosting spatulas and spreaders

Ingredients
  

Spice Cake Batter Ingredients

  • ½ cup melted butter regular or vegan
  • ½ cup milk regular or dairy-free
  • 1 cup sugar
  • cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • cup applesauce
  • 2 heaping teaspoons of pumpkin spice
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ¾ cup regular or gluten-free all purpose flour
  • ½ cup oat flour
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 3 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoon softened butter regular or vegan
  • 4 ounces cream cheese regular or vegan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 7 inch springform cake pans with parchment paper.
  • Mix the milk, butter, pumpkin puree, applesauce, sugar, spices, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and apple cider vinegar together in a bowl.
  • Add the flours and mix until a silky batter forms.
  • Transfer the batter into the cake pan and bake or about 30 minutes or until the cake has completely risen. This recipe should make 2 7 inch spring form cake pans.
  • While the cakes back, prepare your cream cheese frosting by using a mixer to mix the powdered sugar, butter, and cream cheese forever. Allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack before frosting. Frosting instructions can be found in the recipe notes above.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 348kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 206mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 2757IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Jillian Glenn

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