Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a truly show-stopping dessert that’s cozy, moist, and bursting with warm flavors, then you’re in the right place. I’m so excited to share my Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with you because it’s one of those cakes that gets better every time you make it — rich spices mingle perfectly with the depth of brown butter, while that cream cheese frosting? Heaven. This cake has become a staple in my kitchen for fall and winter celebrations, and honestly, it always wows guests from the very first bite.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how the ingredients come together so harmoniously — every spice plays its part, while simple pantry staples keep it approachable. In fact, shopping for many of these items is straightforward since they’re common baking essentials, though those warm spices really make the difference.

• All purpose flour: The backbone of the cake providing structure; don’t substitute with self-rising.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These work together to give the cake a nice rise and light crumb.
• Spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves): Freshly ground or high-quality pre-ground will brighten the flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note; packed tightly for accuracy.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering with flavor.
• Unsweetened applesauce: A great way to add natural sweetness and moisture while keeping it tender.
• Large eggs: At room temperature for better mixing and lift.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors in the cake and frosting.
• Sour cream: Keeps the cake luscious and adds slight tang balancing the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the salt level in your frosting.
• Cream cheese: Bring it to room temp or your frosting won’t be silky smooth.
• Powdered sugar: For that dreamy, creamy frosting texture.
• Cinnamon sticks and candied nuts: Optional garnishes that add beautiful texture and spice notes.

Variations

I’m big on customizing recipes to suit the mood or occasion, and this Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is no exception. Whether you want to tweak it for a dietary preference or simply mix up the flavors, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend once, and it worked beautifully—just watch the baking time closely.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Since the frosting and cake are naturally nut-free, you can skip candied nuts as topping for allergy-friendly gatherings.
• Spice Mix Adjustments: Sometimes I add a pinch of allspice or more cardamom for a slightly different aroma, depending on my mood.
• Moisture Tweaks: When I’m out of applesauce, plain yogurt is a great substitute for maintaining that moist crumb.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Spices and Dry Ingredients

Start off by whisking together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I love giving those spices a quick toast in a dry pan before mixing them in—it really amps up the flavor. This foundation kicks off your spice cake with a balanced warmth you’ll notice right away.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients for Moisture and Richness

Next, combine light brown sugar, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce. The applesauce is a secret ingredient I discovered years ago that keeps the crumb tender without any heaviness. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream. Make sure everything is at room temperature — it helps the batter come together smoothly, so your cake bakes evenly.

Step 3: Bring It All Together and Bake

Slowly fold your dry ingredients into the wet, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the cake tough, and we want soft and tender here! Pour the batter into two greased 8-inch pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go.

Step 4: Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

The frosting is the real star here. Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until you see golden brown bits forming and it smells nutty—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly before beating it with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. I like to use an electric mixer on medium speed to get that luscious smooth texture with no lumps. Just trust me on this step; it’s worth every extra minute.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Once your cakes are completely cool, spread a generous amount of frosting on one layer, stack the second layer on top, and finish frosting the top and sides. For an extra touch, I sprinkle candied nuts around the edges and tuck a few cinnamon sticks in for visual flair and subtle aroma. Plus, it makes for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

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

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a handful of candied nuts because they add that perfect crunchy contrast to the silky frosting. Cinnamon sticks aren’t just pretty — they infuse the cake with extra warming aroma when left nearby. Sometimes I even sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon right on the frosting for a little visual pop and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a cup of black coffee or tea. For a special brunch, I’ve served it alongside fresh fruit — like sliced pears or apples — which complement those spicy notes beautifully. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream never hurts either when you want to turn it into a dessert extravaganza.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I like to turn this into a layered centerpiece by stacking the cake on a stand decorated with autumn leaves or fresh sprigs of rosemary for a rustic vibe. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of bourbon caramel sauce or honey on top for extra indulgence. You can also bake cupcakes using this batter and pipe the brown butter cream cheese frosting on top for a lovely individual treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cake covered tightly in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Wrapped well, the cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days—though if your family is anything like mine, it won’t last that long. Just bring slices to room temperature before serving to restore that perfect texture.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works really well if you want to plan ahead. I freeze un-frosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, which keeps them safe for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. If you freeze after frosting, wrap very carefully to avoid frosting damage and use within a month.

Reheating

Reheating cake slices is simple: just let them come to room temp, or microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds if you want it just a bit warm—perfect with a cup of tea. Avoid heating the whole cake at once to keep the frosting intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those comforting desserts that I keep coming back to whenever I want to impress without sweating the details. I adore how the spices and brown butter marry so beautifully, creating a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and elegant. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, I promise you’ll enjoy every bite as much as my family does. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some magic together—you won’t regret it.

Print