There’s something magical about the flavors of fall — warm, comforting, and slightly spicy. Nothing embodies this seasonal charm better than a perfectly baked spice cake. With its rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, spice cake offers a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen and a moist, tender texture that delights every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, enjoying a chilly afternoon with tea, or looking to impress friends and family with seasonal desserts, these 10 top-rated spice cake recipes deliver all the warmth and flavor you crave. Each recipe adds its own twist, from creamy frostings to nutty toppings, making these cakes a versatile and delightful treat for any fall occasion.
Ingredients
The following ingredients reflect a classic spice cake that serves 8–10 people:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce (optional, adds moisture)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup (150 g) raisins or chopped dates
- Zest of one orange
For Frosting (Optional):
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. This ensures your cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger). Mixing thoroughly ensures the spices are evenly distributed, giving each bite a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy and pale, about 3–4 minutes. Creaming properly incorporates air, resulting in a light and tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, cohesive batter that will bake evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. If using applesauce, fold it in now.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
Gently fold in any optional nuts, raisins, dates, or orange zest. This step adds texture and a little extra flavor to your cake, making it more festive and fall-inspired.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
Step 9: Prepare Frosting (Optional)
Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, then mix in vanilla and cinnamon. Spread evenly over the cooled cake layers.
Step 10: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides as desired. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Conservation and Storage
Spice cakes are perfect for making ahead, as the flavors deepen over time.
- Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store frosted cakes in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
- Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Variations
Spice cake is incredibly versatile. Here are a few top variations to try:
- Pumpkin Spice Cake: Substitute ½ cup of the butter with 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Add a pinch of ground cloves and allspice for extra warmth.
- Carrot Spice Cake: Fold in 2 cups of grated carrots and ½ cup chopped walnuts for a delicious fall twist.
- Gluten-Free Spice Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain texture.
- Vegan Spice Cake: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs (4 tablespoons flaxseed + 12 tablespoons water), and milk with plant-based milk.
- Layered Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting or apple butter between cake layers for a decadent treat.
Serving Suggestions
Spice cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Beverages: Serve with hot apple cider, chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or coffee for a true autumn experience.
- Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel, or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Side Treats: Pair slices with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an indulgent dessert.
- Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, autumn birthdays, or cozy family gatherings.
Conclusion
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon with a warm cup of tea or celebrating a festive gathering, spice cake captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With these recipes, you can create delicious, seasonal treats that are sure to impress and satisfy — a true fall favorite that brings warmth and flavor to your home.
Nothing says fall like the comforting aroma and rich flavors of a perfectly baked spice cake. From the classic cinnamon-nutmeg combination to creative variations with pumpkin, carrot, or cream cheese layers, these top-rated spice cake recipes are versatile, easy to make, and loved by all.
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10 Top-Rated Spice Cake Recipes That Taste Like Fall
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced, this classic fall spice cake is moist, tender, and full of autumn flavors. From cinnamon and nutmeg to cloves and ginger, it’s a dessert that fills your home with the scent of fall. Optional frostings, nuts, and fruits add layers of flavor, making this cake perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup (100 g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1 cup (150 g) raisins or chopped dates
Zest of one orange
For Frosting (Optional):
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices until evenly combined.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in applesauce if using.
Add Optional Mix-Ins: Gently fold in nuts, raisins, dates, or orange zest.
Bake the Cake: Divide batter between pans, smooth tops, and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through.
Cool the Cake: Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.
Prepare Frosting (Optional): Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cinnamon.
Assemble and Decorate: Frost cake layers, add optional garnishes like nuts or cinnamon dusting.
Notes
Applesauce adds moisture but is optional.
Adjust spice levels to taste.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light.
Use parchment paper for easier cake release.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: spice cake, fall desserts, cinnamon nutmeg cake, autumn cake recipes, easy spice cake
