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