Deliciously Easy Spice Cake Loaf with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Craving a homemade cake but short on time, especially around the busy holidays or during crisp fall evenings? Forget the hours spent baking multiple layers, chilling, and meticulously decorating a fancy confection! This incredible spice cake recipe is your perfect solution. Baked conveniently in a single loaf pan, it delivers a wonderfully soft and fluffy texture, infused with the most comforting warm spices. What truly elevates this autumnal delight is the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting, adding a depth of nutty, caramel-like flavor that will have everyone asking for more. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, easy to slice, and a joy to share, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
When I was developing this recipe, my husband, Chris, was absolutely smitten. He raved that the rich, nutty notes of the brown butter in the frosting created a harmonious symphony with the cake’s warm, fragrant spices. And honestly, the cake’s irresistibly fluffy and moist texture is something I still can’t get over! We even found that the refrigerated leftovers seemed to improve with time, with Chris declaring it was even better the next day! This speaks volumes about its fantastic moisture content and how the flavors meld beautifully over time. It’s a testament to a truly well-balanced and comforting dessert that caters to both your taste buds and your schedule.
Why This Spice Cake Will Become Your New Favorite
This fall-inspired spice cake isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves baking but needs a straightforward, reliable, and incredibly delicious option. Here’s why this particular spice cake stands out and is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Effortless Elegance: A Simple Loaf Cake Anyone Can Master. Unlike elaborate layer cakes that demand multiple baking pans, fussy crumb coats, and intricate decorations, this spice cake is baked in a single loaf pan. This dramatically cuts down on prep time and cleanup, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You get all the comforting flavors and a beautiful presentation without any of the stress typically associated with fancy desserts. It’s truly a “no-fuss, all-flavor” kind of cake.
- Customizable Sweetness & Flavor Profiles. This recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your preferences. You can choose to lavish it with the rich brown butter cream cheese frosting for an indulgent experience, or enjoy the perfectly spiced cake plain for a lighter touch. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to be as mild or as bold as you desire, or even experiment with using regular butter instead of browned butter in the frosting. We’ll delve into more exciting substitutions and variations in the Ingredients section below, ensuring you can make this cake uniquely yours.
- Remarkably Moist for Days. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly cakes! This spice cake boasts an unbelievably moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for several days. The secret lies in a winning combination of ingredients: rich sour cream, tangy kefir, and dark, flavorful molasses, all working together to infuse the batter with incredible moisture. This means you can bake it ahead of time, knowing it will be just as delicious (if not more so!) when you’re ready to serve.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Spice Cake
Crafting this delightful moist spice cake with frosting requires a selection of common pantry staples, alongside a few special additions that truly make it shine. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting dessert:
Ingredient Notes & Tips:
- Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness! Brown sugar plays a crucial role in the cake’s texture, adding exceptional moisture and a subtle, delightful caramel undertone that complements the warm spices beautifully. You can opt for either light brown sugar for a milder sweetness and color, or dark brown sugar for a richer, more pronounced molasses flavor and deeper hue. Use whatever you have on hand or choose based on your desired intensity. Remember to pack it firmly when measuring!
- Sour Cream: A true hero for a tender cake, sour cream is key to achieving that perfect, moist crumb we all adore in a good spice cake. Its acidity helps tenderize the gluten in the flour, while its fat content contributes to a rich and velvety texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal incorporation into the batter.
- Molasses: This ingredient is a cornerstone of classic spice cake, imparting a rich, deep flavor and a gorgeous, inviting color. For this recipe, it’s vital to use regular (unsulfured) molasses, not blackstrap molasses, which can be overly bitter and intense. My personal preference, and a reliable choice, is Grandma’s Unsulfured Molasses. Its balanced sweetness and robust flavor are simply perfect here. I also love using it in my small-batch ginger molasses cookies!
- Kefir: Adding a unique tang and additional moisture, kefir is a fermented milk drink that brings a lovely complexity to the cake. It’s also an excellent source of nutrients and is almost completely lactose-free, making it a great option for many. While Lifeway sponsored this recipe, I genuinely believe their plain organic whole milk kefir is fantastic and would choose it regardless for its quality and flavor. If you can’t find kefir, buttermilk is an excellent substitute.
- Cream Cheese: For a smooth, lump-free frosting, it is absolutely essential that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Cold cream cheese will resist blending, resulting in a grainy or lumpy frosting texture. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to make the frosting.
- Browned Butter: This is the secret ingredient that transforms an ordinary cream cheese frosting into something extraordinary. Browning butter involves cooking it gently until the milk solids toast and turn amber, creating a distinct nutty, toffee-like flavor and aroma. You’ll start with 3 tablespoons of butter, which reduces slightly during the browning process, yielding approximately 2 tablespoons of beautifully browned butter with all those delicious, toasted bits. This adds an unparalleled depth to the frosting!
For a complete list of precise ingredients and measurements, please refer to the recipe card provided below.
Spice Cake Substitutions & Variations to Suit Your Taste
One of the best aspects of this easy spice cake recipe is its adaptability. Whether you have dietary restrictions, are missing an ingredient, or simply want to experiment with different flavors and textures, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are some popular substitutions and variations to inspire your baking:
- Kefir Alternatives: If you don’t have kefir readily available in your fridge, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with an equal amount of buttermilk. Buttermilk offers a similar tang and acidity, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb and moistness. Alternatively, you can make your own “sour milk” by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with milk to make ¼ cup, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly.
- Regular Butter Frosting Option: While the browned butter cream cheese frosting is a true highlight of this recipe, you can certainly skip the browning step if you’re short on time or prefer a more classic flavor. Simply use 2 tablespoons of regular, room-temperature unsalted butter in the frosting instead. It won’t have the unique nutty depth of brown butter, but it will still yield a wonderfully creamy and delicious cream cheese frosting.
- Frosting-Free & Lightly Sweetened Options: Not a fan of rich frosting, or perhaps you’re looking for a lighter treat? This spiced loaf cake is genuinely amazing on its own. Its inherent moisture and balanced spice blend make it flavorful enough to enjoy plain. For a touch of extra sweetness and texture without a full frosting, consider sprinkling the top of the cooled cake with a simple mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar. A light dusting of powdered sugar is another elegant option.
- Baking in a Square Pan: This versatile recipe isn’t limited to a loaf pan. If you prefer a sheet cake format, you can easily bake this in an 8×8-inch metal pan. Just be aware that the baking time will be shorter in a shallower pan, so start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark with a toothpick. Adjust baking time as needed until a clean toothpick emerges from the center.
- Exciting Mix-Ins for Added Texture: Elevate your spice cake with delightful mix-ins! For an extra layer of texture and a pleasant crunch, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. This adds a wonderful contrast to the soft cake and enhances the autumnal flavors, much like in my popular spiced walnut cake recipe. You could also try chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
- Personalized Spice Levels: The beauty of homemade baking is the ability to adjust to your personal palate. Feel free to increase or decrease the measurements of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to fit your flavor preferences. If you love a bolder, spicier cake, add a little extra; for a milder taste, reduce slightly. You could also introduce a pinch of allspice or ground cloves for an even more complex spice profile.
Please note that this recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients and the suggested variations. If you decide to replace or add any other ingredients beyond these recommendations, we would love to hear how it turned out in the comments section below! Your feedback helps other bakers.
my most valuable tool
The Importance of a Food Scale in Baking
Achieve unparalleled precision in your baking by weighing your ingredients using a reliable food scale. Not only does this method ensure the most accurate measurements, preventing issues like dry or dense cakes, but it also makes cleanup incredibly easy, as you measure directly into your mixing bowls. It’s a simple tool that makes a huge difference in consistency and results!
Baking Your Perfect Spice Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to whip up this delightful spice cake? Follow these simple steps for a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted loaf. Make sure to gather all your ingredients and have them at room temperature before you begin for the best results!
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it with nonstick baking spray. To ensure easy removal of your cake later, create a parchment paper sling by cutting a strip of parchment long enough to cover the bottom and extend over the long sides of the pan. This acts as “handles” to lift the cake out. I like to secure the parchment down to the sides with plain metal binder clips so they don’t flap over onto the cake batter while baking!
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a uniform rise and flavor in your cake. Set this bowl aside.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a separate, large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment) or a whisk, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s tender texture. Then, beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, sour cream, and molasses. Mix until everything is incorporated and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the kefir. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand with a spatula, just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and lead to a tough cake.
Step 4: Bake the Spice Cake. Pour the prepared spice cake batter evenly into your greased and parchment-lined loaf pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles. Bake on the oven’s middle rack for approximately 48-53 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before carefully lifting it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While your cake is baking and cooling, now is the perfect time to prepare your optional (but highly recommended!) brown butter for the frosting. In a small, light-colored nonstick skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently with a whisk, until the butter turns golden brown, and nutty, caramelized bits form at the bottom of the pan. This typically takes 5-8 minutes. The aroma will become distinctly nutty and toasted. Immediately remove the skillet from the heat to prevent burning, then transfer the browned butter (including all the delightful bits!) to a heat-safe container. Let it cool completely to room temperature before proceeding with the frosting. You can even place it in the refrigerator for quicker cooling if you’re in a hurry.
Step 5: Prepare the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. In a medium bowl, ensure your softened cream cheese is incredibly smooth by mixing it well with an electric mixer. Then, add the completely cooled browned butter (or regular room temperature butter, if preferred) and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until smooth and creamy. Start with 1 cup and add more if you prefer a thicker frosting.
Step 6: Frost and Serve. Once the spice cake has completely cooled to room temperature (this is crucial!), spread the glorious brown butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Slice the frosted loaf into thick pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of your homemade spice cake!
Expert Baking Tips for the Best Spice Cake
Achieving a consistently perfect spice cake requires a few tried-and-true techniques. These expert tips will help you navigate the baking process with confidence and ensure your loaf cake turns out beautifully moist and flavorful every time:
- Always Use Room Temperature Ingredients! This tip is paramount in baking, especially for cakes and frostings. Make sure to take your eggs, butter, sour cream, kefir, and cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start baking. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively, meaning they blend together smoothly and create a uniform batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle, resulting in a less smooth mixture and potentially affecting the final texture of your cake, making it dense or uneven.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter! Once you’ve added the flour and other dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until you no longer see any visible dry streaks of flour. Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, dense, and chewy cake rather than the desired soft and fluffy texture. A gentle hand and minimal mixing are key here.
- Watch Your Browned Butter Like a Hawk! Browning butter is an art that requires attention. It can go from perfectly golden and nutty to burnt and bitter in mere seconds. Use a light-colored pan so you can easily monitor the color changes. Stir frequently with a whisk to ensure even browning. As soon as you see those delightful amber-colored, nutty-smelling bits forming at the bottom, remove it from the heat immediately and transfer it to a separate heat-safe bowl to stop the cooking process.
- Ensure Browned Butter is Completely Cool Before Frosting. This is another critical step for your brown butter cream cheese frosting. If the browned butter is even slightly warm when added to the cream cheese, it will melt the cream cheese, turning your frosting into a soupy, unmanageable mess. For best results, let it cool completely to room temperature. If you’re pressed for time, you can accelerate the cooling process by placing the heat-safe container with the browned butter in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until solid but still pliable.
- Patience is a Virtue: Don’t Frost a Warm Cake! We know it’s tempting to dive right into that warm, fragrant cake, but resist the urge to frost it until it has completely cooled down to room temperature. Even a slightly warm cake will cause the frosting to melt, slide off, and create a messy presentation. Allowing the cake to cool fully ensures the frosting sets beautifully and maintains its creamy texture. This step pays off significantly in the final delicious outcome!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Spice Cake
Here are answers to some common questions you might have while baking this delicious spice cake:
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer a classic flavor, you can certainly skip the browning step. Simply use 2 tablespoons of regular, unsalted butter that has been softened to room temperature instead of browned butter in your frosting. The frosting will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious, just without the distinct nutty and caramel-like notes that browned butter imparts.
The best way to test for doneness is to insert a wooden toothpick into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready! If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time. Continue baking in 3-5 minute increments and recheck until it passes the toothpick test. The top of the cake should also be golden brown and spring back lightly when gently pressed.
Yes, this recipe is adaptable to other pan sizes! While a 9×5-inch loaf pan is recommended, you can also bake this recipe in an 8×8-inch metal square pan for a sheet cake style. Keep in mind that the baking time will be shorter in a shallower pan. I recommend starting to check for doneness with a toothpick around 35 minutes of baking time, then continue as needed.
A dry or dense cake usually stems from two common issues: over-measuring flour or over-baking. For the most accurate flour measurements, I highly recommend using a food scale to weigh your flour in grams. Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour. Secondly, ensure you don’t over-bake. Take the cake out of the oven as soon as the toothpick test is passed. The center may still appear slightly soft or moist right after removing it, but it will continue to bake through with residual heat in the hot pan as it cools.
Absolutely! This spice cake and its frosting are excellent candidates for making ahead, which is perfect for holiday planning. You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature. The frosting can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to frost and serve, simply let the frosting soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, then give it a quick whip to restore its creamy consistency before spreading it on the cooled cake.
Lifeway Kefir is widely available! You can typically find it in the refrigerated dairy aisle of most major grocery stores. For specific locations near you, or to find out which retailers carry their products, you can visit their official website at lifewaykefir.com/where-to-buy.
Proper Storage for Your Spice Cake
To ensure your delicious spice cake remains fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here are the best ways to store both frosted and unfrosted cake, as well as freezing instructions:
Room Temperature Storage
If your spice cake is unfrosted, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerator Storage
Once the cake is frosted with the brown butter cream cheese frosting, it must be stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese. Place the frosted cake in an airtight container to protect it from absorbing other odors and to maintain its moisture. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and the cake’s flavors to fully develop.
Freezing Instructions
This spice cake freezes beautifully, making it perfect for planning ahead or enjoying later. To freeze, ensure the unfrosted, cooled cake is completely cool. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, or at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, prepare the frosting as directed and spread it on before slicing and serving.
More Cozy & Comforting Loaf Cake Recipes You’ll Adore
If you loved this easy spice cake, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful and simple loaf cake recipes that bring warmth and flavor to any occasion. These are perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet moment with your coffee.
- Spiced Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Homemade Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread
- Homemade Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread
- Snickerdoodle Bread (Quick and Easy!)
- Snickerdoodle Bread (Quick and Easy!)
- Almond Poppy Seed Cake with Glaze
Did you try this recipe?
We absolutely love seeing your creations! If you’ve baked this delightful spice cake, please let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below. Don’t forget to share your beautiful photos and tag us on social media! We’re always thrilled to see our recipes come to life in your kitchens. Find us and share your baking journey on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you for baking with us!
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Easy Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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9×5″ loaf pan lightly greased and lined with parchment paper
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Mixing bowls
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Scale/measuring cups
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Measuring spoons
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Whisk
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Spatula
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Electric mixer recommended
Ingredients
Spice Cake
- 1¾ cups (218.75 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ cup (170.25 g) unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar dark or light, packed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) molasses
- ¼ cup (60 g) Lifeway Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir room temperature
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- 4 ounces (113.4 g) cream cheese room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter browned and cooled to room temperature (about 2 tablespoons of browned butter)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
Spice Cake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5″ loaf pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and molasses really well.
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Alternately mix the dry ingredients and kefir into the wet ingredients until everything is combined well.
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Pour the spice cake batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350°F on the oven’s middle rack until a toothpick comes out clean (about 48-53 minutes).
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Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire cooling rack.
Make the frosting while it cools to room temperature.
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
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Cook the butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat while stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once brown nutty-smelling bits form, remove from heat, transfer to a heat-safe container, and let it cool to room temperature.
Notes: 1) You can place the browned butter in the refrigerator to cool faster. 2) If you don’t want to use browned butter, you can replace it with 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter.
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In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth.
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Stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
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Mix in the powdered sugar until everything is combined well and smooth.
Frost the Cake
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Once the cake has cooled and you’re ready to serve it, spread the frosting over the top. Slice and enjoy!
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Notes
Make Ahead Convenience: To save time, both the spice cake and the brown butter cream cheese frosting can be prepared a day in advance. Bake the cake, allow it to cool completely, and then wrap it tightly. Prepare the frosting and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bring the frosting to room temperature for 30-60 minutes and then spread it over your cooled cake.
Storage Guidelines: For the unfrosted cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Once the cake has been frosted, it should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosted cake will remain delicious for up to 4 days. For the best eating experience, allow refrigerated frosted cake to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
Lifeway Collaboration: This recipe was proudly sponsored by our friends at Lifeway Foods. While they supported the creation of this content, please rest assured that all opinions and enthusiasm for their excellent kefir are entirely my own.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.