Can I make Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Yes, this Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is ideal for making ahead. You can bake the cake one day in advance, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it at room temperature. Frost it the next day for the freshest presentation. Alternatively, you can frost it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How do I keep spice cake moist after baking?

To keep your Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting moist, store it in an airtight container. If frosted, refrigeration is best, but allow slices to come to room temperature before serving. The buttermilk, brown sugar, and butter already help retain moisture, so proper storage is the key factor.

Can I freeze Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can freeze this spice cake. For best results, freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost before serving. You can also freeze frosted slices, but the frosting texture may soften slightly after thawing.

What spices can I adjust or add to this recipe?

This Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is flexible. You can increase cinnamon for a warmer profile or add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for complexity. If you prefer milder flavors, slightly reduce cloves, as they are the most intense spice in the blend.

Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy Classic Recipe

Name: Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Description

Moist Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a soft, tender cake made with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, finished with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. It is a classic comfort dessert perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday baking.

Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Notes

Allow all refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing for best texture.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
The cake can be made a day ahead and frosted before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 38 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg