Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of spice cake to celebrate the joys of autumn! This delectable spice cake, layered with a rich and nutty brown butter cream cheese frosting, is not just a dessert; it’s a cozy experience that captures the essence of fall. Trust me, you’re going to want to save this recipe! If you’re a fan of heartwarming baked goods, subscribe to get more delightful recipes sent directly to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spice cake is simply bursting with flavor! With its blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, each bite is a comforting reminder of home and family gatherings. The addition of brown butter cream cheese frosting elevates this treat to a whole new level, bringing warmth and sweetness that will leave everyone at the table smiling. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect baking project for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike!
Ingredients
For the Spice Cake:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Necessary Tools
– Two 9-inch round cake pans
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Rubber spatula
– Wire rack
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
If you want to personalize your spice cake, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch. You can also swap the buttermilk for plain yogurt or sour cream for a similar tangy flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices—try adding cardamom or anise for an exciting twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the two cake pans. Dust them with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices—this is where the magic begins!
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Beat until fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, letting each blend in fully before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Just mix until combined—overmixing can toughen your cake!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans, smooth the tops, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, melt the butter in a saucepan, cooking it until golden brown and aromatic. Let it cool to room temperature.
7. Beat the cooled brown butter with cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip until fluffy!
8. Once the cakes are cool, layer your frosting on one cake layer, place the second on top, and cover with frosting all around.
Serving Suggestions
This spice cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot apple cider or a steaming mug of chai tea! For an added touch, serve alongside some spiced whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pro Tips for Success
– Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
– For a more pronounced spice flavor, let the cake batter sit for a few minutes to absorb the spices before baking.
– When frosting, use a spatula for easy spreading and create swirls for a beautiful finish!
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want the cake to last a bit longer, refrigerate it for about a week. You can enjoy it chilled or let it come to room temperature before diving in.
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes in advance and freeze them. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw at room temperature and frost.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute with granulated sugar or make your own brown sugar by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses!
Conclusion
There you have it—a beautifully spiced cake topped with luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting that is sure to warm your heart! This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. I invite you to give it a try and share your baking triumphs with friends or even tag your creations on social media! Can’t wait to see how your spice cake turns out!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 450
– Total Fat: 25g
– Saturated Fat: 15g
– Cholesterol: 90mg
– Sodium: 280mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 52g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 38g
– Protein: 5g
