Spice Cake Recipe

Warm, aromatic spices meld in this classic Moist Spice Cake Recipe, elevating simple ingredients into a cozy seasonal favorite.

Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of cardamom come together in the batter, while a boiled raisin mixture infuses extra depth and moisture.

Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting studded with chopped pecans or toasted coconut, each slice delivers balanced sweetness and rich, comforting aromas.

Whether celebrating autumn gatherings or brightening winter afternoons, this cake is easy to customize for dietary needs—gluten-free, vegan, or butter-free—without sacrificing its signature tender crumb and complex flavor profile.

Ingredients Checklist

Gather these items before baking to ensure a smooth workflow and consistent results. Accurate measuring is key to a perfect spice cake.

With a boiled raisin soak for unmatched moisture:

• All-Purpose Flour – 315 g (2½ cups)
• Baking Powder – 2 tsp
• Baking Soda – 1 tsp
• Kosher Salt – ½ tsp
• Ground Cinnamon – 2 tsp
• Ground Ginger – 1 tsp
• Ground Nutmeg – ½ tsp
• Ground Cloves – ½ tsp
• Ground Cardamom (optional) – ¼ tsp
• Dark Brown Sugar – 350 g (1¾ cups), packed
• Vegetable Oil – 180 ml (¾ cup)
• Unsweetened Applesauce – 125 g (½ cup)
• Large Eggs – 4, room temperature
• Vanilla Extract – 1½ tsp
• Buttermilk – 240 ml (1 cup); see variations
• Raisins – 125 g (¾ cup)

Boiled Raisin Mixture
Raisins simmered in spiced hot water add plump texture and flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream Cheese – 225 g (8 oz), full-fat, room temperature

• Unsalted Butter – 60 g (¼ cup), softened

• Powdered Sugar – 240 g (2 cups), sifted

• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Master this methodical process for a perfectly moist, spiced cake with plumped raisins and creamy frosting.

1. Boil Raisins:
   In a small saucepan, combine 125 g raisins with 125 ml water, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let stand covered, 15 minutes. Drain, reserving the spiced liquid.

2. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans or line with parchment.

3. Whisk Dry Spices:
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom.

4. Combine Sugars and Liquids:
   In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth. Stir in the reserved raisin liquid.

5. Form Batter:
   Gently fold wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Fold in plumped raisins; avoid overmixing.

6. Bake Layers:
   Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 28–32 minutes until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

7. Frosting Prep:
   Beat cream cheese and butter on medium until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until incorporated. Add vanilla; increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.

8. Assemble Cake:
   If desired, level cake tops with a serrated knife. Place one layer on a stand, spread a generous helping of frosting, then top with the second layer. Frost sides and top evenly.

9. Garnish:
   Press chopped pecans, coconut flakes, or a dusting of cinnamon around the sides. Pipe decorative rosettes if desired.

Tips for Perfect Results

Ensure consistent texture, flavor, and stunning presentation with these expert notes.

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and cream cheese to room temperature for even emulsification and loft.

• Measure by Weight: Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar to avoid a dry or dense crumb.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Stop folding as soon as no dry streaks remain; overmixing tightens gluten and yields toughness.

• Accurate Oven Temperature: Calibrate using an oven thermometer; adjust bake time by a few minutes for hot or cool spots.

• Boiled Raisin Liquid: Incorporate the reserved raisin soak into wet ingredients—it imparts extra spice notes and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your cake into a memorable centerpiece with these presentation and pairing ideas.

• Warm & Drizzled: Serve slices slightly warmed with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for contrast.

• Holiday Platter: Arrange on a cake stand and sprinkle with pomegranate arils or sugared orange zest for festive color.

• Beverage Pairing: Pair with spiced chai tea, mulled cider, or a robust coffee blend to echo the warm spices.

• Mini Bundts: For individual servings, bake in mini Bundt pans and top each with a pecan half.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Spice Cake Recipe celebrates time-honored techniques—plumping raisins in spiced water and folding in a blend of warming spices—to deliver unmatched tenderness and depth.

A tangy cream cheese frosting provides a silky finish that complements the robust flavors. By adapting buttermilk to dairy-free milk plus vinegar, or substituting gluten-free flour, you can accommodate various diets without compromising texture.

Embrace these steps and tips to bake a signature spice cake that will become a treasured recipe in your repertoire, season after season.