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0 from 6 votes

Spice Cake Recipe

This spice cake recipe makes a moist cake that's bursting with spice flavor. This easy recipe makes a great homemade alternative to using a box of spice cake mix.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 392 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake
  • 3 cups all purpose flour see note below about properly measuring
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar tightly packed
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Grease a 9x13 pan or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and all of the spices.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, both sugars, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Add the flour mixture in 3-4 batches, stirring between each addition until batter is smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt and continue mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
  10. Frost the cake once cooled, then slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Flour: To properly measure the flour, either weigh it or sift/stir it to break it up. Lightly spoon into a measuring cup and level.
  • Spices: Feel free to adjust the combination and amount of spices according to your liking. 
  • Brown sugar: Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will work well. 
  • Vegetable oil: Or a similar neutral oil like canola oil or olive oil.
  • Applesauce: Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt also works well in place of the applesauce.
  • Cream cheese: I recommend using full-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese. I don't recommend fat-free cream cheese.
  • Butter: If using unsalted butter, add an extra pinch or two of salt. 
  • Vanilla extract: The vanilla does add a tint to the frosting. If you'd like whiter frosting, you can use clear vanilla.
  • Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 392kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 73g (24%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.2g Cholesterol 64mg (21%) Sodium 272mg (11%) Potassium 157mg (4%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 54g (108%) Vitamin A 320IU (6%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 70mg (7%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 392

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 392kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 73g 24%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 64mg 21%
Sodium 272mg 11%
Potassium 157mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 54g 108%
Vitamin A 320IU 6%
Vitamin C 0.2mg 0%
Calcium 70mg 7%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.