Old Fashioned Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Old Fashioned Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, warmly Old Fashioned Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.

There’s something about the smell of warm spices wafting through the kitchen that takes me straight back to my childhood. My mother used to make a cake much like this one every autumn, and the scent alone could stop you in your tracks. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingle together in a way that feels like a big hug in dessert form.

I decided to make this Old Fashioned Spice Cake for a family Sunday dinner, partly out of nostalgia and partly because I knew it would be the perfect comfort dessert for everyone. From the moment I started mixing the batter, my wife popped her head into the kitchen more than once, asking when it would be ready. Even my grown-up kids came around when the frosting bowl came out, eager to “taste test.”

When that first forkful was served, topped with thick, tangy cream cheese frosting, the table fell silent – the good kind of silence. You know, the one where everyone’s too busy enjoying the food to talk. It’s tender, moist, and perfectly spiced, with the frosting balancing everything beautifully. This is the kind of cake that doesn’t need to be dressed up. No fancy garnishes, no elaborate plating. Just honest, homemade goodness that disappears faster than you expect.

I’ve made my fair share of cakes over the years, but this one holds a special place in my heart. It’s simple, dependable, and always delivers that “just like home” feeling.

Questions You May Have About This Recipe

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead. Just wait to frost it until the day you plan to serve it so the cream cheese frosting stays fresh.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Do I need to refrigerate it?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, yes, it should be kept in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting really makes a difference here. The tang balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Can I bake it in a round cake pan instead of a rectangle?
Yes, you can use two 9-inch round pans and turn it into a layer cake. Just adjust the baking time slightly.

What You Need to Make Old Fashioned Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

For the cream cheese frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Tools:

9×13-inch baking pan

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer

Cooling rack

How to Make Old Fashioned Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in applesauce until well combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then beat in vanilla until fluffy.

Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Slice and enjoy.

Tips

Use fresh spices for the most aromatic, rich flavor.

Applesauce keeps the cake moist without making it heavy.

If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

A serrated knife makes cutting cleaner slices.

Letting the cake sit for a few hours after frosting improves the flavor as the spices mellow and mingle.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for my church potluck and had people asking for the recipe before I even left. Moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness.” Mary T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious! I baked mine in two round pans for a birthday cake and it turned out perfectly.” Jill R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The smell alone made my kitchen feel like fall. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch.” Patricia W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Followed the recipe exactly and it came out moist and fluffy. I’ll be making this every holiday season.” Anne B.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I reduced the sugar slightly and it was still wonderful. A great cake for afternoon tea.” Matt R.

Printable Recipe

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