Name: Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup molasses, un-sulfured; 1/2 cup hot water; 2 cups all-purpose flour, spoon and level method; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened; 2 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

There’s something truly magical about indulging in a Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This cake captures the essence of cozy, inviting spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, all wrapped up in a pillow-soft, moist crumb. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and tang, this dessert is not just for the holidays but any time you want to celebrate in the sweetest way possible. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavor, promising to be your new go-to comfort treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of baking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. There is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour in the center, surrounded by other bowls and items. To the upper right, there's a white carton holding six white eggs. Below the eggs, a gold measuring cup sits empty. Below the flour bowl, a smaller clear glass bowl contains white creamy yogurt-like substance. To the lower left, there is another clear bowl with cubed butter and beside it another clear bowl filled with brown sugar. Near the bottom right, a small white dish holds three types of ground spices in shades of light brown and reddish-brown alongside white baking soda or powder. At the top center, a cup with black liquid, likely coffee or vanilla, is placed. Finally, decorative silver and red Christmas balls are to the upper left, and a teal cloth is placed on the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With surprisingly simple ingredients, this cake relies on each one to build its rich flavor and texture. Every component—whether it’s the molasses adding depth or the sour cream ensuring moistness—plays an essential role in crafting this delightful dessert.

Salted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a tender crumb and adds richness.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Provides sweetness with a subtle molasses undertone.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients while contributing to the cake’s structure.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds slight tang.
Molasses, unsulfured (1/2 cup): Delivers that warm, deep caramel flavor essential to spice cake.
Hot water (1/2 cup): Helps dissolve spices and molasses to evenly distribute flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 cups, spoon and level): Forms the base of the cake’s texture.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavens the cake for a light rise.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for perfect cake lift.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, zesty warmth.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings sweet, woody notes to the spice profile.
Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a bold, aromatic punch.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
Salted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
Cream cheese (2 ounces, softened): Brings tang and smooth texture to balance sweetness.
Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with its mellow aroma.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment the batter goes in. Also, spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray so your cake releases effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together for about two minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your cake light and fluffy while infusing that signature buttery sweetness.

Step 3: Add Egg and Sour Cream

Mix in the egg and sour cream until the batter is smooth and glossy. The egg adds structure, while the sour cream’s acidity ensures that your cake stays moist and tender throughout.

Step 4: Combine Molasses and Hot Water

In a separate bowl, whisk molasses into the hot water until thoroughly combined. The heat helps dissolve the molasses, allowing its deep flavor to blend seamlessly into the batter.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and ground cloves in another bowl. Mixing these separately guarantees even distribution of spices, giving every bite a balanced, cozy warmth.

Step 6: Incorporate Molasses and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding half of the molasses mixture and half of the dry ingredients to the batter, blending gently but thoroughly until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender and avoid a dense texture.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, blend butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until combined, then beat on high speed for about two minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake’s surface. Slice, plate, and get ready to enjoy every moist, spiced bite of this delightful creation!

How to Serve Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a single square cake layer with a golden-brown color. It is topped with a thick, creamy, smooth spread of white frosting that covers the whole surface unevenly, leaving a few areas thinner. The cake rests on crinkled white parchment paper, which is placed on a flat white marbled surface. The edges of the cake are slightly rounded, and the texture of the cake looks soft but firm under the frosting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting. You can also add a few fresh cranberries or candied ginger pieces to complement the warm spice flavoring.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add coolness against the cake’s rich warmth. A hot cup of chai tea or coffee amplifies the cozy eating experience even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake as a rustic square on a wooden board alongside seasonal fruits like sliced pears or figs for a stunning dessert platter. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered stand for festive gatherings or afternoon tea parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it maintains its moist texture for up to four days, perfect for day-after indulgences.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To bring back the cake’s fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or place it in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the softness and enhances the spice aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses gives this cake its distinctive deep flavor and color, so substitutions like honey or maple syrup will change the taste and texture. You can try it, but expect a sweeter, less robust spice cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on baking time as it might vary slightly due to different flour absorption.

What’s the best way to ensure the cake stays moist?

Using sour cream as this recipe calls for is key, as it adds moisture and tenderizes the crumb. Also, avoid overbaking to keep your cake soft and luscious.

Can I make the cream cheese frosting dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based margarine and choose a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep the ratios the same, and the frosting should turn out creamy and delicious.

How long does this Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe take to prepare?

You’re looking at about 45 minutes total—10 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix, plus 30 to 35 minutes to bake. It’s a fantastic recipe when you want something special without a long wait.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that feels both classic and comforting, this Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is calling your name. It’s the perfect balance of gentle spices, moist crumb, and creamy frosting that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you love—and maybe even keep a slice just for yourself!