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Moist Spiced Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

This incredibly moist and flavorful spice cake is loaded with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and is perfectly sweetened with molasses. It is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it an ideal dessert for the holidays or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Spice Cake

  • 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

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cake does not stick.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar for 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Sour Cream: Mix in the large egg and sour cream until just combined.
  4. Mix Molasses and Water: In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses and hot water until completely combined. Set aside for now.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Set this dry mix aside.
  6. Incorporate Ingredients Alternately: Gradually add half of the molasses mixture into the butter mixture, followed by half of the dry ingredients. Repeat by adding the remaining molasses and then the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated; be careful not to overmix the batter.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8 pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when done. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the frosting.
  8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Then increase to high speed and beat the frosting for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
  9. Frost and Serve: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 9 servings and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • To test the cake’s doneness, use a toothpick or cake tester – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  • You can store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This recipe works well with dark or light molasses depending on your preferred flavor intensity.