Spice Cake with Brown Sugar and Brown Butter Frosting

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Spice Cake with Brown is my go-to dessert for cozy gatherings and festive occasions. This moist and fragrant cake bursts with warm autumnal spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Enhanced with tangy sour cream and apple sauce, it promises a delightful texture and flavor. The cake is perfectly complemented by a rich, silky Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting that adds nutty depth and creamy sweetness. Topped with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts, it’s an elegant treat that will impress any crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake with Brown

This spice cake with brown sugar is not just delicious; it offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try:

Rich and moist texture thanks to the addition of brown butter and sour cream.
Infused with a blend of warming spices, perfect for fall or winter celebrations.
Simple to make, making it an easy choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Can be made ahead of time, ideal for holiday prep.
Pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings, including cream cheese or chocolate.
This cake is vegetarian, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.

With its comforting flavors and satisfying sweetness, this homemade spice cake with brown sugar is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Spice Cake with Brown

Gather these items:

2 3/4 cups (350g) all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
2 cups (380g) light brown sugar, packed
1 cup (200ml) vegetable or canola oil
1 cup (235g) unsweetened apple sauce
4 large eggs, room temperature
3 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup (200g) sour cream, room temperature
1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, room temperature
5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon sticks
Candied nuts (half the recipe)

How to Make Spice Cake with Brown Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and unsweetened apple sauce until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
Step 6: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the cooled brown butter while mixing. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
Step 7: Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate, frost the top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides evenly.
Step 8: Decorate with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts as desired. Chill briefly to set the frosting before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Spice Cake with Brown

Keep these in mind:

This cake can be made a day in advance for optimal flavor.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Consider using dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
For an added touch, drizzle a brown sugar spice cake glaze over the top before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Spice Cake with Brown

Here are a few serving ideas:

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Top with brown sugar spice cake with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Spice Cake with Brown

For storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spice Cake with Brown

What is brown sugar spice cake?

A brown sugar spice cake is a moist dessert made with brown sugar and a mix of warm spices. It’s characterized by its rich flavor and soft texture.

Can I make Spice Cake with Brown ahead of time?

Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spice Cake with Brown?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately. Also, do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense texture.

Variations of Spice Cake with Brown You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations to consider:

Try a vegan spice cake with a brown sugar substitute for a plant-based option.
Incorporate nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Use different spices like allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
Make a spiced cake using brown sugar with a chocolate frosting for a decadent dessert.

Spice Cake with Brown Sugar and Brown Butter Frosting - Spice Cake with Brown - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Honey Roasted Root Vegetables.

Spice Cake with Brown Sugar and Brown Butter Frosting - Spice Cake with Brown - additional detail

Additionally, you can learn more about Cranberry Custard Pie and Peppermint Christmas Float for festive inspiration.