This Super Moist Spice Cake is a cozy, aromatic dessert that captures the essence of homemade comfort. Each bite bursts with warm flavors from cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, beautifully balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and applesauce for unmatched moisture. Finished with a silky cream cheese frosting, this is the ultimate cake for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a warm, nostalgic treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Super Moist Spice Cake because it’s packed with the rich aroma and depth of classic baking spices, yet incredibly easy to make from scratch. The combination of applesauce, grated apple, and molasses keeps the crumb moist and tender for days, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious tang that perfectly complements the cake’s warmth.

Whether served for brunch, a cozy fall afternoon, or a special celebration, this homemade spice cake feels both elegant and comforting — an irresistible dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.

Super Moist Spice Cake

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked spice cake wafting through the kitchen — a warm, nostalgic scent that immediately feels like home. This Super Moist Spice Cake Recipe brings together the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and simplicity, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.

Unlike dense spice cakes, this one stays light and fluffy thanks to the clever use of applesauce and grated apple, which keep the cake moist while adding natural sweetness and subtle fruitiness. Each slice offers a soft, tender crumb and a rich, spiced depth that only gets better with time.

The beauty of this cake lies in its spice balance. Cinnamon provides that familiar warmth, ginger adds a gentle bite, and nutmeg and cloves lend earthy complexity. Together, they create a well-rounded spice profile that feels luxurious yet homely.

To deepen the flavor even more, a touch of molasses is added — enhancing the cake’s color and lending a caramel-like richness that harmonizes perfectly with the brown sugar. This subtle addition transforms a simple cake into a bakery-worthy masterpiece.

What makes this recipe truly irresistible is how versatile it is. You can bake it as a sheet cake, a layered celebration cake, or even cupcakes. Its flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of frostings, but cream cheese frosting remains the all-time favorite for its creamy tang and smooth finish.

Another reason this cake stands out is its simplicity. No need for mixers or fancy tools — just two bowls, a whisk, and a few pantry staples. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up anytime inspiration strikes.

This homemade spice cake is also a great make-ahead dessert. The flavors deepen after resting overnight, making it an excellent choice for holiday dinners or weekend baking projects.

For a beautiful presentation, top it with a swirl of frosting and a light dusting of cinnamon. Add a few apple slices or chopped nuts for a rustic touch. Every detail enhances its cozy, homemade charm.

This cake isn’t just for autumn — its comforting warmth makes it a delightful dessert all year long. Imagine serving it during winter holidays, spring brunches, or even as a comforting treat on a rainy afternoon.

Once you take a bite of this Super Moist Spice Cake, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic. It’s more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and everything you love about home baking.

Servings & Time

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake:

• 2 and ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 and ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 and ¾ cups (350g) packed dark brown sugar

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or canola oil

• 1 cup (180g) unsweetened applesauce

• 1 cup grated apple (or grated carrot/zucchini)

• 4 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 tablespoon molasses for deeper flavor

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (224g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus more if needed

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans.

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

3. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, oil, and applesauce until well combined.

4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla and optional molasses.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

6. Fold in grated apple gently with a spatula.

7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).

8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool completely before frosting.

10. To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled cake.

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a splash of orange zest or a handful of chopped pecans.

• Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.