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Super Moist Spice Cake

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.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 12

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

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, oil, and applesauce until well combined.
  • Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla and optional molasses.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
  • Fold in grated apple gently with a spatula.
  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before frosting.
  • To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled cake.

Notes

  • 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.