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aerial shot of the frosted spice cake on a plate with a forkful of cake ready for eating
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5 from 3 votes

Spice Cake Recipe

This Spice Cake Recipe is perfect for holiday parties and when you bake it in a sheet pan, it makes sharing even easier. Balanced flavors make this a hit!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword spice cake, spice cake frosting, spice cake recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 40 pieces
Calories 193kcal
Author Alli

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake

  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 3 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 teaspoons maple extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cream or milk

Instructions

For the Spice Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  • Combine flour, sugar, and spices and whisk together.
  • Create a well in the dry ingredients.
  • Add oil, water, vinegar, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
  • Whisk until just combined.
  • Spray a half sheet pan and line with parchment. Spray again.
  • Pour batter into a sheet pan and smooth into an even layer.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

For the Cinnamon Frosting

  • Combine cream cheese, butter, and maple extract.
  • Whisk until smooth and combined, 1-2 minutes (I use a hand mixer, a kitchen-aid or by hand works too).
  • Add spices and powdered sugar.
  • Whisk until fluffy, adjusting the consistency with the cream 2-3 minutes. You may not need all of it so add it gradually, 1 teaspoon at a time.
  • The consistency of the icing should be smooth but hold its shape.
  • After the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

Bake two 9 inch pans for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20. 
Bake 9x13 pan for 40-45 minutes, checking at 40. 

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg