The Ultimate Moist Spice Cake Recipe
- Eliane Muskus
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
Packed with warm holiday spices and a secret ingredient for a perfectly tender crumb, this easy loaf cake is destined to become your new favorite tradition.
There's nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of a spice cake baking in the oven. It's the scent of cozy sweaters, festive gatherings, and pure comfort. This recipe isn't just about flavor; it's about creating the most wonderfully moist and tender cake, thanks to one simple secret ingredient that prevents it from ever being dry. Get ready for your new favorite holiday tradition!
The Best Holiday Spice Cake Recipe
Serves: 8-10 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (245g) applesauce (our secret ingredient for moisture!)
Instructions:
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350^{\circ}F (175^{\circ}C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Alternate Flour & Applesauce: Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low until just combined. Add all the applesauce and mix again. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. Do not overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ways to Serve Your Holiday Spice Cake
This spice cake is an absolute dream on its own, but if you want to turn it into a truly unforgettable experience, here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it up:
1. The Pure & Simple Slice
Honestly, there's magic in simplicity. The best way to enjoy this cake for the first time is to cut a thick slice while it’s still slightly warm. The steam will release that incredible cloud of cinnamon and nutmeg, and you can truly appreciate its wonderfully moist texture. It needs nothing more.
2. The Cozy Café Corner
Imagine this: a crisp autumn morning, your favorite cozy mug filled with steaming coffee, chai tea, or even a simple glass of cold milk. Now, add a slice of this spice cake on the side. It’s the perfect companion for a quiet moment, turning your kitchen table into your own personal café. The warm spices just sing when paired with a comforting drink.
3. A Touch of Creamy Bliss
Ready to elevate it to dessert status? A simple dollop of freshly whipped cream or tangy crème fraîche cuts through the warmth of the spices beautifully. For an even richer treat, a smear of cream cheese frosting is absolutely divine. It’s that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy that will have everyone asking for a second piece.
4. Dressed Up with a Drizzle
For a final, elegant touch, a simple drizzle takes this cake over the top. Whisk together some powdered sugar with a splash of milk or maple syrup to create a quick glaze. Pour it over the cooled loaf and let it drip down the sides. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce would also be a showstopper for a truly decadent dessert experience!
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