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A slice of spiced cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting on a plate.

Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

A delightful spice cake topped with luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting, evoking warm memories and family traditions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour For best texture, sift before measuring.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Packed.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk For a richer taste, use full-fat.
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened.
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar Adjust for desired sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the buttermilk.
  5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the brown butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until creamy.
Assembly
  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer and add the second layer, frosting the top and sides of the cake.
  2. Serve and enjoy with friends and family!

Notes

Store cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze the un-frosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Watch closely while browning the butter; it can quickly go from perfect to burnt! Add nuts or dried fruit for texture or use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.