Hey y'all! If you're craving a dessert that's cozy, flavorful, and beyond tender, this Extra Moist Spice Cake is just for you. With warm, aromatic spices and a super soft crumb, this cake is a showstopper at holidays, family gatherings, or just as a sweet treat with coffee. It’s ridiculously easy, loaded with character, and almost impossible to stop at one slice. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Extra Moist Spice Cake
- Incredibly moist texture thanks to buttermilk and oil.
- Packed with rich, warming spices for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Super easy to make—no mixer required!
- Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy weekend.
- Flexible: serve as-is, or top with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients for Extra Moist Spice Cake
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) grated apple or applesauce (optional for extra moisture!)
How to Make Extra Moist Spice Cake
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round pans, and line with parchment paper if desired.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in grated apple or applesauce for extra moisture.
4. Combine & Pour
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined; don’t overmix. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake the Spice Cake
Bake for 32-36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Here’s how to check for doneness!
6. Cool & Serve
Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Frost if desired!
Notes for Perfect Extra Moist Spice Cake
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and best rise.
- You can substitute applesauce for the grated apple or skip it altogether for a lighter crumb.
- Learn more about the importance of proper ingredient measuring from Serious Eats.
Extra Moist Spice Cake Variations
- Pecan & Maple: Stir ¾ cup chopped pecans into the batter and drizzle with a maple glaze.
- Carrot Spice Cake: Swap the grated apple for 1 cup finely grated carrot for added color and sweetness.
- Vegan Spice Cake: Use flax eggs and dairy-free buttermilk (plant milk + lemon juice) to suit vegan diets.
Required Equipment for Extra Moist Spice Cake
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- 9x13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round pans
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wire rack
Extra Moist Spice Cake Storage Instructions
Store leftover spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Extra Moist Spice Cake
- Top with tangy cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for a cozy treat.
Pro Tips for the Best Extra Moist Spice Cake
- Do not overmix the batter—stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour for the fluffiest crumb.
- Sub in Greek yogurt or sour cream for part of the buttermilk if you want an even richer cake.
- Read more expert baking advice at Bon Appétit.
Extra Moist Spice Cake FAQ
- Can I make this spice cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Bake a day ahead and wrap tightly; the flavors deepen overnight.
- What can I use instead of buttermilk?
- You can make a homemade substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup milk, and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Is this Extra Moist Spice Cake freezer-friendly?
- Yes! Freeze individual slices or the whole cake (unfrosted) for up to 2 months; just thaw and enjoy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Yield: 12-16 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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3In a separate bowl, beat together brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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5Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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6Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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