Name: Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 77 reviews

If you’re in the mood for a dessert with cozy warmth and a rich, comforting texture, this Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Bursting with fragrant spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, combined with the moistness of pumpkin and the indulgence of creamy, tangy frosting, this cake hits all the right notes. It’s perfect for celebrations or a special treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’m excited to walk you through making this deliciously spiced delight step by step, so let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up photo of a three-layer carrot cake slice on a white plate. Each cake layer is moist and golden-brown with a slightly crumbly texture, separated by thick, creamy white frosting layers. The frosting also covers the top and edges of the slice with a smooth surface and small swirled peaks on top. The background shows a soft focus with a white marbled surface beneath the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a huge role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. You don’t need any fancy items—just a pantry stocked with basics that blend beautifully together.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake, providing structure and tenderness.
Baking soda: A key leavening agent that helps the cake rise and stay light.
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves: This classic spice mix infuses the cake with warmth and depth.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The perfect combo for sweetness and moistness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender without heaviness.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Pumpkin puree: For that luscious moisture and subtle autumn flavor.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and ties everything together.
Unsalted butter and cream cheese: The stars of the luscious, creamy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting beautifully.
Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.

How to Make Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust them lightly with flour to ensure your cakes release easily after baking. This simple prep step prevents sticking and ensures your layers come out perfectly smooth and intact.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, the fragrant spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves), and salt. This step ensures every bit of flour is evenly seasoned so that each bite bursts with warm spice flavors.

Step 3: Cream Sugars and Oil

In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vegetable oil until they’re well combined. This mixture forms the moist base of the cake and starts the magic of melding the sugars with fat to create a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Pumpkin

One at a time, beat in the eggs to the sugar-oil blend, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully smooth and unified, promising an even texture in your final cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. This is where careful mixing pays off for the perfect cake texture.

Step 6: Bake Your Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cakes are ready when a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time ensures that the interior bakes through without drying out the cake.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

After baking, let your cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. While cooling, prepare your frosting by beating softened butter with cream cheese until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Slowly add powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract last. This frosting is the luscious crowning glory, rich and tangy with just the right sweetness.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once the cake layers have fully cooled, place one layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Then add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A close-up of a slice of three-layer carrot cake on a white plate, showing rich, moist, orange-brown cake layers with visible bits of carrot texture. Between each cake layer is a thick, creamy white frosting spread evenly. The top of the cake slice is topped with a smooth layer of the same creamy white frosting sprinkled with a light dusting of brown spice, likely cinnamon or nutmeg. The slice appears soft and dense, with some crumbs around the plate edge. The background is a blurred white marbled texture, giving focus to the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add an elegant touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top, or dust lightly with cinnamon. Fresh cranberries or autumn berries work wonderfully for a splash of color and tart contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the spices and creamy frosting. A warm cup of tea or coffee also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweet and spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try decorating individual servings with edible flowers or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over slices for a decadent twist. You could even turn the cake into cupcakes for effortless portioning and a fun presentation at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped securely in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and assembling to preserve that perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the frosting’s texture intact; instead, enjoy the cake as a cool, creamy delight.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree because canned pumpkin pie filling contains extra spices and sweeteners that could alter the flavor and texture of your cake.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help the cake hold together well.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with another frosting?

While cream cheese frosting is classic for this recipe, a simple vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting would also pair nicely if you prefer a lighter or different frosting option.

How should I adjust the baking time if I’m making cupcakes?

Bake cupcakes at the same temperature but for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye out and use the toothpick test to know when they’re done.

What’s the best way to ensure moist cake layers?

Do not overmix the batter, and be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, using oil and pumpkin puree helps keep the cake wonderfully moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special occasion, the Spice Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a showstopper that brings warmth and joy to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own, sharing the comforting flavors and creamy frosting with the people you love most.