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Autumn Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Autumn Spice Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting - Recipes From Chef

As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps, that unmistakable aroma of cinnamon and warm spices fills the kitchen, leading you to think about one remarkable treat: the autumn spice cake with cream cheese frosting. 
It’s not simply a cake; it’s a celebration of the season, a hug in cake form, if you will. With gooey layers of frosting that resembles clouds on a stormy autumn day, this cake doesn’t just look stunning; it tastes phenomenal!
I have spent years tinkering with flavors in the kitchen, and trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of spices in this recipe. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a small dinner party, it's bound to leave your guests asking for the secret. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this cake so special!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 14
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup chopped toasted pecans, optional for crunch
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup neutral vegetable oil 175ml
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened natural applesauce 185g
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, slightly reduced for balance
  • 4 large pasture-raised eggs
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 318g
  • 1 cup cultured buttermilk 240ml
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 3/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 370g
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 3 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar 440g
  • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 small orange Zest, optional
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 4oz

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step to ensure your cake rises beautifully and cooks evenly. It may seem simple, but trust me, no one wants a flat cake.
Step 2: Prep Your Pans
  1. Prepare your cake pans. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or vegetable oil, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures hassle-free removal later. Nothing’s worse than losing a chunk of cake because it stuck!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all the spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. Whisk them together so they are evenly distributed. The aroma that wafts up will make you think of cozy afternoons.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add in the buttermilk and vanilla extract next. Ensure all the wet ingredients are well combined. Scaling back on the sugar can be tempting, but for this cake, you'll want to allow the sweetness to shine!
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, but don’t overmix. Remember, a little bit of flour showing is okay! Fold in the chopped pecans if using, adding that wonderful crunch and a little extra dimension to the final product.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon become a spice-infused haven; make sure to resist the urge to keep checking every five minutes—that's a rookie move!
Step 7: Let It Cool
  1. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. It's a good idea to wait. After all, a cake that doesn’t cool fully before frosting can lead to a sticky disaster!
Step 8: Make the Frosting
  1. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined. Add in the vanilla extract and orange zest, blending well. You want that frosting to be light and fluffy, so take your time!
Step 9: Frost the Cake
  1. Once your cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, and carefully place the second layer on top. Continue frosting the top and sides of the cake. Go as thick or as light as you prefer with the frosting. Keep a spatula handy for clean edges!
Step 10: Final Touch
  1. For an added touch, consider decorating the top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Visuals matter when it comes to desserts, and a little decoration can elevate the appearance.

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and can mean the difference between a dense and a moist cake.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting to maintain the frosting’s integrity.
  • Experiment with Flavors: If you want to adjust the spices, start by adding a bit more cinnamon or ginger as per your taste. Taste as you go.
  • Storage is Key: Keep the cake in the fridge if you’re not consuming it right away to maintain its freshness.
  • Make It Ahead: This cake can be made days in advance. Just store it properly, and it’ll taste just as delightful when you’re ready to serve.