Introduction
Spice cake is the epitome of cozy desserts, bringing the warm aromas of fall into your kitchen with every bite. The rich, aromatic blend of spices creates a comforting experience, while the addition of brown butter cream cheese frosting elevates this dessert to a heavenly level. The nutty and tangy flavor of the frosting perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Spice Cake:
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 200g granulated sugar
– 100g brown sugar
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 180ml vegetable oil
– 180ml buttermilk
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 170g unsalted butter
– 225g cream cheese, softened
– 300g powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
To prepare your spice cake, start by preheating the oven to 175°C. Grease two 20cm round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This creates the base for your flavorful cake.
In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the brown butter cream cheese frosting, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to brown until it develops a nutty aroma. Let it cool to room temperature. In a mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Once your cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, creating a beautiful finish. Slice and serve, enjoying the delightful combination of warm spices and rich frosting.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare two 20cm round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly and lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients: 250g all-purpose flour, 200g granulated sugar, 100g brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves. Ensure they are well mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 180ml vegetable oil, 180ml buttermilk, 3 large eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until the batter is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
For the brown butter cream cheese frosting, start by melting 170g unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 8: Mix the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter, 225g softened cream cheese, 300g powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over this layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and proceed to frost the entire cake.
Step 10: Serve
Your spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting is now ready to serve. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Notes
Note 1: Equipment
Ensure you have a reliable oven thermometer to check the accuracy of your oven temperature, as this can vary and affect baking time.
Note 2: Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Note 3: Frosting Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Note 4: Variations
Feel free to add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for additional texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the frosting for a decorative touch.
Cook Techniques
Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measuring of ingredients is crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar to ensure precision.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices. This helps achieve a uniform texture in the cake.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
When mixing wet ingredients, whisk them together until well combined and smooth. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and helps create a light texture.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour.
Baking Temperature and Time
Preheat the oven before baking to ensure the cakes rise properly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which ensures the cake is cooked through.
Cooling Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in the pans for a short time before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps prevent the cakes from breaking while removing them from the pans.
Making Brown Butter
To make brown butter, melt it over medium heat, stirring regularly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Let it cool before using in the frosting.
Frosting Consistency
Beat the brown butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with powdered sugar as needed to achieve a spreadable frosting.
Layering the Cake
When layering the cake, add an even amount of frosting between the layers to prevent sliding. Frost the top and sides evenly for a polished finish.
FAQ
Can I use different spices?
Yes, feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference or try using pumpkin spice mix for a different flavor profile.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Use 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to make 180ml.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature, and frost them on the day you plan to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, as well as substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk and acid mixture.
Conclusion
The spice cake with brown butter cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat that captures the essence of cozy flavors. The combination of warm spices in the cake pairs beautifully with the nutty and tangy frosting, creating an irresistible dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet moment, this cake is sure to please every palate.
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