Super Moist Spice Cake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Warm, fragrant, and irresistibly soft, this Super Moist Spice Cake is like a cozy hug in dessert form. It brings together the best of fall and winter baking with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in every bite. The texture is perfectly plush, thanks to the addition of buttermilk and brown sugar, which lock in moisture without making the cake too dense.

Whether you’re serving it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar or topping it with cream cheese frosting for a celebration, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to whip up and even easier to customize with nuts, raisins, or a splash of orange zest.

What Makes This Spice Cake Extra Moist?

The secret to its unbelievable softness lies in a few simple choices: brown sugar for depth and moisture, oil instead of butter for that tender crumb, and buttermilk to add richness and tang. Together, these ingredients make sure your spice cake stays moist for days.

Ingredients for the Super Moist Spice Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

---

How To Make the Super Moist Spice Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Add Buttermilk

Add the dry ingredients to the wet in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve plain, or top with cream cheese frosting.

---

How to Serve and Store Your Spice Cake

This cake shines whether you serve it at room temperature, chilled, or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A thick layer of cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, but a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully too.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, but it will make the cake slightly denser. Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a balanced result.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Absolutely. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it well and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Can I add extras like nuts or raisins?

Definitely! Stir in up to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins at the end of mixing.

---

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Super Moist Spice Cake, check out these other cozy dessert favorites:

• Decadent Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting for an earthy, creamy bite.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you crave bold fruit-meets-chocolate flavor.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a weekend breakfast twist that feels like dessert.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for a cozy, sugar-cinnamon comfort.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars when you’re in the mood for creamy and flaky all in one.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add orange zest or toss in some pecans? Did it disappear faster than expected?

I love hearing your spins on these classics. Questions are always welcome—let’s make baking even more fun.

Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration → Nina Dishes

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?