Prepare to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary sensory experience! This Buttermilk Spice Layer Cake is not just a dessert—it's a decadent masterpiece that promises to elevate your baking skills and wow your taste buds with its perfect balance of warm spices and creamy frosting. Imagine cutting into a moist, fragrant cake that whispers hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a luxuriously smooth brown sugar cream cheese frosting that will make your guests swoon with delight.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cakes are golden brown.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese with brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped nuts if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to guarantee smooth mixing and optimal cake texture.
- When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method to avoid dense, heavy cake layers. Avoid packing flour directly into the measuring cup.
- Don't overmix the batter—mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Use high-quality spices for the most vibrant flavor. Fresh, recently purchased ground cinnamon and nutmeg will make a significant difference.
- Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- For a professional finish, use a cake turntable and offset spatula when applying frosting for smooth, even coverage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
