Classic Buttermilk Spice Cake

Classic Buttermilk Spice Cake: A Timeless Treat for Every Occasion

When it comes to desserts that feel like a warm hug, Classic Buttermilk Spice Cake truly takes the crown. Not only does this timeless recipe combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, but it also adds the tangy richness of buttermilk to create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even a simple weeknight treat, this cake strikes the ideal balance between sweet and spiced.

Additionally, this cake is a breeze to make, which makes it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Moreover, its nostalgic charm brings a sense of warmth and tradition to your table. With buttermilk in the batter, you can ensure a tender crumb while also subtly enhancing the overall flavor. If you’ve been searching for an easy-to-follow recipe that impresses every time, this is it.

What’s more, this spice cake offers incredible versatility. For instance, you can enjoy it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or take it up a notch with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve it alongside a hot cup of tea. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake is guaranteed to delight.

Furthermore, its aromatic spices and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a classic favorite. Because it’s so simple to prepare, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy and impressive, give this Classic Buttermilk Spice Cake a try. Without a doubt, it will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire!

INGREDIENTS

For the Cake:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tsp milk (optional, for consistency)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 min.
4. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 min, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 min, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding frosting or serving.
8. Prepare the frosting (optional): In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and add milk, if needed, for spreadable consistency.
9. Frost and serve: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread cream cheese frosting over the top if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture: Ensuring the eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and even mixing, which results in a tender, moist cake. This small step is crucial for achieving the perfect crumb.
• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy texture that makes this buttermilk spice cake irresistible.
• Let the cake cool completely before adding toppings: To avoid melting your glaze or frosting, allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack. This also helps the spices’ flavors develop and shine through, making each bite more flavorful and aromatic.