Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe

I never thought I’d find a spice cake recipe easier than this, until Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe came into my kitchen. The rich scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves envelops the air, inviting you to indulge in comforting nostalgia with each bite. The moist crumb, tender buttermilk tang, and luscious cream cheese frosting are impossible to resist—this cake feels like a warm hug at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe

• Deliciously Moist & Well-Spiced: The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice creates a vibrant flavor that’s perfectly balanced and never overwhelming.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses classic pantry staples such as all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and brown sugar, making it both accessible and budget-friendly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive celebration, or just a weekend treat, this cake always hits the spot.
• Impressive Look & Texture: Topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting, this cake boasts a smooth, creamy finish that contrasts beautifully with its tender crumb.
• Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the spice levels or swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it your very own signature dessert.

Why This Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe Works

What makes Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake truly shine is the clever combination of ingredients and baking techniques peaceful in their simplicity but profound in flavor and texture. The use of buttermilk adds a gentle tang and luxurious moistness, while a perfectly balanced mix of baking powder and baking soda ensures an airy rise. Incorporating a medley of ground spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice—creates a harmonious, nostalgic aroma. The recipe’s classic baking method, gently folding dry and wet ingredients, helps keep the crumb tender. Finally, the crowning cream cheese frosting brings a luscious, velvety finish that complements the spice beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Gathering ingredients for Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe feels like preparing for a cozy moment with family and friends. The mix of warm spices and creamy dairy components promises a comforting, classic result.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, structured cake.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth with every bite.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides additional leavening and softness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a deep, fragrant note.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gentle spice with a sweet aroma.
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Combines hints of cinnamon and cloves for complexity.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates tenderness and richness.
• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar: Brings a lovely molasses undertone.
• ½ cup white sugar: Adds balanced sweetness.
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind and provide structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors.
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk, at room temperature: Keeps the cake moist with a slight tang.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: For that creamy base.
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature: Adds luscious tang and silkiness.
• 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For extra flavor depth.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Ensures a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Buttermilk: Substitute with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of milk or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to mimic tanginess.
• Dark brown sugar: Use light brown sugar if you prefer a milder molasses taste.
• Unsalted butter: Salted butter can be used, just reduce added salt slightly to keep balance.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the quantities or omit cloves if you like a less intense spice profile.

How to Make Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prepare pan

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan so your cake doesn’t stick and slides out effortlessly after baking. It’s the first exciting step toward deliciousness!

💡 Pro Tip: Lightly dusting the pan with flour after greasing gives an extra layer of non-stick security.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. This aromatic mixture sets the foundation for that classic buttermilk spice cake flavor you’ll love.

💡 Pro Tip: Whisking well at this stage prevents clumps and ensures even spice distribution.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Then incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract last. This step creates a light, airy base that promises a tender crumb.

💡 Pro Tip: Scrape down the bowl edges during mixing to blend everything evenly.

Step 4: Combine batter

Slowly add half of your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently, then add the remaining flour mixture. This alternating process preserves the cake’s fluffy texture. Pour the batter into your pan and smooth it out so it bakes evenly.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to overmix here—it can toughen the cake.

Step 5: Bake cake

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake springs back gently in the center when touched. This baking time locks in moisture and creates a gorgeous golden exterior.

💡 Pro Tip: Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Make frosting

While the cake cools completely, whip together butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar gradually, beating after each addition to avoid lumps. Mix in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.

💡 Pro Tip: Beat the frosting for around 2 minutes to get it light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost cake

Slather your cooled cake generously with the luscious cream cheese frosting. The combination of the spiced cake with the tangy, creamy frosting will have everyone asking for seconds!

💡 Pro Tip: For a neat finish, use an offset spatula and smooth the frosting from the center outward.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overbaking: Pushing beyond 45 minutes can dry out the cake, so start testing early.
• Adding eggs too quickly: This can cause the batter to curdle; add eggs one at a time.
• Overmixing batter: Leads to a tough cake texture—mix just until combined after adding flour.
• Baking at incorrect temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to avoid uneven baking.
• Frosting a warm cake: This melts the cream cheese frosting, making it runny and uneven.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe, why not explore some tempting twists?

Chopped Nuts and Dried Fruit

Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts and some plumped raisins or dried cranberries for a delightful texture and subtle sweetness.

Orange Zest Infusion

Mix in a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy lift that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Maple-Glazed Topping

Drizzle a maple syrup glaze over the cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of rich sweetness. This plays wonderfully with the spice cake’s depth. For a similar cozy treat, try our Healthy Carrot Cake – Delicious, Nourishing & Easy to Make for another comforting dessert experience.

Vanilla Chai Twist

Boost the spice profile by steeping vanilla tea bags in the buttermilk before adding it to the batter, lending chai-like warmth and aroma.

Lightened Up Version

Swap cream cheese frosting for a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light honey glaze for a less indulgent option without losing flavor.

How to Serve Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Serve slices adorned with a sprinkling of toasted chopped pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines when paired with a cup of freshly brewed chai tea or rich coffee. For a classic touch, serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. To complete your dessert spread, consider pairing with the buttery goodness of our Brown Butter Sugar Cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into rustic squares for casual gatherings, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes—perfect for parties. Layer cake slices with fresh fruit and cream cheese frosting for an easy trifle-style dessert that wows visually and indulgently.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Prepare the frosting separately and frost right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Storage

Once frosted, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Avoid reheating the entire cake to preserve frosting texture.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and prevents curdling.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level for accuracy to prevent a dense cake.
• Don’t rush cooling: Patience here keeps your frosting stable and smooth.
• Beat frosting thoroughly: Achieve silky, spreadable cream cheese frosting by beating about 2 minutes.
• Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose potency over time, so fresh ones brighten flavor.
• Test cake doneness: Use a toothpick or light spring test to avoid overbaking.
• Customize sweetness: Adjust sugar slightly to your taste, especially if you add mix-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Be aware, texture might vary slightly.

Is it okay to use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk won’t provide the same tender crumb or tangy flavor as buttermilk, but you can mimic buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

How long does this cake keep fresh?

When stored properly in the fridge after frosting, the cake stays fresh for up to 4 days.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two 9×13-inch pans. Be sure to check baking times as they may vary slightly.

What is the best way to get a smooth cream cheese frosting?

Beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps before adding powdered sugar gradually. Using room temperature ingredients helps immensely.

Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, make the frosting up to a day ahead, keep it covered, and give it a quick whip with the mixer before spreading.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Kim’s Buttermilk Spice Cake Recipe is a timeless classic that welcomes you with its cozy spices and rich cream cheese frosting. It’s the embodiment of comfort and celebration all in one luscious bite. Baking this cake connects you to a cherished family tradition while filling your home with heartwarming aromas. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten any day. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, sharing smiles and full plates with those you love.

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