Fall is the perfect season for warm, comforting flavors, and this Autumn Spice Cake delivers exactly that. Moist, tender, and loaded with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s an ideal dessert or afternoon treat. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and you have a delightful seasonal snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and fluffy: Tender crumb with perfectly balanced spices.
- Seasonal flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make it ideal for autumn.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile dessert: Great on its own or paired with cream cheese frosting.
- Kid-friendly: Soft, sweet, and loved by all ages.
Ingredients

- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting for a classic touch.
- Substitute applesauce for half the butter for a lighter version.
- Use a bundt pan for a festive autumn presentation.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days; cover tightly to maintain moisture.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea.
- Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Slice and pair with fresh autumn fruits like apples or pears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spice cake made of?
Spice cake is made with a base of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil, flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. Some recipes also include molasses or brown sugar for extra richness.
What are the autumn flavors for cakes?
Popular autumn flavors include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, pumpkin, apple, maple, and brown sugar. These warm, cozy flavors are perfect for fall-inspired cakes and desserts.
What is the 1234 cake rule?
The 1234 cake rule is a simple cake formula: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs. This classic ratio creates a rich, buttery, and tender cake that’s easy to bake and scale.
What is Martha Stewart’s favorite Southern cake?
Martha Stewart’s favorite Southern cake is Hummingbird Cake, a moist, spiced cake made with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ready to Make It?
Cozy, spiced, and perfectly moist, this Autumn Spice Cake is a seasonal must-bake. Save it to your Pinterest board and enjoy warm autumn flavors any time!
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Autumn Spice Cake
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and tender Autumn Spice Cake, loaded with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for fall dessert or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt 1
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup buttermilk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Notes
Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture. Frost with cream cheese frosting for a classic touch. Substitute applesauce for half the butter for a lighter version. Use a bundt pan for a festive presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg