Sourdough spice cake is a cake destined for winter — filled with warmth and a moist, spice-laced crumb. Applesauce, brown sugar, and sourdough discard keep it soft and fluffy, while the spices and vanilla bring all the cozy depth. Layered with a tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a comforting cake, perfect for the season.
Ingredients
Flour. Hayden Flour Mills All-Purpose Sonora is my go to.
Baking powder and Soda. For a soft fluffy cake.
Spices. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom for a richly spiced cake.
Brown Sugar. Sweetness, moisture and notes of caramel.
Applesauce. Provides moisture and tenderness.
Sour Cream. Moisture , tenderness and richness.
Avocado Oil. A neutral flavor and makes this cake so soft and fluffy.
Sourdough Discard. Tender moist cake with a depth of flavor.
Eggs. For structure and moisture.
Vanilla. Sweet creamy flavor.
Sourdough Spice Cake
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups (300g) all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 3/4 cup (360g) light brown sugar, packed
1 cup (240ml) avocado oil
1 cup (235g) unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 cup (100 g) sourdough
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup (150g) sour cream, room temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4-6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray and line the bottom of two 8 inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Whisk and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together the sugar, oil, and apple sauce until combined.
- Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the sourdough discard and vanilla.
- Mix in half of the dry ingredients until combined. Then mix in the sour cream, followed by the rest of the dry ingredients.
- Divide into the cake pans and bake for 35-50 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Make the frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until very soft and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the cream cheese and beat until fluffy, 30 seconds. With the mixer on low speed gradually add the powdered sugar. Once combined, scrape down the bowl and add the salt and vanilla. Beat until smooth and easily spreadable, about two minutes.
For Assembly
- Place one cooled cake on a cake stand or serving platter and spread a layer of frosting over the top. Place the other cake on top spreading the remainder of the frosting over the top and side of the cake
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