Spice Cake Cupcakes slathered with tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with crunchy and sweet crumble make the perfect fall dessert!
When it comes to indulgent treats, spice cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are an absolute delight. These miniature marvels combine the warm and comforting flavors of spices with the creamy richness of cream cheese.
The PERFECT Spice Cake Cupcakes
The perfect spice cake cupcakes are a harmonious blend of warm, comforting flavors and delightful textures that create an unforgettable culinary experience. Here’s a mouthwatering description of what makes them so perfect:
Imagine biting into a spice cake cupcake that transports you to a cozy autumn afternoon, where the air is filled with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These cupcakes are the epitome of indulgence, striking a perfect balance between spice and sweetness.
Flavor:
The moment your teeth sink into the tender, moist crumb, a symphony of spices hits your taste buds. Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves harmonize to create a warm and inviting flavor profile. It’s like a comforting hug in every bite, reminiscent of holiday gatherings and cherished family recipes.
Texture:
These cupcakes have a velvety texture that’s both soft and slightly dense, allowing them to hold up perfectly to the creamy cream cheese frosting. The crumb is so tender it practically melts in your mouth!
Aroma:
The scent of these cupcakes is a work of art in itself. As they bake, your kitchen is filled with freshly baked spices and vanilla, creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s impossible to resist.
Appearance:
Topped with a generous swirl of luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a showstopper on your dessert table! The cupcakes have a golden-brown hue with a hint of rustic charm.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
The crowning glory of these cupcakes is the cream cheese frosting. Its tangy, creamy perfection complements the spice cake’s warmth, creating a delightful contrast. Each swipe of frosting is a creamy, cloud-like dream that you’ll want to savor with every bite.
Versatility:
These spice cake cupcakes are versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether served as a comforting treat with a cup of tea on a chilly day or as the star of a dessert table at a special celebration, they are a true crowd-pleaser.
Memories:
One bite of these cupcakes can transport you back to cherished memories, evoking the warmth of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the joy of homemade treats.
Where did Spice Cake Come From?
Spice cake, with its aromatic blend of spices and warm flavors, has a long history and is enjoyed in various forms around the world. Its exact origin is not well-documented, but it has evolved over time and across cultures. Here’s a brief overview of the historical development of spice cake:
- Medieval Europe: The use of spices in cakes can be traced back to medieval Europe. Spices were highly prized and often used to mask the flavor of preserved and aged ingredients. Spices were imported from Asia and the Middle East, making them a symbol of wealth and luxury.
- Gingerbread Cakes: Gingerbread is one of the earliest forms of spice cake, with a history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It became particularly popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. Gingerbread cakes were often flavored with a variety of spices and sweetened with honey or molasses.
- Colonial America: Spice cakes were brought to America by early European settlers. These cakes became popular in colonial America and were often served on special occasions.
- Holiday Traditions: Spice cakes became closely associated with holiday traditions in both Europe and America. Gingerbread houses and gingerbread cookies are classic examples of spiced baked goods enjoyed during the holiday season.
- Cultural Variations: Different regions and cultures have their own variations of spice cakes. British fruitcake is a type of spiced cake traditionally served at weddings and during the Christmas season. In the Southern United States, you’ll find spiced cakes like hummingbird cake and carrot cake, which incorporate spices along with fruits and vegetables.
- Modern Spice Cake: Spice cakes continue to be popular and their recipes have evolved. These cakes are often made with a combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. They can be enjoyed in various forms, including cupcakes, layered cakes, and muffins.
These cupcakes TASTE like autumn FEELS!
Pros and Cons of Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is a popular choice for topping cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Like any ingredient or food choice, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using cream cheese frosting:
Pros:
- Delicious Flavor: Cream cheese frosting has a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that many people find irresistible. It complements a wide range of cakes and desserts, from red velvet to carrot cake.
- Creamy Texture: It has a smooth and creamy texture, making it easy to spread and work with, creating a visually appealing finish on your baked goods.
- Versatility: Cream cheese frosting can be easily flavored with additional ingredients such as lemon zest, cocoa powder, or various extracts, allowing you to customize the flavor.
- Stability: When made correctly, cream cheese frosting can hold its shape, making it suitable for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
- Creaminess: The creaminess of this frosting adds moisture and a pleasant mouthfeel to baked goods, enhancing their overall texture.
Cons:
- Refrigeration Requirement: Cream cheese frosting is perishable because of its cream cheese content. Make sure that you store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This can be inconvenient, especially if you need to display or serve your baked goods at room temperature for an extended period.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: Cream cheese frosting is sensitive to temperature changes. It can become too soft and lose its structure in warm environments, making it challenging to work with in hot weather.
- Not Ideal for All Cakes: While cream cheese frosting is a favorite of mine, it doesn’t pair well with all cake flavors. For example, it may overpower the delicate flavors of certain cakes, such as a light sponge cake.
- Lower Stability than Buttercream: Compared to buttercream, cream cheese frosting is generally less stable, making it less suitable for intricate cake decorations that require precise piping.
- Limited Shelf Life: Due to the presence of dairy ingredients, cream cheese frosting has a limited shelf life. Make sure to use it up within a few days after you make it!
Cream cheese frosting is a delicious and versatile option for many baked goods. It does come with considerations regarding temperature sensitivity, and refrigeration requirements. The decision to use cream cheese frosting depends on your taste preferences and the specific needs of your dessert.
Family Favorite
This spice cake recipe has become a family favorite with everyone in my family. So when I was asked for Spice Cake Cupcakes for a Couples’ Shower, of course, I used this recipe! The groom claimed to ‘not like cake at all’ but he could not stop eating these cupcakes! Trust me when I say that these spice cupcakes will be requested time and again!
Let me know in the comments what event you make these cupcakes for!
Other Recipes to Try:
Banana Cake with Brown Butter Buttercream
Spice Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Crumble Topping
- 100 grams brown sugar
- 100 grams all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 113 grams unsalted butter at room temperature
For the Cupcakes
- 210 grams cake flour
- 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 113 grams butter at room temperature
- 200 grams brown sugar
- 120 grams sour cream
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 120 mL milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese at room temperature
- 226 grams unsalted butter at room temperature
- 390 -400 grams powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Make the Crumble Topping
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the softened butter. Stir & mash with a fork until combined and the mixture makes small clumps. Spread out on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350° F for 10 – 12 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes then break up any large chunks. Let cool completely until ready to use.
Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream the butter for about 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the brown sugar and beat for 30 seconds. Add the eggs one at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Slowly add the milk while mixing on low speed until combined.
- Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven when the top springs back when lightly poked. Allow to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add half of the powdered sugar, the vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat for another 2 minutes. Spread or pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.