If you’re craving a warm, comforting cake with layers of flavor, look no further than this Sour Cream Spice Cake. Moist, tender, and richly spiced, this cake is perfect for fall, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a dessert that feels cozy and indulgent.

The addition of sour cream ensures a soft, luscious crumb, while classic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the cake with deep, aromatic flavor. Pair it with a simple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dessert that will disappear quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

Moist, tender crumb thanks to sour cream

Warm, aromatic spice blend
Easy to make, from scratch
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or afternoon tea

Freezes well for later enjoyment

It’s a classic recipe that balances sweetness, spice, and richness without being overly heavy.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream

Optional Topping or Filling

Cream cheese frosting
Powdered sugar glaze
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda

Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg

Cloves
Ginger

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:

Beat softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture.

Begin and end with dry ingredients.
Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan(s).

Bake 35–45 minutes for a 9×13 pan or 25–30 minutes for 8-inch rounds.
Test with a toothpick: it should come out clean when the cake is done.

Cool completely before frosting or serving.

Texture & Flavor Profile

Moist, tender crumb
Buttery richness
Warm, aromatic spices

Slight tang from sour cream

This cake is soft but sturdy, making it easy to slice and frost.

Frosting and Serving Ideas

1. Cream Cheese Frosting

Classic pairing that balances sweetness and spice.

2. Simple Glaze

Powdered sugar + milk + vanilla for a lighter topping.

3. Nuts or Streusel

Sprinkle chopped pecans or a simple cinnamon-sugar streusel on top for texture.

Variations

Apple Spice Cake: Fold in 1 cup diced apples for extra moisture.

Pumpkin Spice Cake: Substitute ½ cup pumpkin puree and adjust flour slightly.
Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup in your glaze for an autumnal twist.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Covered in airtight container up to 5 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, unfrosted, 12 slices)

Calories: 310

Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 4g

Sugar: 25g

Tips for the Perfect Sour Cream Spice Cake

Use room temperature ingredients — ensures even mixing and soft crumb.
Do not overmix — overmixing flour can lead to a dense cake.

Measure spices carefully — too much nutmeg or cloves can overpower.
Check for doneness early — every oven bakes slightly differently.

Occasions for Sour Cream Spice Cake

Fall and winter holidays

Birthdays
Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
Potlucks and gatherings

Cozy weekend treats

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of:

Sour cream → adds moisture and slight tang

Butter and sugar → tender, rich crumb
Spices → aromatic, warm flavor

…results in a cake that’s comforting, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Spice Cake is a classic dessert that’s moist, tender, and packed with warm spice flavor. It’s versatile enough for everyday indulgence and elegant enough for holiday celebrations. Pair it with cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or your favorite glaze, and you’ve got a cake that everyone will remember.