Gluten Free Classic Spice Cake

Total time2 hr

Prep time25 min

Cook time35 min

This layered beauty is warmly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, giving every bite that cozy, deep flavor spice cake lovers crave. Dark brown sugar and a touch of applesauce keep the crumb moist and tender, while buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. The two layers bake up domed and springy, then get stacked and coated in a rich cream cheese frosting that turns silky and spreadable once whipped with powdered sugar and vanilla. A light dusting of cinnamon on top is the perfect finishing touch before slicing in. It's a stunning centerpiece for a holiday table or birthday celebration, and it fits neatly into a gluten free spread without missing a beat.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Measure For Measure Flour Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour Pillsbury Best Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend - 24 Oz Bob's Red Mill Baking Flour, 1 to 1, Gluten Free King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
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Chef's tip
Choose a gluten-free baking blend labeled 1:1 or cup-for-cup and use the same amount. Almond and coconut flour won't work the same way.
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 ½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup unsweetened applesauce

For the frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

For serving

½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, then grease the parchment and dust lightly with flour.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined. Set aside.

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