Introduction

This Sour Cream Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for cozy afternoons or special gatherings. With warm spices and a tender crumb, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to make at home.

A rectangular baking pan filled with a thick layer of smooth light beige batter that has soft swirls and texture all over its surface. The batter reaches the edges and has slightly uneven peaks along the sides. The pan is placed on a dark wooden surface. To the left, there is a small bowl filled with brown powder, and on the right side next to the pan, there is an old metal spatula. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ teaspoons allspice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup (230 g) sour cream, room temperature
¼ cup whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 9×13-inch light-colored aluminum pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: In another large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and granulated sugar together. Add the melted butter and vegetable oil, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition.
Step 5: Stir in the sour cream and whole milk until fully combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the cake starts browning too quickly, tent the pan loosely with foil about halfway through baking.
Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins before baking.
Using light brown sugar enhances the cake’s moistness and gives a subtle caramel note.
Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix evenly and improve the cake’s texture.
Try a cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar to finish the cake.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it moist, wrap tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving for a freshly baked experience.

How to Serve

A single square slice of moist brown cake with a crumbly texture is topped with a thick, smooth layer of creamy white frosting that looks soft and spread evenly with gentle swirls. The slice sits on a round white plate with a matte finish on a dark wooden surface. Next to the slice is a silver fork with a light handle. In the blurred background, there is a round cake with the same frosting on a dark plate, and part of a brown bowl is visible. The overall scene has warm tones and a homey feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, plain full-fat yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in equal amounts. It will provide similar moisture and tang without significantly changing the texture.

What size pan should I use if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use two 8-inch round pans or a 9×9-inch square pan; however, baking times may need adjustment. Check doneness earlier and watch for a toothpick test.