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Creamy Spice Cake Squares Recipe – Easy Nutty Frosting Sheet Cake

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These creamy spice cake squares are moist, soft, and packed with warm spices, topped with a nutty cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy afternoons, this easy sheet cake is comfort food in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar (200g), packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120g)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (115g), softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (60g), softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (60g)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (if using).
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  5. Add sour cream and beat until incorporated.
  6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix on low speed. Pour in milk, then add remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.
  9. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla and milk/cream until spreadable. Stir in chopped nuts and a pinch of salt.
  10. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Sprinkle extra nuts on top if desired.
  11. Cut cake into squares (20-24 pieces) and serve.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients blend best. Don’t overmix after adding flour to keep the cake tender. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute with 1-to-1 gluten-free flour and plant-based dairy alternatives. Chill cake before slicing for neat squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spice cake, sheet cake, nutty frosting, creamy cake squares, easy dessert, cinnamon cake, holiday baking, comfort food, potluck dessert, family recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-spice-cake-squares-recipe-easy-nutty-frosting-sheet-cake/