Spice Cake with Brown Sugar and Brown Butter Frosting

An irresistible Spice Cake with warm spices and a rich brown butter frosting that is perfect for any occasion.

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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vegetable oil, and applesauce until combined, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the frosting, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until golden brown and nutty, about 5-7 minutes, then let cool to room temperature.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding the cooled brown butter. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
Once cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, frost the top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides evenly. Decorate with cinnamon sticks and candied nuts, then chill briefly to set the frosting before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Chill the frosted cake briefly to set the frosting for cleaner slices. Can substitute applesauce for oil to lower fat content and add moisture.