32 Spice Cake Recipes to Warm Up Your Holiday Season

When the holiday season arrives, there’s one flavor profile that always feels just right—warm, fragrant spice cakes. These cakes are cozy, nostalgic, and full of holiday charm. Whether it’s the boldness of cinnamon, the kick of ginger, or the rich notes of nutmeg and clove, spice cakes bring warmth to every celebration.

This collection of 32 spice cake recipes ranges from classic favorites to creative twists. From simple loaf cakes to festive layered showstoppers, these bakes are perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or even as edible gifts. Each one captures the essence of the season in its own flavorful way.

Classic Holiday Spice Cakes

1. Traditional Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft, rich, and filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfectly paired with smooth cream cheese frosting.

2. Old-Fashioned Applesauce Spice Cake
Moist and comforting, made with unsweetened applesauce and a hint of molasses.

3. Southern Spice Sheet Cake
Simple to make and topped with warm brown sugar glaze. A holiday potluck winner.

4. Spiced Buttermilk Cake
Tangy buttermilk softens the texture while cinnamon and ginger shine through.

5. Holiday Spice Loaf
Great for slicing and gifting. Wrap in parchment and twine for a rustic touch.

Nutty and Caramel-Inspired Spice Cakes

6. Pecan Spice Cake with Maple Frosting
The crunchy texture of pecans adds a rich bite to this warmly spiced dessert.

7. Walnut Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing
Toasted walnuts folded into the batter and topped with thick icing make this a classic.

8. Caramel Glazed Spice Cake
This bundt-style cake gets a sticky caramel drizzle right after baking.

9. Praline Spice Cake
Topped with a crunchy praline crumble and a vanilla glaze.

10. Almond-Spice Cake with Honey Frosting
Earthy and nutty with a silky honey buttercream to bring it all together.

Fruit-Filled Spice Cake Recipes

11. Spiced Pear Cake with Vanilla Glaze
Fresh pears make the crumb extra moist, while the spices bring seasonal warmth.

12. Apple Cider Spice Cake
Made with real apple cider and topped with cinnamon sugar.

13. Banana Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ripe bananas mix well with cinnamon and clove for a cozy cake.

14. Orange Spice Cake with Citrus Icing
Zesty orange balances the richness of warm spices perfectly.

15. Pineapple Spice Cake
Tropical fruit meets holiday spices in this fun and unexpected version.

Ginger-Forward Cakes

16. Gingerbread Layer Cake with Molasses Frosting
Deep, dark flavor with ginger, molasses, and a soft crumb.

17. Fresh Ginger Spice Cake
Uses grated fresh ginger for a bolder, more aromatic profile.

18. Ginger-Pear Upside Down Cake
Caramelized pears and ground ginger make this a festive centerpiece.

19. Sticky Ginger Spice Bundt Cake
A rich and dense cake served best with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

20. Cranberry Ginger Cake
Tart cranberries brighten this cake and add color to your table.

Creative and Crowd-Pleasing Twists

21. Chai Spice Cake
Made with chai tea spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper for a warming blend.

22. Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Frosting
A fall favorite that keeps its place all season long.

23. Brown Butter Spice Cake
Nutty, rich, and incredibly flavorful. Perfect with maple glaze.

24. Spice Cake with Eggnog Frosting
Classic spices layered with a holiday-favorite frosting.

25. Sweet Potato Spice Cake
A Southern-inspired dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Bundt and Sheet Cake Favorites

26. Glazed Spice Bundt Cake
Elegant and simple. Topped with vanilla or maple glaze.

27. Cinnamon Swirl Spice Sheet Cake
A coffee cake-style dessert with a cinnamon ripple and crumb topping.

28. One-Bowl Holiday Spice Cake
Fast and easy for busy bakers, but still delivers rich flavor.

29. Cream-Filled Spice Cake Roll
A swirl of whipped cream inside spiced sponge cake. Great for dessert tables.

30. Rum-Soaked Spice Cake
Infused with dark rum and spices. Serve with whipped cream or glaze.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

31. Vegan Apple Spice Cake
Dairy-free and egg-free, but loaded with apple chunks and cinnamon.

32. Gluten-Free Spice Cake with Almond Flour
A nutty, flourless take that’s naturally gluten-free and flavorful.

Tips for Baking Perfect Spice Cakes

• Use fresh spices. The fresher your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, the better your cake will taste.
• Don’t overmix. Once you add flour, mix gently to keep the crumb soft.
• Let flavors bloom. Spice cakes often taste better a day after baking.
• Balance sweetness. If your cake is extra sweet, go with a tangy frosting like cream cheese or citrus glaze.
• Get creative with toppings. Toasted nuts, dried fruits, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate presentation.

When to Serve These Cakes

Spice cakes are ideal for:

• Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts
• Winter birthdays or cozy brunches
• Edible gifts (especially loaf-style cakes)
• Holiday bake sales or cookie swaps

Each one of these spice cake recipes brings warmth, texture, and seasonal charm to your table. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet moment with tea, there’s a recipe here that fits. This holiday season, fill your kitchen with the scent of spices and enjoy the sweet, nostalgic comfort of a homemade spice cake.