Spiced Salted Caramel Cake

Looking for an upgrade for the best salted caramel cake recipe? This spiced salted caramel cake is soft, moist, and full of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. It makes it the perfect cake to bake during the colder months. It’s layered with a dreamy caramel cream cheese frosting and finished with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe is tested until perfect and is ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy weekend treat.

Table of Contents

• Why You Can Trust This Recipe
• A Little Backstory
• Why I Love This Cake
• The Ingredients You’ll Need
• Variations & Substitutions
• How to Make Spiced Salted Caramel Cake
• Final Thoughts

Why You Can Trust This Recipe

As a lifestyle and entertaining expert, food stylist, and recipe developer for some of your favorite food brands, I’ve created and tested countless recipes for the home cook. What sets this salted caramel cake apart from others is its unique blend of warming spices paired with a tangy cream cheese caramel frosting, making it feel like a gingerbread latte in cake form. My audience turns to me for elevated but easy recipes that bring comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. If you’ve been searching for a salted caramel cake that’s both festive and foolproof, this is it.

A Little Backstory

I first developed this cake last year on a chilly December weekend when I wanted something that felt indulgent, nostalgic, and seasonal. I was inspired by the warm flavors of my favorite holiday drinks (think chai spice and salted caramel lattes) and thought, “Why not bring those cozy notes into a cake?” The result is a golden, tender crumb with a layer of creamy, sweet-salty frosting and swirls of caramel that are just the right amount of dramatic.

Why I Love This Cake

• No complicated steps — just simple ingredients, one bowl for dry and one for wet.
• Warm winter spices make this cake feel seasonal and special.
• Caramel cream cheese frosting adds richness without being overly sweet.
• It’s great make-ahead cake — stays moist for days.
• Versatile for occasions — perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy dessert night.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Spiced Caramel Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The structure of the cake; spoon and level to avoid a dense texture.
• 2 tsp baking powder + 1 tsp baking soda – A combination that gives the cake a light lift and perfect crumb.
• ½ tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the spices.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds that classic warmth and coziness you want in a spiced cake.
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg – Deepens the flavor and enhances the cake’s nostalgic holiday notes.
• ½ tsp ground ginger – Brings a subtle heat and complexity.
• ½ tsp ground cardamom – Floral and fragrant, this spice adds an unexpected twist.
• 1 cup canola oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender; no need to cream butter.
• 4 large eggs – Provide structure and richness. Be sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt – Adds tang and keeps the cake ultra-moist. Use full-fat for best texture.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Adds depth and moisture with its natural molasses notes.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Balances the richness of the brown sugar for a perfect sweetness level.

For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds a creamy, rich base for your frosting. Soft butter helps with a smooth consistency.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Brings a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 3 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar), sifted – Creates that light, fluffy frosting texture. Sifting helps avoid lumps.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract – A warm, aromatic base flavor that ties everything together.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances the caramel flavor and keeps the frosting from being too sweet.
• ½ cup caramel sauce – Use a high-quality or homemade caramel sauce for the best flavor. Reserve a bit more for drizzling and swirling on top for that bakery-style finish.

Variations & Substitutions

• Oil: Swap canola oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Yogurt: Sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt works too.
• Caramel Sauce: Homemade is amazing, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• Add-ins: Chopped pecans, toffee bits, or even mini chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for added texture.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add an extra tablespoon of yogurt for moisture.

How to Make Spiced Salted Caramel Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canola oil, eggs, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

4. Combine:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Beat in the caramel sauce until fully combined and creamy.

Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled, add a thick later of frosting on top and spread evenly.
2. Drizzle extra caramel over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl for a decorative finish.
3. Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

How to Store and Make Ahead

• Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cakes up to 2 days in advance and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Frost before serving.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully—wrap in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

This spiced salted caramel cake is everything I love about fall and winter baking—warm, cozy spices, tender cake, creamy frosting, and that luscious salted caramel swirl. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and the flavors just get better with time. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a December birthday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is bound to be a new seasonal favorite.

Want to connect? Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips.