November Birthday Cake
This spiced layer cake captures everything cozy and celebratory about November birthdays — warm spices, moist texture, and the kind of flavor that brings people together around the table. It’s a cake that feels like a hug.
Equipment
- 2 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
- Spatula
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup grated apple or carrot squeeze juice if using apple
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment circles.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in optional add-ins such as grated apple, nuts, or cranberries, if using.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Tap on counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans on wire rack for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely before frosting.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting or your choice of topping. Garnish with cinnamon, caramel drizzle, or nuts.
Notes
Try variations like a maple twist, caramel drizzle, or even pumpkin purée for added fall flair. This cake also works beautifully as cupcakes or a nut-free version with dried fruit.