The perfect spiced cake with a buttery streusel topping and rich brown sugar glaze!
If you love warm, spiced cakes with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping, then you’re going to love this Streusel Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze! This homemade cake is soft, moist, and bursting with warm cinnamon and ginger, making it perfect for a cozy night in.
The best part? It’s topped with a brown sugar glaze that soaks into the streusel, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving this for dessert after a family dinner or enjoying it with a hot cup of coffee, this cake is sure to be a new favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple ingredients – Everything you need is likely in your pantry.
Moist and flavorful – The chopped apples, chocolate chips, and raisins add incredible texture and taste.
Perfect for any occasion – Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert!
Let’s get baking!
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the raisins – Use dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even walnuts.
- Add more spice – Increase the cinnamon and ginger, or add nutmeg for a deeper flavor.
- Use a different glaze – Try a maple glaze instead of brown sugar for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Just store it in an airtight container.
2. Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F.
3. What if I don’t have molasses for the homemade brown sugar?
You can substitute it with maple syrup or honey. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Glaze Variations for Streusel Spice Cake
Maple Glaze
For a fall-inspired twist, swap the brown sugar glaze for a maple glaze!
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions:
Whisk everything together until smooth and drizzle over the cake while warm.
Vanilla Glaze
A light vanilla glaze pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced streusel.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk together until smooth, then pour over the cake for a subtle sweetness.
Cream Cheese Glaze
For a thicker, slightly tangy glaze that complements the spices in the cake.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together, then mix in the milk and vanilla until smooth.
Caramel Glaze
If you love a buttery, deep caramel flavor, try this easy caramel glaze!
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, then add the cream and vanilla. Stir until smooth, then pour over the cake while warm.
Chocolate Drizzle
If you want a chocolatey twist, this glaze is so good with the streusel topping.
- ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Melt everything together over low heat or in 30-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cake for a rich, chocolatey finish.
Espresso Glaze
A bold glaze that enhances the warm spice flavors in the cake.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk everything together until smooth and pour over the cake for a subtle coffee kick.
How to Use These Glazes
- Drizzle over a warm cake for a thinner, more soaked-in effect.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing for a thicker, more pronounced topping.
- Double the glaze recipe if you love an extra gooey cake!
These variations give you so many options to personalize your cake based on what you’re craving!
This Streusel Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze is the perfect balance of warm, spiced flavors and a buttery crunch. It’s simple, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking this for a family gathering or just to treat yourself, I promise—it’s worth it!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below or tag me on social media @homewithjana! I’d love to see how yours turns out.
Streusel Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed (or make your own with white sugar + molasses!)
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- ½ cup chocolate chips regular, not mini
- ¼ cup fresh apple peeled and finely chopped
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter cubed
- ¼ cup chocolate chips optional, for a chocolatey streusel!
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or an 8×8-inch baking pan.
Make the cake batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in raisins, chocolate chips, and chopped apples until evenly mixed.
Make the streusel topping
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Stir in the chocolate chips (if using).
Assemble & Bake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the milk, bring to a gentle simmer, and let it bubble for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Glaze & Serve
- Once the cake is warm (not hot), pour the brown sugar glaze over the top, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Let the cake sit for 30 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for 2-3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
