This Spice Cake recipe is a delightful blend of warm spices and rich flavors, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its moist crumb and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake not only captivates your senses but also fills your kitchen with a heavenly scent as it bakes. Topped with a creamy frosting or enjoyed plain, this cake is a comforting classic that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this spice cake recipe for its incredible flavor profile and simplicity. The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that instantly transports you to cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. Moreover, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. It’s also versatile enough to fit various dietary lifestyles, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for a special occasion or a comforting dessert to enjoy at home.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Fresh Spices: Use fresh ground spices for a more robust flavor. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting your flour and spices together helps to prevent lumps and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; overbaking can lead to a dry texture. A toothpick should come out clean but moist.
- Incorrect Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially for flour, as too much can make the cake dense.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. The batter can also be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator, just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. The cake stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to three months.
Recipe Variations
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch.
- Fruity Twist: Incorporate grated carrots or crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
How to Serve
Serve the spice cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgence. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts for visual appeal. For a cozy touch, serve warm slices alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Pairing Suggestions
This spice cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or a glass of sweet white wine. For dessert pairings, consider serving it with vanilla ice cream or a side of apple compote to complement the warm spices.
How to Store
Store leftover spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 9-inch round pans)
- Parchment paper (optional but recommended for easy removal)
Dietary Adaptations
To make this spice cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter. For a nut-free version, ensure your flour does not contain nut traces, and avoid any nut toppings.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, you can add pureed pumpkin to the batter for a seasonal twist. In the spring, consider incorporating zest from citrus fruits like orange or lemon to brighten the flavor.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for this spice cake is around $10 for a whole cake, making it roughly $1 per serving. To save money, consider using seasonal spices and buying in bulk.
Kitchen Hacks
To quickly peel ginger, use the edge of a spoon to scrape off the skin. For grating nutmeg, use a microplane for the freshest flavor. When measuring sticky ingredients like molasses or honey, coat your measuring cup with cooking spray for easy release.
Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour? Yes, but it may result in a denser cake.
What can I use instead of eggs? Flaxseeds mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce work well as egg substitutes.
How can I tell when the cake is done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Spice Cake
This Spice Cake recipe is a delightful blend of warm spices and rich flavors, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its moist crumb and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake not only captivates your senses but also fills your kitchen with a heavenly scent as it bakes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 365Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 63mgSodium 348mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 1gSugar 25gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This spice cake recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of home baking. Its delightful aroma and comforting spices make it a perfect dessert for gatherings or a simple family dinner. I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do—happy baking!