Spice cake is a type of cake that is traditionally prepared with a blend of spices. The cake can be made in a variety of ways. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and nutmeg are common flavorings.
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves turn golden, there’s nothing more comforting than indulging in a slice of homemade spice cake. Its rich, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg instantly evoke the feeling of cozy gatherings and the magic of the fall season.
Whether you’re preparing for a Thanksgiving dessert spread, a cozy afternoon snack, or just want to enjoy a slice of nostalgia, this spice cake recipe is sure to become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake
This spice cake is everything you want in a fall dessert – it’s warm, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It’s a versatile recipe. You can serve it as-is with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or go all out and top it with cream cheese frosting or even a dollop of whipped cream. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Spice cakes have an undeniable charm—they have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them feel festive without being overly indulgent. Plus, the spices used in this recipe are packed with health benefits. So, you get the best of both worlds: a delicious treat that’s a little bit cozy and a little bit good for you!
Tips for the Best Spice Cake
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can make a world of difference in flavor. If you’ve had your cinnamon or nutmeg for a while, you may want to refresh your spice cabinet to really get that rich, aromatic taste.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you’re good to go!
- Make It Ahead: Spice cakes actually improve with time! You can make this cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and flavorful.
Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy Your Spice Cake
While spice cake is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some fun ideas for how to enjoy your cake:
- With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: The warm spices in this cake pair perfectly with a steaming cup of chai, black tea, or even a rich coffee. It’s the ultimate cozy combo!
- Topped with Caramel Sauce: For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over your slice of cake before serving.
- Serve it with Ice Cream: If you’re serving this cake for dessert, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would be heavenly alongside it.
Moist, Tender Spice Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups bleached all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened until easily spreadable
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit with the oven rack in the middle position. A 9-by-13-inch metal or disposable foil pan should be greased and lightly floured. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and spices. In a 2-cup measuring cup, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- On low, then medium, beat softened butter into dry ingredients until pebble-sized chunks form. 1/3 of the milk mixture should be added and beaten on low until smooth. In two stages, add the remaining milk mixture; beat on medium speed until the batter is barely smooth. Add the sugar and beat for about 30 seconds, or until barely combined. In a cake pan, pour the batter.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Turn cake onto rack by running a knife around the pan's perimeter. Allow to cool.
Notes
- Protein: 3.9g 8 %
- Carbohydrates: 36.1g 12 %
- Dietary Fiber: 0.7g 3 %
- Sugars: 18.5g
- Fat: 13g 20 %
- Saturated Fat: 7.8g 39 %
- Cholesterol: 66.6mg 22 %
- Vitamin A Iu: 430.5IU 9 %
- Niacin Equivalents: 2mg 16 %
- Vitamin C: 0.1mg
- Folate: 41.8mcg 10 %
- Calcium: 114.6mg 12 %
- Iron: 1.4mg 8 %
- Magnesium: 10.4mg 4 %
- Potassium: 90.3mg 3 %
- Sodium: 221.5mg 9 %
- Thiamin: 0.2mg17 %
- Calories From Fat: 117
Final Thought:
The addition of maple syrup or maple flavour to a maple spice cake is an American variation. The recipe dates back to the beginning of the nineteenth century in New Hampshire. It’s a fall favorite that tastes like cinnamon or apple cider.
