Spice Cake
Spice Cake is a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it worth every minute spent preparing it. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or even a simple dessert to enjoy with your morning coffee. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure with a clear, step-by-step guide to bring your very own Spice Cake to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spice Cake recipe is not just about flavors; it’s about making moments special. The rich blend of spices, combined with the sweetness of the sugars and the warmth of the nuts, creates a cake that is both comforting and satisfying. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this dessert is perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, your baking experience will be smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Spice Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
This combination of ingredients yields a cake that’s moist yet fluffy, with a rich flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy. The addition of nuts provides a lovely crunch, enhancing the cake’s texture for a truly satisfying bite.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent your cake from sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. The spices will start to infuse your bowl with rich, inviting aromas.
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The eggs will add moisture and richness, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine as they will resolve during baking.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation will build as the cake rises and fills your home with delightful hints of spice.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step is crucial to let the cake set without crumbling.
Tips & Tricks
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste! Adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom can elevate the flavor even further.
- Frosting Options: While this Spice Cake is delicious on its own, consider adding cream cheese frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can easily omit them from the recipe or substitute them with chocolate chips for a different flair.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Spice Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even alongside a hot cup of chai or coffee to enhance the spices in the cake. Consider pairing it with seasonal fruit or dried fruits like figs or raisins for an added layer of flavor. This cake is versatile enough for both casual family desserts and elegant occasions.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values can depend on specific brands and measurements, a typical slice of Spice Cake (without frosting) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Keep in mind that adding frosting or toppings will alter these values!
Storing Tips & Variations for Spice Cake
To keep your Spice Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer to prolong its shelf life, consider freezing the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-lock freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Feel free to experiment with variations by adding pumpkin puree for a rich autumn flavor or even swapping in applesauce for a moister cake. Each tweak can lead to a different yet delicious creation!
Conclusion for Spice Cake
This Spice Cake recipe is a delightful addition to any dessert table. It not only satisfies sweet cravings but also brings people together, making it perfect for sharing. I encourage you to give it a try, and watch how it becomes a favorite amongst friends and family!
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly. You may want to mix it with all-purpose flour for a lighter cake.
2. How can I make this Spice Cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stays moist and flavorful for days. You can make it a day before serving.
4. What are the best ways to decorate my Spice Cake?
Common decorations include a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a cream cheese frosting, or even edible flowers for a touch of elegance.
5. How do I know when my Spice Cake is done baking?
The best method is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready!
Baking the perfect Spice Cake is easier than you think with this simple and effective recipe. Get your apron on, and let’s get baking!
PrintSpice Cake
A delightful and aromatic spice cake that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
Consider adjusting spice levels, adding frosting, or omitting nuts to personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg