Grab For Eats The Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe is a beloved dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This cake is a timeless classic, perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to enjoy on a chilly afternoon or something to impress your holiday guests, this spice cake with its rich cream cheese frosting fits the bill.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the magic behind the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe, offering tips, pairing suggestions, and helpful advice on making this cake at home.
Why Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe Is So Popular
There’s something about spice cakes that bring a cozy, nostalgic feeling. The Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe is a favorite for many, thanks to its blend of aromatic spices and moist texture. It’s a dessert that seems to be passed down through generations, with its simple yet comforting flavors. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or as the perfect finish to a holiday meal, this cake brings joy to any table.
What sets this spice cake apart is the combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which creates a depth of flavor that other cakes can’t quite match. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
What to Pair with Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe
One of the best things about the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to pairing with other dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement this flavorful dessert:
- Coffee or Hot Tea: A warm beverage, like a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea, pairs wonderfully with the spiced richness of the cake. The spices in the cake are enhanced by a hot drink, making it the perfect duo for any time of day.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serving a slice of spice cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream will take it to the next level. The creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake, creating a dessert experience that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice is another simple yet perfect pairing. Its light, airy texture balances the richness of the spice cake, adding an extra touch of indulgence.
- Fruit Compote: For a fresher pairing, consider serving the cake with a warm fruit compote made from apples or pears. The sweetness and slight tartness of the fruit complement the spiced flavors of the cake, making for a delightful contrast.
Similar Cakes to the Old Fashioned Spice Cake
If you love the Old Fashioned Spice Cake, you might enjoy these similar cakes that also feature warm, aromatic spices:
- Gingerbread Cake: Made with molasses and ginger, gingerbread cake has a deep, slightly earthy flavor. Like spice cake, it’s perfect for fall and winter months and is often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
- Carrot Cake: Another classic cake that shares many of the same spices as the spice cake is carrot cake. The addition of grated carrots and walnuts makes it heartier, and the cream cheese frosting is a perfect match.
- Pumpkin Spice Cake: Made with pureed pumpkin and a blend of warm spices, pumpkin spice cake has a similar texture to spice cake but with a slightly more autumnal flavor. It’s perfect for fall or Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Applesauce Cake: This cake uses applesauce as a base, adding moisture and a subtle fruity flavor to the spice cake. It’s a bit denser but just as delicious.
Utensils Required for Making the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe
Making the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just the basics from your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium and large mixing bowls to prepare your dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk: To blend together your dry ingredients, including the spices, flour, and leavening agents.
- Electric Mixer: While you can mix the batter by hand, an electric mixer will help you achieve a smooth, well-combined batter and fluffy frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for a successful cake, so make sure you have these on hand.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To fold ingredients together and scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan: A standard square pan works great for this cake, ensuring even baking and easy slicing.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center. It should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cooling Rack: Once baked, allow your cake to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Holidays Perfect for Enjoying the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe
The Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe is a perfect dessert for a variety of holidays and celebrations. Here are some special occasions when this cake is sure to shine:
- Thanksgiving: Spice cake is a classic fall dessert that perfectly complements the rich, hearty flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. The warm spices are an ideal match for turkey and all the trimmings.
- Christmas: During the holiday season, this cake with its cream cheese frosting feels festive and indulgent, making it the perfect Christmas dessert.
- Easter: Spice cake is a wonderful choice for Easter celebrations, bringing warmth and comfort to the springtime table.
- New Year’s Eve: If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and celebratory, the spice cake is a great option to ring in the new year.
- Fall Gatherings: Anytime you want to celebrate the arrival of cooler weather, this cake is perfect for any fall-themed party or get-together.
Required Ingredients for the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe
- 1 ⅓ cups cake flour – This helps give the cake its soft and fluffy texture.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Adds that classic warm, sweet spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – A little bit of this goes a long way to give the cake depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg – A must-have for that perfect spiced cake flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors and helps with texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – This makes the cake light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise to perfection.
- ⅓ cup + 6 tbsp salted butter – Gives the cake a rich, smooth texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar – Adds a bit of extra flavor compared to regular sugar.
- 3 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances the spices.
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- 3 eggs (room temperature) – Provides structure and richness to the cake.
- ⅔ cup buttermilk (room temperature) – Gives the cake a little tang that balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For that irresistible vanilla flavor.
- 6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) – Cream cheese frosting makes everything better!
- A pinch of fine sea salt – Just a touch to bring everything together.
Steps to Make the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. You’re almost there!
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, baking powder, spices, and baking soda. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Slowly mix in the vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk into the butter mixture in three parts, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan.
Step 6: Once the cake is just barely warm, start on the frosting!
Step 7: Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt, and blend on low speed. Then, increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Step 8: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake (or when it’s just a little warm—your choice!) and enjoy this delicious spiced treat!
Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe – So Simple To Make!
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups cake flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- ⅔ cups buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- sea salt (just a pinch)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, baking powder, spices, and baking soda. Set this aside for later.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Slowly mix in the vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk into the butter mixture in three parts, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan.
- Once the cake is just barely warm, start on the frosting!
- Beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt, and blend on low speed. Then, increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake (or when it’s just a little warm—your choice!) and enjoy this delicious spiced treat!
Tips
- Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and spices helps eliminate lumps and ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for the lightest, fluffiest texture.
- Use Fresh Spices: The spices are what give the cake its signature flavor, so make sure they are fresh. Old spices can lose their potency, affecting the taste of the cake.
- Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary, so start checking your cake around 35 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts on the Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe
The Old Fashioned Spice Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm, spiced desserts. Its rich flavor, combined with the smooth cream cheese frosting, makes it a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this cake will bring comfort and joy to your table.
So, next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make but full of flavor, give this old-fashioned spice cake a try. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!
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