Anise Cake

Cuisine: American

A fragrant anise-flavored cake made with yellow cake mix, perfect for those who enjoy aromatic, sweet desserts with a hint of licorice-like flavor. Suitable for celebrations or teatime.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. yellow cake mix
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp. anise extract

Instructions

  1. Bake the cake as directed on the package in a tube pan or a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding finely grated orange zest or substituting half of the water with milk. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Ensure your tube pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. This cake can also be made using gluten-free yellow cake mix for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

This Anise Cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with June'S Orange Glazed Beets for a unique flavor combination at a gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Anise Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Anise Cake contains roughly 584 calories, with 15g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 472mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

584 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.8g 30% DV
Total Fat 12.4g 16% DV
Carbs 116.5g 42% DV
Fiber 13.6g 48% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 472mg 21% DV
Potassium 1065.7mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 54.1mg 60% DV
Calcium 468.8mg 36% DV
Iron 20.2mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or lemon, to create a different taste. Just keep in mind that the anise flavor will be more pronounced with yellow cake mix.

Is it possible to make this cake without anise extract?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use anise extract, you could try using almond extract or even vanilla for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the amount to your taste.

How can I make this cake more visually appealing?

Consider adding a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or garnish with fresh fruits like berries or citrus slices. A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top can also add a lovely crunch and presentation.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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