Dakota Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A rich, spiced cake with deep molasses flavor, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers who enjoy warm, aromatic desserts with hints of cloves and cinnamon.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup sweet milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice

Instructions

  1. Beat the egg and add the sour cream, then continue beating.
  2. Sift the dry ingredients and add alternately with molasses and sweet milk to the mixture.
  3. Beat thoroughly until smooth.
  4. Pour into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure your sour cream is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have sweet milk, you can substitute with regular milk or a plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Adjust spices according to your taste; a bit of nutmeg can add depth. This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, reminiscent of classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dakota Spice Cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a glaze for extra sweetness. It pairs nicely with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. For an added twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the flavors. This cake also makes a delightful dessert after a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as a snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Dakota Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature for a delicious treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dakota Spice Cake contains roughly 806 calories, with 9g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 977mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

806 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.8g 18% DV
Total Fat 34.4g 44% DV
Carbs 118.4g 43% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 53.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 977.4mg 42% DV
Potassium 850.8mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 84.8mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 11.9mg 13% DV
Calcium 393.9mg 30% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser cake. You might want to reduce the flour by a little and increase the liquid slightly to maintain moisture.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make Dakota Spice Cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with the cake's texture. Adjust baking time as needed, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins can enhance the flavor and texture of the Dakota Spice Cake. Just fold in about 1 cup of your choice of nuts or dried fruits after mixing the wet and dry ingredients for a delightful variation.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →