German Spice Cake
A rich German spice cake featuring warm cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa, complemented by citron and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dessert moments.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a liquid from 1/2 cup coffee and 1 cup water and strain it.
- Cream the margarine and add sugar, the whole egg, and nutmeats.
- Put spices into the flour.
- Mix the coffee with enough flour to make a liquid paste.
- Put baking powder in the remaining flour mixture.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and coffee to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour into a well-greased pan (round, square, or tube style).
- Place the pan in an unlighted oven.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Cover with chocolate frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using freshly grated nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. For a richer taste, replace some of the water with coffee in the liquid mix. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different nuts; walnuts or pecans work well in place of almonds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the German Spice Cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a generous layer of chocolate frosting. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Cherry-Vanilla Cream Cheese Whip for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover German Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Spice Cake contains roughly 1651 calories, with 27g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value), and iron (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 941mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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 fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for margarine in this recipe, which will provide a richer flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based margarine can also work well.
What can I use instead of coffee in the recipe?
If you prefer not to use coffee, you can replace it with an equal amount of strong brewed tea or simply use additional water. However, using coffee adds depth to the cake's flavor, so consider this option if you're open to it.
How can I make this cake more festive for holidays?
To make your German Spice Cake more festive, consider adding dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for sweetness. You could also sprinkle powdered sugar on top or decorate with candied fruits for a colorful presentation during holiday gatherings.
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).