Grammy'S Spice Cake
A warm, spiced cake with rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for cozy gatherings and complemented beautifully by peanut butter frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup peanut butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter together until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Alternately add buttermilk and dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until smooth.
- Add vanilla and mix well.
- Pour batter into greased pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool and frost with peanut butter frosting if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier cake, consider increasing the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a lighter frosting, cream cheese can be used instead of peanut butter. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Serve it alongside Mrs. Cook'S Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of additional spices on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it, but bring it back to room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grammy'S Spice Cake contains roughly 638 calories, with 7g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (36% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture. However, keep in mind this may alter the flavor slightly. For gluten-free options, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How can I make this cake more moist?
To enhance the moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of applesauce or an extra egg yolk into the batter. Additionally, ensuring you don’t overbake the cake will help retain moisture. A simple syrup can be brushed on the cake layers after baking for extra moisture.
What can I do if I don't have confectioners sugar for frosting?
If you don't have confectioners sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until fine. Alternatively, use whipped cream as a lighter frosting option. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until it forms soft peaks for a fluffy topping.
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).