Ma Mapes Clove Cake
A warmly spiced clove cake with cinnamon and buttermilk, offering a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for gatherings or cozy occasions with rich, aromatic notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Work butter until creamy.
- Add sugar and beat until well combined.
- Beat eggs separately, then mix with the butter and sugar mixture.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Beat 1/3 of the flour mixture and 1/2 cup of milk with the creamy mixture.
- Mix baking soda with the remaining milk and add to the mixture along with the rest of the flour mixture; mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan before removing.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, and avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
Serving Suggestions
This Clove Cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and makes a great dessert alongside American recipes like Crunchy Jumbles or Macaroon Kisses. Fresh fruit or whipped cream can also complement the warm spices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Clove Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma Mapes Clove Cake contains roughly 1475 calories, with 20g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (239% of the Daily Value), iron (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2271mg per serving (99% 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 different spices instead of cloves and cinnamon?
Yes, you can experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile. Just keep the total amount of spices the same to maintain the balance in the cake.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake often results from overmixing or opening the oven door too early. Make sure to mix just until combined and allow the cake to bake fully without disturbances during the first half of the baking time.
Is it possible to freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead for 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).