Paradise Spice Cake
A warmly spiced cake layered with strawberry-rhubarb frosting and coconut, perfect for celebrations or teatime, offering a delightful combination of cinnamon, cloves, and tropical coconut flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- Strawberry-Rhubarb Frosting ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) packages frozen unsweetened coconut, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Cream the butter and shortening until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add lemon and vanilla extracts, beating well.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Spoon batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch cake pans.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely.
- Spread frosting between layers, on sides, and on top of the cake.
- Press coconut around sides and sprinkle over the top.
- Place rhubarb strips in parallel rows on top.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs. If you don't have lemon extract, you can substitute with orange extract for a different flavor profile. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of the baking powder and spices. If you prefer a nuttier taste, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with De Pepe Salad (Frog Eye Salad) for a festive gathering. You can also enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra touch, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Paradise Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which can last up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy cold as a refreshing treat. Make sure to keep the frosting intact when storing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paradise Spice Cake contains roughly 85 calories, with 1g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% 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 fresh coconut instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh coconut if available. Just ensure it's finely shredded and lightly toasted for added flavor and texture. Fresh coconut will provide a more intense coconut flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor, ensuring your cake remains moist and delicious.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Paradise Spice Cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten. This will allow you to enjoy the same moist and flavorful cake without gluten.
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).