Sensational Spice Cake
A moist, spiced cake with rich flavors of cinnamon and cloves, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful afternoon treat with a warm beverage.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, margarine, water, raisins, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a saucepan.
- Heat until boiling, then simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Dissolve baking soda in 2 teaspoons hot water and add to the cooled mixture.
- Stir in flour and baking powder until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8 x 12 inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Ice the cooled cake with Penuche Icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey. You can also replace the margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you don't have raisins, try using chopped dates or dried cranberries instead. Make sure to sift the flour before measuring for a lighter cake texture. If you enjoy spice cakes, browse more American recipes for delightful variations.
Serving Suggestions
This sensational spice cake pairs beautifully with Penuche Icing, which adds a creamy sweetness. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. It’s also delightful with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a light Garden Patch Salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spice cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sensational Spice Cake contains roughly 266 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but be aware that it may result in a denser cake. You might want to use a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture while adding some whole grain benefits.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this spice cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious cake.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Just fold in about half a cup of your preferred nuts after mixing in the flour and baking powder for a delightful crunch.
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).