Spice Nut Cake
Spice Nut Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert infused with warm spices and crunchy walnuts, perfect for festive occasions or cozy afternoons. Its aromatic cloves and cinnamon complement the nutty texture, making it a delightful treat for spice lovers and those seeking a comforting homemade cake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Add shortening, brown sugar, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until all the flour is moistened.
- Beat for 2 minutes, then add eggs and beat for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then frost with Orange Butter Frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk, letting it sit for five minutes. For a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips to add sweetness, similar to how Chocolate Lush delivers its rich flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Spice Nut Cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Orange Butter Frosting, elevating the flavors. For a well-rounded dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Light Strawberry Pie to add a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spice Nut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spice Nut Cake contains roughly 445 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 699mg per serving (30% 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 nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a lovely texture, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely to distribute evenly throughout the cake.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Both options will keep the cake moist and delicious.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this Spice Nut Cake gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the baking powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure the whole cake is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).