Spiced Devil'S Food Cake
A rich, spicy chocolate cake featuring warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, ideal for celebrations or special occasions for those who love a moist, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter softened ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold strong coffee ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch layer cake pans and dust lightly with cocoa or flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder and cold strong coffee until batter is smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar, resulting in a lighter cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent Spiced Devil's Food Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Daffodil Lemon Sauce for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Perfect for birthday celebrations or any special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. This cake also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Devil'S Food Cake contains roughly 451 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% 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 896mg per serving (39% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, let them come to room temperature before frosting or serving.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture, but avoid using whole wheat flour as it may alter the cake's density and flavor. If you're looking for gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well.
What if I don't have cold coffee?
If you don't have cold strong coffee, you can replace it with brewed coffee that has cooled to room temperature or use strong brewed decaffeinated coffee. Alternatively, you can use hot water mixed with instant coffee for a quick substitute.
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).