Indulge in a Warm Slice of Autumn Spice Cake
What better way to welcome the fall season than with a slice of delicious and comforting autumn spice cake? As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change colors, it’s time to indulge in all the cozy flavors that make this time of year special. This spice cake recipe is packed with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, that will fill your home with an enticing fragrance while baking in the oven.
Not only is this autumn spice cake perfect for celebrating fall festivities, it’s also an excellent addition to any holiday dessert table. The tender, moist crumb and gooey texture make it an irresistible treat that your guests won’t be able to resist. You can easily dress it up with a creamy cream cheese frosting for a more extravagant look or keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
So why not give this spice cake recipe a try and bring some warmth and comfort to your autumn days? It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and yields a scrumptious homemade cake that will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Autumn is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious and moist autumn spice cake. This cake recipe contains ground allspice, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and baking soda, which come together to create an irresistible combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
What makes this recipe so unique is its perfect blend of spices that isn’t too overpowering or too bland. Instead, it strikes just the right balance between rich and flavorful ingredients that truly bring out the essence of autumn.
Moreover, this cake recipe uses a combination of both butter and shortening to produce an incredibly moist and tender crumb. The frosting recipe features cream cheese frosting which complements the cake perfectly, making it even more divine.
The recipe calls for relatively basic ingredients such as flour, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. These ingredients are affordable and easy to find at any local grocery store or pantry.
Finally, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit any dietary preferences or restrictions by using substitutions such as vegan butter or gluten-free flour. This versatility makes this autumn spice cake recipe suitable for various dietary needs.
In conclusion, this autumn spice cake is a must-try for anyone who desires a slice of comfort during the chilly days of fall with its ooey-gooey goodness that would melt in your mouth with every bite. This is a perfect opportunity to indulge your culinary senses with homemade spice bundt cake topped with pineapple flowers following simple steps from Duncan Hines or bake this scratch and enjoy the richness of flavors.
Ingredient List
Before making the Autumn Spice Cake, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe uses a combination of spices, including ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground cloves to achieve its signature autumn spice flavor.
Here are the rest of the ingredients needed:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/8 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the cream cheese frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Note that for best results, measure flour using a flour scoop or spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off with a knife. Too much flour can make your cake heavy and dry.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat Oven to 350°F
Before anything else, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F. This will allow the oven to reach the desired temperature once you finish preparing the batter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. To create an “Autumn Spice” flavor profile, add in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, and 1/2 cup butter until light and fluffy. Add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture gradually, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this will lead to a tough cake texture.
Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with shortening or butter, then dust them evenly with flour. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and then bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for around ten minutes then loosen from sides with a knife before removing them onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. Once they are cool, spread an even layer of spice cake cream cheese frosting between cakes and on top (recipe follows).
This recipe creates two delicious layers of spicy autumn joy which can easily stand alone or be served with a scoop of icecream for an ooey gooey treat!
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe for Autumn Spice Cake is already marvelous in its own right, there’s no harm in exploring different variations and experimenting with substitutions to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
– Vegan: For those on a vegan diet, you can easily substitute the buttermilk with non-dairy milk such as almond, soy or oat. Likewise, replace the eggs with an egg replacer, mashed bananas, applesauce or chia seeds.
– Gluten-free: If you’re gluten intolerant, try swapping regular flour with an all-purpose gluten-free flour mix that contains xanthan gum or use coconut flour, almond flour or rice flour. It’s important to test the mix first as substitution can affect the texture of the cake.
– Pineapple version: Add some tropical flair by mixing in some crushed pineapple to the batter before baking. The sweetness and tang of pineapple complement the warm spice flavors incredibly well and results in a delicious Hawaiian twist to the classic spice cake.
– Ooey Gooey Version: For those who love their cake extra moist with a gooey texture and molten center, why not bake this recipe as a Bundt cake instead? It is an easy modification that will give it a delightful twist and may even make it more enjoyable for dessert.
– Homemade Spice Mix Version: As much as we love autumn spices, adding some other complementary spices like cardamom and anise could take this recipe further up a notch. Using fresh grated ginger will also add complexity to its flavor.
By following these substitutions and variations, you’ll have endless ways to customize your autumn spice cake!
Serving and Pairing
The Autumn Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs well with various flavors and drinks. The spicy, warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in the cake are complemented by a multitude of toppings such as cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce.
For those who prefer the cake on its own, it can be served warm or at room temperature as a perfect finish to an autumn dinner party. It can also be paired with some hot tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
One popular way to serve this cake is with a generous coating of cream cheese frosting. The tangy yet sweet frosting adds an extra layer of flavor to the already moist and delicious cake. Homemade buttercream frosting is another excellent alternative if you prefer sweet over tangy.
If you want to take things a step further, try serving the Autumn Spice Cake together with some fresh fruits like pears, cranberries, or apples. The fruity flavor combination will bring out the warmth and spices in the cake.
Additionally, the Autumn Spice Cake can be turned into an elegant dessert centerpiece by creating a bundt cake dish. You can top it with a few pineapple flowers for added effect, creating an ooey-gooey masterpiece that will impress your guests.
Whether you decide to serve it plain or dress it up, Autumn Spice Cake remains an easy, moist creation that everyone will love to indulge all year round.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Autumn Spice Cake is a deliciously moist cake that can be prepared and stored for later consumption. Here’s how you can make the most of it.
Make-Ahead
If you’re planning to serve this cake for a special occasion or event, here’s good news: the cake can be made ahead of time! Start by preparing the cake as per the recipe instructions. Once you have baked the cake, allow it to cool down completely. Then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or a freezer bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Storing
If you have leftover cake that needs to be stored, place it inside an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This ensures that the cake stays moist and retains its flavor. You can also freeze the spice cakes for up to two months in an airtight container.
Reheating
To ensure that your previously-baked Autumn Spice Cake is as delicious as ever, start by taking it out of the fridge and giving it some time to warm up. Once it reaches room temperature, you can either reheat slices individually in the microwave on low power or briefly heat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C) or until heated through.
When reheating slices in the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture and prevent them from drying out. Keep your eye on them at all times as microwaves are different and they might take less or more time to heat up.
Whether served fresh from baking or enjoying leftovers later, Autumn Spice Cake is a delicious treat any time of day.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a cake is more than just following the recipe but also about nailing down some fool-proof baking techniques. Luckily, with my experience, I have discovered some helpful tips that can help you create the perfect Autumn Spice Cake for any gathering.
Firstly, sift your dry ingredients together to get rid of any lumps and fluff it up. This will ensure your cake has a light and airy texture. Then, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients do not mix well together and can lead to dense, heavy cakes.
Another crucial tip is to avoid over-mixing your batter as this may result in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are well combined to avoid developing too much gluten.
Make sure you preheat your oven to 350°F and double-check that it is at the correct temperature before placing the cake in to bake. A fluctuating oven temperature can negatively affect the rise and texture of the cake.
To simplify clean up and prevent sticking, line your baking pan with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. And once your cake is baked, allow it to cool down completely before frosting it or storing it away. A freshly baked warm cake topped with frosting might sound tempting, but it will not hold well and may create a mess.
Last but not least, why not add a personal touch? For example, adding some fall-themed decorations will make your Autumn Spice Cake stand out on any dessert table.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your Autumn Spice Cake comes out ooey-gooey moist while satisfyingly spicy any time of year.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Autumn Spice Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the warmth and comfort of the autumn season in a delicious dessert. With its perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, this cake will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and provides plenty of room for creativity and personalization. Try different frosting flavors or add in some chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
So why not take the plunge and bake a delicious Autumn Spice Cake today? You won’t regret it!
Autumn Spice Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and lightly butter.
- Beat butter, shortening, and sugars together until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth and light.
- Stir the buttermilk and vanilla together. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and spices together in a large bowl.
- Alternately stir the flour mixture and buttermilk, in thirds, into the beaten butter. Blend well with each addition.
- Pour batter into the pans and bake until center tests clean -- about 35 minutes. Cool cakes in the pans on a rack for 30 minutes, unmold, and cool completely before frosting (if desired).
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.