Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further than this Spice Cake Bundt recipe! This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. It's one of those easy recipes that always delivers delicious results, making it a favorite among home cooks of all skill levels. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this delightful spice cake!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (optional, but adds amazing depth of flavor!)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking. You can also use a baking spray with flour for even easier cleanup.
Making the Cake Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients evenly, preventing clumping later.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and cooled coffee (if using).
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Glazing:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart.
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Make the Glaze (Optional): While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
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Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Tips for the Best Spice Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room-temperature eggs helps create a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a glaze, top with a delicious cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (This will vary based on glaze and variations used).
This delicious spice cake is a perfect example of a healthy balance between indulgence and satisfaction. It's a wonderful recipe for quick dinner ideas, making it a great addition to any meal. Enjoy this easy recipe and make it your new go-to dessert!