Delicious Spice Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1/2 cup shortening (I used Crisco)
- 1 cup brown or white sugar (I used light brown sugar)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sour milk (Note: If you don't happen to have sour milk on hand, you can easily make it by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a scant cup of milk. It will be ready for use in recipes within a few minutes.)
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts, but pecans would also be flavorful)
Step 1: Make the Cake
- Cream the sugar and shortening together in a bowl.
- Add the egg and continue mixing.
- Add the cinnamon, cloves, and ginger spices.
- Put the baking soda into the sour milk and alternate adding to the mixing bowl with the flour, baking powder, and salt. Note: I sifted the flour, baking powder, and salt together, which avoids any lumps in the baking powder.
- When this batter is well-mixed, pour into an 8-inch square baking pan which is well greased or sprayed with Pam.
- Smooth the batter out and before baking, sprinkle the streusel over the top of the cake.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
- Put all of the streusel ingredients into a small mixing bowl and cut with a pastry blender into small pieces that become crumbly and well-mixed. The pieces should be not much larger than the parts of chopped nuts.
- With a spoon sprinkle the topping over the cake batter that is already in the pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out dry.
It makes nine good-sized serving pieces which can be served "as is" or it is also good with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Photo Guide
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Please rate this spice cake recipe. Thanks!
Birthday Cake or Something Else?
When we were growing up, my mother gave my dad, my two brothers and me a choice of what we would like her to make for our birthday desserts. Naturally, when we were little, we would have had some cake with the appropriate numbers of candles on them. My dad preferred eating pies to cakes, and he often chose that as his preference. I remember following in his footsteps at least one year and selecting a pie for my birthday as well.
While some of our choices varied from year to year, there was no doubt which cake it would be that my brother John would choose. This spice cake recipe was his standard choice. When I found it in my mother's old recipe box recently, I decided to make it and see if it was as good as I remembered from years ago. Indeed it is delicious!
Did you always eat cake for your birthday celebrations when you were young?
Spice Cake for My Brother John
John, or Johnny, as he was called then, was the middle child. I was the eldest, and Jim (a.k.a. Jimmy when he was younger) was the last child in our family of five.
My mother made a type of a favorite cake, and I remember the frosting had crushed Heath bars in it that we all liked. I wish I could find that recipe! Some of our other preferences included upside-down pineapple cake, lemon meringue pie, apple pie with a Streusel topping for the crust, and more. John always wanted his spice cake!
One thing was certain. All of these desserts were made from scratch. I never saw a store-bought cake mix in my mother's pantry. My mother also made all of the bread that we ate. I never even tasted store-bought bread until our family moved to McAllen, Texas, and I was already 13 years of age.
Do you use a lot of spices in your cooking?
Using Spices for Health
Were you aware that using spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, the ones utilized in this spice cake recipe, are good for you? Spices and herbs have effects on our bodies. They can be anti-inflammatory, have antioxidant powers, and in some cases, can even help provide weight loss when used correctly.
Using them on and in other foods rather than in cookies, cakes, and desserts will help in the weight loss category, but once in a while, a sweet treat is good for the soul. Remember the old saying, "Let them eat cake," attributed to Marie Antoinette? She may not be the real author of those words, according to Wikipedia. Still, for all time, people have craved an occasional indulgence, and for some, a piece of cake is the perfect fit.
- Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is excellent news for diabetics or borderline diabetics.
- Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that has also been used successfully for cases of nausea and even has some reputed benefits for pain.
- Cloves are nutrient-dense and also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Have you ever had a toothache and used clove oil purchased in your local drugstore? That is a home remedy that has been in existence for a long time. Dentists have known about the mild anesthetic benefits, which can also fight against some bacteria in the mouth. Hopefully, you will only wish to use it for its fragrant and delicious taste in what it adds to food.
Note: This information regarding spices and their uses for health is in no way intended to take the place of your health professional's advice.
Were you aware of some of the health benefits of using spices?
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Questions & Answers
© 2013 Peggy Woods
Comments are welcomed.
AUTHORHi Patricia,
This spice cake recipe is really good. Hope you get to enjoy it sometime. Sending good wishes your way today.
I have to come back ever so often to get my spice cake fix. I still can smell it baking....I am sure it is divine. And, O, ice cream drizzling down over it....yes, please. Then I will walk 10 miles. Angels headed to you this evening ps
- AUTHOR
Hi Rajan,
I hope you like this spice cake recipe. It was a family favorite of ours when I was growing up and even after that time.
Fantastic recipe and a very flavorful cake I suppose. I will try it soon. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
- AUTHOR
Hi Nyesha,
Thanks! Hope you enjoy this spice cake recipe as much as my family does.
This spice cake looks delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
- AUTHOR
Hi Patricia,
This is a really flavorful cake. Hope you enjoy it.
I can almost smell this baking. It smells like Fall to me. Another great treat to take to church. Thank you for sharing. Angels are headed your way this evening bringing hugs and blessings. Ps
- AUTHOR
Hello Celebrates,
Hope you give it a try! :)
This reminds me of a coffee cake I used to make, yours sounds so much tastier though.
- AUTHOR
Hi Samprita,
I hope you enjoy it when you decide to bake this spice cake. We think it is delicious! :)
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I like baking and bakes cakes at home quite often. But I have never tried one with spices. This one looks yummy!! N m gonna try this for sure... Pretty soon...
- AUTHOR
Hi peachpurple,
Allspice is a combination of spices and I am sure that it would work well in place of the individual spices. Might be a slightly different flavor but it should still be good.
i don't have those spices, the ground ones, can i use all spice powder?
Looks better than any spice cake I have ever eaten! Will have to try it so will cope it now! Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Hi colorfulone,
Too bad you did not have a couple of the spices on hand. Oh well...next time. Hope your mom's birthday is a fun one that will create happy memories for everyone. Thanks for the vote and share.
My mouth is now watering for some homemade spice cake. I need to bake a cake today for Mom's birthday, and I wonder if we have all these ingredients on hand. ... Nope, no cloves or ginger!
Shared and voted up!
- AUTHOR
Hi peachpurple,
I know it would not work if this was a cookie recipe. I have heard of people substituting apple sauce for some of the oil or shortening like Crisco to cut down on the fat calories. You could try 1/2 sunflower oil and the other 1/2 applesauce. Let me know if it works. Even if you don't use the applesauce, I am guessing that it will probably work.
i don't have crisco, can i use sunflower oil?
- AUTHOR
Hi DealForALiving,
Cloves and cinnamon certainly do spice things up!
- AUTHOR
Greetings cheeluarv,
Happy that you enjoyed reading this recipe and will be giving it a try. Enjoy!
- AUTHOR
Hi Prasetio,
So happy to hear that you will be trying this soon. Enjoy!
- AUTHOR
Hi Don,
I did not realize that cloves were often used in Scandinavian foods more often than in other types of cooking. All I know is that it certainly adds great flavor to this spice cake combining it with the other spices and flavorings. Thanks for the share.
- AUTHOR
Hi beliza,
If your husband enjoys a good spice cake he will undoubtedly like this one. :)
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- AUTHOR
Hi Rebecca,
I never remember my mother or grandmothers for that matter purchasing boxed cake mixes. Everything was always made from scratch. Glad you liked the information regarding the spices.
- AUTHOR
Hi Kathleen,
Ha! Actually this is easy enough so that you can make your own. :)
- AUTHOR
Hello Hezekiah,
Happy to share this recipe with you and others. :)
- AUTHOR
Hello bethperry,
Hope you give it a try. Am sure you will like it!
- AUTHOR
Hi Au fait,
It was only about 90 yesterday but still humid and felt a lot hotter. We did yard work so were out in it! Glad you like this recipe and thanks for all the shares! ☺
Cloves and cinnamon make everything delicious!
I like spices, your cake looks great and I can smell it while reading the caption.wow!! I don't make cake often, but,your cake picture and clear recipe has triggered my taste buds to try this.Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.Voted up useful.
Delicious and I love step by step pictures about how to make this cake. Thanks for sharing with us. I can't wait to make it. Voted up!
Prasetio
Hi Peggy. This cake looks like something I would really like. I'm bookmaking the page. Interesting thing about cloves is that they are common in Scandinavian foods. Maybe that is why they are hard to find in Rapids. More Germans around here, including my wife. I first found out about the Scandinavian use of cloves was in a cookbook and the recipe was for pot roast. voting up,useful, beautiful. Sharing.
This looks really good. My husband loves spice cake, will have to give it a try.
LOL, Peggy...My mother never used a cake mix either. This looks really good. I like the way you included the health benefits of the spices in this spice cake!
ill take two! ill message you my address ;)
This looks so delicious, thanks a lot of sharing. I will make a note of this one.
Peggy W, I always liked spice cake and this recipe sounds so tasty! The pictures make my mouth water, too! Voted up and thanks for sharing.
This looks perfect for anytime, but especially when the air gets a little crisp. We haven't had that pleasure here in North Texas yet, but the last couple of days have been fantastic weather-wise! I wish I had some of this delicious looking cake here right now to celebrate our cool days. This recipe looks so easy, this may be my treat later today.
Voted up, BAU, already pinned to my 'Fabulous Desserts' board so I'll add it to Awesome HubPages, posted on FB, and will share with followers.
Hope things are cooling off a little by you at last too.
- AUTHOR
Hi Peg,
Glad that you also liked the background information regarding this recipe. I think that John was a very popular name back in those days. Probably still is today.
- AUTHOR
Hi Nadine,
Good luck with adjusting your low carb bread recipe to include some of these flavorful ingredients. :)
This looks so delicious and the pictures are wonderful. I loved the background story to your recipe, too. Peggy, that picture of your brother John is so adorable. Isn't it funny that we both have a brother named John?
This recipe has inspired me to add the ingredients to my low carb bread recipe. Thanks
- AUTHOR
Hello Torrs13,
The nice thing about this spice cake in addition to the flavor is that it is so simple to make. Hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to make it. Appreciate the pin.
This looks absolutely amazing! I like spice cake and I have been wanting to do more baking at home, but I just haven't found the time lately. When I do get the time, I will have to give this a try! Pinning this one!
- AUTHOR
Hi midget38,
This will be an easy and tasty recipe in which to try out your new oven. Enjoy!
Delicious, Peggy! Something to cook in my new oven!
- AUTHOR
Hi alexadry,
Glad you are going to give this spice cake a try. Am sure it will become a favorite in your house. It is tasty and so simple to make! ☺
This cake looks like something I would enjoy. The finishing touch of whipped cream on the top makes it look extra yummy. Voted up and bookmarked for future reference.
- AUTHOR
Greetings dis-cover,
Have a good visit with your mom and I am sure that she will be pleased with you taking this delicious spice cake to her as a surprise. Thanks for your comment and the votes. ☺
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe with us. I will visit my mom these days and I have a plan to prepare this delicious cake and surprise her. Voted up as awesome!
- AUTHOR
Hi CyberShelley,
So glad that you liked the sound of this recipe plus the family history story that accompanied it. Thanks for the 5 star rating. ☺
Thank you for this recipe and the lovely family story. Voted up, useful and interesting +5*
- AUTHOR
Hi poetryman6969,
So glad that you liked the sound of this cake. It is truly wonderful and not too rich. Can even substitute as a spicy coffeecake if desired. Appreciate your comment.
Your deserts looks tasty and healthy too.
- AUTHOR
Hello Anita lesic,
Glad to read your comment. Enjoy!
so delicious ;)
- AUTHOR
Hi MariaBrown,
Thanks and most of all...enjoy!
- AUTHOR
Hello dearabbysmom,
So glad that you liked this spice cake recipe! Enjoy!
This sounds delicious, especially with that scoop of ice cream. I agree that "once in awhile a sweet treat is good for the soul." Thank you for sharing!
- AUTHOR
Hi Vellur,
It is really a simple and deliciously flavored cake. Hope you enjoy it. Appreciate your comment.
This recipe is delicious and different, thank you for sharing.
- AUTHOR
Hi Rebecca E,
It really is simple to make and delicious as well.
lovely! and it seems easy to make.
- AUTHOR
Hi oliversmum,
Yes, I love that photo of my brother when he was young. He is now up in heaven with the rest of my nuclear family. Hope you enjoy the spice cake recipe! It is a good one!
Peggy W. Hi. Your spice cake recipe looks delicious.
Thank you for all the information on the different spices and the easy to follow instructions.
Loved all the photographs, especially the one of your brother, It must be very special to you. Thumbs up and 5 stars. :) :)
- AUTHOR
Hello howcurecancer,
I like spicy also! Thanks for your comment.
I like spicy!
- AUTHOR
Hi KoffeeKlatch Gals,
So glad that you like the sound of this recipe. Just wait until you try it! :))
Your spice cake looks delicious. I have to try it. Up, way up, useful, interesting, and awesome.
- AUTHOR
Hi Au fait,
This would be a good desert to serve if you are getting together with family or friends over this 4th of July holiday weekend. Some people take today and Friday off making it an extended weekend. Happy Independence Day!
Came back to pin this hub on my "Fabulous Deserts" board! Wish I had some right now. Just looking at the picture and I can taste it.
- AUTHOR
Hi midget38,
So glad to hear that you like the sound of this recipe. Enjoy your new oven!
About to change my oven and will make this one of the first things I try. Thanks, Peggy!
- AUTHOR
Hello CyberShelley,
So glad that you like the sound of this recipe. Thanks for your comment.
I can smell this beautiful spice cake and imagine the taste. This is definitely on my baking list. Thank you for sharing!
- AUTHOR
Hi ishwaryaa22,
So glad that you found this spice cake recipe to your liking. Appreciate all the votes and shares. Thanks also for the 5 star rating.
Wow! What a delicious treat! No wonder that your brother chose this as his birthday cake. We Indians love adding cinnamon, ginger and cloves to dishes in order to infuse them with tantalizing taste and fragrant flavor. Your easy-to-follow instructions, handy step-by-step photos and luscious photos propel cake fans including me to try your recipe. Rated your recipe 5 stars! Well-done!
Thanks for SHARING. Useful, Awesome & Interesting. Voted up, pinned & shared
- AUTHOR
Hi Thelma,
I'll have to make this spice cake again soon. So glad that you like the sound of this recipe. Enjoy it when you get around to making it! Thanks for your comments and the pin.
I love spice cake Peggy. I can smell the cake now by just imagining this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in front of me while writing in HP. Thanks for sharing this recipe. Voted up, useful and I have to pin it for later use. Have a lovely day!
Yummy! I could smell the spices now by just imagining a slice of this cake in front of my laptop with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Voted this up and pinned for later use. Thanks for sharing Peggy^-^
- AUTHOR
Hi Patricia,
Hope your move goes smoothly. That is a chore even if it is next door! Glad that you liked the sound of this recipe and enjoy it with my blessings when you have time to make it. Thanks for your comment. May angels surround you always!
Peggy
This is a surprising recipe. I saw spice cake and honestly, I almost did not read it because I am not a huge fan of spice cake (ginger bread,yes). But I looked closely and saw that topping!!
Now I know I will be giving this a try.
The photographs are so helpful and the step-by-step directions appear to be easy to follow.
I am moving next door (nice big house for lots of company)...after I am all settled I am going to have a welcome to my new place party and this will be the main attraction.
Thanks for sharing Voted up and pinned...Angels are on the way ps
- AUTHOR
Hi moonlake,
Thanks for the pin and I hope that you enjoy this Spice Cake when you get around to trying this recipe. Am sure that you will like it! :)
Have to add this to my cake board on Pinterest. It sounds wonderful.
- AUTHOR
Hi again donnah75,
Nice! Am sure that your birthday cakes were very much to your liking. Did you have a special flavor or did you choose different ones each year?
Peggy, we were lucky to have a local, independent ice cream shop that made fantastic ice cream cakes. :)
- AUTHOR
Hi donnah75,
So ice cream cake was your favorite! I guess Baskin Robbins has been making them for years. Was that your source or did you have a homemade one prepared? My brother never varied his request. It was always spice cake that he wanted. Of course we all got to share whatever the choices were with the rest of our family. Those were fun days! :))
- AUTHOR
Hello vertualit,
So glad that you liked this spice cake recipe and the posting of this hub. Appreciate your comment.
- AUTHOR
Hi FlourishAnyway,
So glad that you liked the layout of this hub as well as the Spice Cake recipe. Thanks for your comment.
- AUTHOR
Hi Sheila,
Interesting that spice cake was also your dad's choice for a birthday cake. Thanks for your votes and the shares.
This looks lovely. I always asked for an ice cream cake for my birthday. There was something about ice cream that made my December birthday less wintery.
awesome posting :) great hub...
Not only does the recipe look good, but this is also a beautifully put-together hub! Wow!
- AUTHOR
Hi Eddy,
This recipe is a delicious one for anyone who likes a spice cake. Thanks for your comment and wishing for you a wonderful day over there in Wales.
This sounds awesome! I absolutely LOVE spice cake! It was always my dad's choice for his birthday cakes. I love the idea of the streusel topping. As far as spices go, I have learned a lot here. My mom always kept clove oil for a toothache, it worked great! Great hub, voted useful, interesting, pinning and sharing! :)
A wonderful recipe Peggy and thank you so much for sharing.
Eddy.
- AUTHOR
Hi Suzanne,
We buy our grapeseed oil at Costco so it is a good price. We love our Costco! Some people we know claim that we could do ads for them. Ha! Thanks for taking such an interest in this topic. I may check out peanut oil and do a price comparison.
Grapeseed oil is a good, hot oil, but it's awfully expensive. Peanut oil is an affordable everyday alternative.
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