Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey with a classic American spice cake that promises to transport you straight to grandma's kitchen! This Kathleen Campbell's Spice Cake is more than just a dessert – it's a nostalgic experience that blends warm, aromatic spices with a tender, moist crumb that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress your family or satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The eggs should be beaten until they are light and slightly frothy.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the batter until it is smooth and no flour streaks remain. Mix for approximately 2-3 minutes to ensure proper aeration.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or frost with a cream cheese frosting for added sweetness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and most even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Spice It Right: For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh ground spices and make sure they're not older than 6 months.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is crucial – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent a melty mess and ensure the best texture.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Customize Your Frosting: While optional, a cream cheese frosting or simple powdered sugar dusting can take this cake to the next level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
