There is something truly irresistible about cozy spices warming your kitchen and a sweet glaze crowning a tender cake, which is exactly what the Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe delivers in every bite. This dessert combines fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a moist, tender crumb, all beautifully complemented by a luscious maple-infused icing that’s silky and rich without being overpowering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe is a celebration of fall flavors and sweet memories that’s sure to become a beloved favorite on your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe is a breeze, thanks to pantry staples and a handful of aromatic spices that bring the cake to life. Each component plays an essential role, from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the brown sugar adding deep sweetness and moisture, while the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates that signature warming flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and crumb, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light.
- Baking soda: Works with sour cream for tenderness and lift.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives cozy warmth to the cake.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a deep, slightly sweet and nutty note.
- Ground ginger: Provides a subtle zing that awakens the palate.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way for rich, aromatic depth.
- Ground allspice and/or star anise: Adds complexity and a hint of exotic flavor.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Dark brown sugar: Contributes a rich molasses flavor and extra softness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor for a well-rounded taste.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients while providing richness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, making the cake wonderfully tender.
- Sour cream: Introduces acidity that balances sweetness and aids in a soft crumb.
- Unsalted butter: For the decadent maple icing, providing richness and smoothness.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable icing texture.
- Maple extract: The secret star of the icing, infusing that unmistakable maple flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the maple icing to the perfect consistency.
- Chopped toasted or candied pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast when garnished.
How to Make Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and setting the rack in the center for even baking. While the oven warms, combine your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the spice blend — in a bowl, giving them a good mix to distribute the flavors evenly. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, and applesauce until glossy and smooth. Add half of the dry mix, then sour cream, followed by the rest of the dry mix, folding gently but thoroughly to achieve a smooth, well-incorporated batter that promises a tender cake.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Grease a 10-cup bundt pan generously with nonstick spray that contains flour or your preferred method to prevent sticking; this step is crucial for an easy removal later. Pour the batter in and smooth it into an even layer. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 33 to 38 minutes, watching closely after 30 minutes to avoid over-baking. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before flipping it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, which will help the cake set and make it easier to ice.
Step 3: Make the Maple Icing
While the cake cools, get started on the luxurious maple icing. In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and milk over medium heat, bringing it just to a simmer while whisking frequently until the sugar melts completely and the mixture looks smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in maple extract and powdered sugar. The icing will thicken as it cools, so work quickly to drizzle it over the cake while still pourable, coating every nook in that beautiful spiced glaze.
Step 4: Garnish and Finish
If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle finely chopped toasted or candied pecans immediately over the warm icing before it sets to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast. Let the icing firm up a bit to set, but don’t wait too long or it will become difficult to drizzle.
How to Serve Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped toasted pecans or candied pecans is a classic accompaniment to the maple icing because it adds texture and a toasty flavor that complements the spices beautifully. You could also add a dusting of cinnamon or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to make it look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This spice cake shines as a solo star with a cup of hot tea or coffee, but if you’re serving it as part of a dessert spread, consider a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool creaminess pairs wonderfully with the warm spices and sweet maple icing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, homey feel, serve this cake on a wooden board garnished with fresh autumn leaves or small apples and pears. If you want to impress guests, slice and plate each piece with a drizzle more of maple icing and a sprinkle of pecans for a picture-perfect presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe is cooled and iced, store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This cake stays beautifully moist thanks to the applesauce and sour cream in the batter, so there’s no need for refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the cake freezes well without the icing. After baking and cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely at room temperature before adding the maple icing fresh.
Reheating
Warm slices slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring out that fresh-baked feel before serving. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat to avoid drying out the cake, and always add fresh icing if you’ve frozen the cake without it for that signature moist, flavorful finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil for the cake?
Absolutely! Vegetable or canola oil works best as they have a neutral flavor, but light olive oil or melted coconut oil can be used if you’re looking for a slightly different taste profile. Just keep in mind these oils may slightly influence the flavor and texture.
Why does this recipe include applesauce and sour cream?
Applesauce adds natural moisture and a subtle sweetness while keeping the cake tender without excess fat. Sour cream contributes richness and acidity, which helps balance the sweetness and react with the baking soda for a light, soft crumb in the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, but results may vary depending on the blend used. For the best texture, use a blend that contains xanthan gum and is intended for cakes.
Is the maple extract necessary?
While maple extract is key to the distinctive flavor of the icing, if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with a bit of pure vanilla extract. The spice cake will still be delicious, but you’ll miss the special maple note that makes this recipe stand out.
How long does the icing stay fresh after drizzling?
The maple icing will firm up within an hour at room temperature but remains delicious and moist underneath. If stored properly with the cake covered, the icing stays good for a few days, though it might lose a bit of its glossy appearance.
Final Thoughts
This Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe is one of those joy-bringing desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Perfectly spiced and moist with that irresistible maple glaze, it’s a recipe worth trying again and again. So grab your mixing bowls and take a moment to fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering scents of cinnamon and maple—you won’t regret it!
Print
Spice Cake with Maple Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Spice Cake with Maple Icing is a moist, warmly spiced cake perfect for fall or any cozy gathering. It combines classic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a luscious maple-infused icing, creating a delightful balance of sweet and spice. The cake is baked in a bundt pan for an elegant presentation and optionally garnished with toasted pecans for a crunchy contrast.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- scant ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice and/or ground star anise (¼ teaspoon each)
- ⅔ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
Icing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon maple extract (or substitute ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
- scant ⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted pecans or candied pecans (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Wait to grease your bundt pan until after the batter is prepared to ensure even coating.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice (or star anise). Set this mixture aside for later.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Flour Mixture and Sour Cream: Whisk half of the dry flour and spice mixture into the wet ingredients. Then add the sour cream and mix well. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and whisk until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Prepare the Pan and Bake the Cake: Thoroughly grease a 10-cup bundt pan using a nonstick spray with flour or equivalent. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake for 33 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully removing the cake. Place the cake directly on the rack to cool completely.
- Make the Maple Icing: In a small saucepan, combine the butter, dark brown sugar, and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking frequently until the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the maple extract and powdered sugar. Allow the icing to cool for a few minutes until it is pourable but thick enough to coat the cake.
- Ice the Cake and Garnish: Pour, spoon, or drizzle the maple icing over the cooled cake. If using, immediately sprinkle the finely chopped toasted or candied pecans on top before the icing sets to ensure they adhere well.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter combine better and result in a tender cake.
- If you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract works as a good substitute.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
