Spice Cake with Maple Icing
Okay, folks, gather ’round the virtual kitchen counter, because today we’re talking about a dessert that screams “I tried, but also I’m really laid-back.” This isn’t just any cake; it’s a Spice Cake with Maple Icing. Think of it as the cozy sweater of desserts—warm, comforting, and perfectly acceptable for hiding a multitude of sins (like eating a second slice before breakfast). It’s special because it tastes fancy without actually demanding that you put on a tie or use all your “good” plates. You should try it because you deserve a little bit of spiced, maple-y joy in your life, and frankly, it’s easier than trying to fold a fitted sheet.
My husband, bless his heart, decided to “help” with this Spice Cake with Maple Icing once. I was busy trying to find a clean whisk, which, let’s be honest, is a quest worthy of an epic poem in most kitchens. He decided the maple icing needed more “oomph.” Oomph, apparently, meant spontaneously adding an extra half-cup of maple syrup directly into the mixer *while it was running at full speed*. The icing, previously a delicate cloud, transformed into a weaponized glaze that painted the ceiling, the dog, and a very confused potted plant. He then looked at me, covered in sticky sweetness, and asked, “Did I do that right?” Oh, honey. You did it *memorable*. We still found sticky spots behind the fridge three months later. At least it smelled delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Spice Cake with Maple Icing
- It smells like autumn exploded in your kitchen, but in the best possible way—like a cozy candle you don’t have to worry about lighting.
- That maple icing is basically a hug for your soul. It’s sweet, it’s rich, and it definitely won’t judge you for eating it straight off the spoon.
- It’s easy enough that even if your baking skills lean more towards “accidentally setting off the smoke detector,” you’ll still pull this off. Probably.
- It’s versatile! You can serve it to guests and look fancy, or eat it alone in your pajamas while binging reality TV. No judgment from the cake.
- Spices just make everything better. It’s science. Or maybe just my opinion, but either way, this cake proves it.
Time-Saving Hacks
- Buy pre-ground spices. Seriously, unless you’re aiming for a full “Little House on the Prairie” experience, save your sanity.
- Line your cake pan with parchment paper. It’s an extra step now, but it means no scrubbing a stuck-on cake later. Future you will send current you a mental high-five.
- Don’t fully cool the cake before icing if you’re going for a “rustic” look. It’ll just melt into a delicious glaze, and you can call it intentional.
- Use a stand mixer for the icing. One bowl, one attachment. Minimal cleanup, maximum creamy goodness.
- If you’re truly desperate to avoid dishes, just frost the entire cake *on* the cooling rack. The drips will fall onto the counter, which is *definitely* easier to wipe than a serving plate.
Serving Ideas
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream because everything is better à la mode. Especially if you burned the edges slightly.
- A dollop of whipped cream, because you’re a grown-up and you deserve to put extra fat on your dessert.
- Serve it with a strong cup of coffee in the morning to pretend it’s a sophisticated breakfast. We all do it.
- A glass of chilled cider, or if the kids drove you absolutely nuts today, a generous glass of your favorite wine.
- Honestly? Just grab a fork and eat it straight from the pan. No extra dishes, pure bliss.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Storage Tips
Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
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Spice Cake with Maple Icing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted for better texture
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 0.5 cups milk whole milk preferred
- 1 cup maple syrup for the icing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, drizzle maple syrup over the top as icing.