Spice Cake with Maple Icing is one of those classic desserts that fills the house with warm, cozy smells. The spiced flavors paired with the rich maple icing are perfect for fall celebrations, holiday feasts, or just a cozy dessert for the family. It’s the kind of cake that you’ll make again and again because it’s easy to put together, yet always impresses anyone who tries it. The cake is moist, spongy, and packed with aromatic spices, while the maple icing is the ideal finishing touch, sweet but not overwhelming. Let’s dive into why this spice cake is an absolute must-try!
About the Recipe
When I first started experimenting with this cake, I knew I wanted something that balanced the rich, comforting flavors of fall spices with something sweet, but not overpowering. This cake delivers exactly that. The base of the cake is made from a simple combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, which gives it that homey, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the cooler months. But the real magic happens when you top it off with a smooth, buttery maple icing that’s simply irresistible.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to prepare, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a high-end bakery. The cake comes together in just a few simple steps, and the maple icing is so quick to make, it’ll have you wishing you could drizzle it over everything you bake.
Whether you’re making this for a family get-together, a holiday meal, or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Reasons You Will Love This Spice Cake with Maple Icing
- Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of spices and the maple icing brings a lovely balance of sweet and spiced, making every bite a delight.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this cake comes together quickly, with minimal fuss.
- Moist and flavorful: The cake itself is moist and packed with flavor from the spices and applesauce, making it the perfect fall dessert.
- Maple icing perfection: The maple icing is the perfect complement to the spice cake – smooth, rich, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- A beautiful presentation: The bundt shape gives the cake a stunning presentation, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a family dessert.
Equipment Needed
- 10-cup Bundt pan
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Spoon or spatula for icing
Ingredients for the Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅓ teaspoon ground allspice and/or ground star anise (optional)
- 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
For the Maple Icing:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon maple extract (or substitute with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Scant ⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted pecans or candied pecans (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Spice Cake with Maple Icing
Instructions for the Cake
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 10-cup Bundt pan and grease it thoroughly. For added security, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough hanging over the sides for easy removal later. The nonstick spray with flour is ideal for this step to ensure a smooth cake release. - Whisk the dry ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Then, add the spices – 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon each of ground cloves and allspice (or star anise, if using). Whisk them all together until well combined and set aside. - Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate, large bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup of vegetable or canola oil, 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs at room temperature. Whisk this mixture until smooth and light, making sure everything is fully incorporated. - Add the applesauce and sour cream
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, add ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce and ½ cup of sour cream to the mixture. Mix until smooth. This will give your cake a moist and rich texture. - Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Now, gradually add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. After that, fold in ½ cup of sour cream. Once this is well mixed, add the rest of the flour mixture and stir until everything is just combined. You’ll notice the batter is thick but smooth – that’s exactly what you want! - Bake the cake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 33-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a lovely golden crust on top. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Maple Icing
- Make the icing
While the cake is cooling, let’s make the delicious maple icing. In a small saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed dark brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking frequently. Let it cook for about a minute or two until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is smooth. - Add the maple extract and powdered sugar
Once the mixture has simmered and is smooth, remove it from the heat and add ¼ teaspoon of maple extract (or ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, if preferred). Whisk the maple extract in thoroughly. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, starting with a scant ⅔ cup, and whisk until smooth. The icing should be slightly thickened but still pourable. - Apply the icing
Let the icing cool for just a few minutes so that it thickens slightly. Once it’s at the right consistency, pour or spoon the icing over the cooled spice cake. If desired, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or candied pecans on top for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Serving, Storage, and Tips for Spice Cake with Maple Icing
Serving Suggestions
This Spice Cake with Maple Icing is perfect for cozy occasions or gatherings with friends and family. The rich and spicy flavors combined with the sweet maple icing make it an ideal cake to serve with a cup of tea or coffee, especially during the fall or colder months. Here’s how I recommend serving:
- Serve at room temperature: This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, where the flavors of the spices and maple icing truly shine. If the cake is too cold, the flavors may feel a bit subdued.
- Heat individual slices: If you prefer a warm slice, pop a piece in the microwave for about 8 seconds to get a nice, comforting warm-up.
- Pair with a beverage: I love to serve this cake with a hot cup of spiced chai or a latte for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Store the Cake
- Room temperature storage: If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store your cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for a few days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer to store it longer, you can refrigerate the cake. However, be aware that the icing may firm up when cold. If that happens, just warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Freezing the cake: If you want to store this cake for an extended period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature before serving. If needed, you can also freeze the cake before icing, and add the maple frosting after thawing.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Cake is too dry: If your cake turns out too dry, it’s usually because it’s been overbaked or mixed too much. Always check the cake at the minimum baking time (33 minutes), and make sure you’re not over-mixing the batter.
- Icing isn’t smooth enough: If your icing is too thick and hard to pour, simply warm it up slightly. You can do this in the microwave in 5-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Overly sweet icing: If you find the icing too sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar, or you can add a touch more milk to loosen it up and balance the sweetness.
Decorating Ideas
- Candied pecans or walnuts: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture and a beautiful finish.
- Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon can give the cake a more festive touch and boost the spice flavor.
- Maple syrup drizzle: For an extra touch of maple goodness, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the cake before serving. It will add a lovely sheen and extra maple flavor.
- Edible flowers: For a whimsical touch, you could also add some edible flowers for decoration, especially during the spring or summer months.
Enjoy your delicious Spice Cake with Maple Icing! It’s a perfectly spiced dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
