Spice Cake Recipe

Spice Cake Recipe

History:
Spice cake has been a favorite among bakers and households for many years. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg were highly valued and used in different culinary creations. The combination of these warm and aromatic spices creates a delightful flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Fun Facts:
- Spice cake was particularly popular during the colonial period in America when spices were scarce and expensive.
- This cake was also known as "economical cake" due to its simple and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (or butter substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped raisins

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the ground cloves and cinnamon to the sugar-butter mixture and mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the sour milk and baking soda, stirring until the baking soda is dissolved.
5. Gradually add the sour milk mixture to the sugar-butter mixture, alternating with the flour. Begin and end with the flour, mixing well after each addition.
6. Fold in the chopped raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Grease and flour a cake pan. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.

Green Tree Layer Cake and Icing:

Cake Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/2 cups sifted flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder

Cake Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until creamy and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Alternately add the flour and milk to the butter-sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking powder.
6. Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured cake pans.
7. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cakes.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Icing Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1 large egg-sized butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cream or coffee

Icing Instructions:
1. Cream together the confectioner's sugar and butter until well combined.
2. Add the cocoa and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add cream or coffee to the mixture, while stirring continuously, until the icing reaches the consistency of thick cream.
4. Once the cakes have cooled, spread the icing evenly between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake.
5. Optional: Decorate the cake with green candy to resemble a tree cake.

Eggless, Butterless, Milkless Cake:

Ingredients:
- 1 package of seeded raisins
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 2 tablespoons of Crisco, chicken schmaltz, or clarified drippings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in water
- 3 cups of flour

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine the raisins, sugar, boiling water, cinnamon, cloves, Crisco (or alternative fat), and salt. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Dissolve the baking soda in water and add it to the cooled raisin mixture.
4. Gradually add the flour to the raisin mixture, stirring well after each addition.
5. Grease and flour two layer pans.
6. Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans.
7. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cakes.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool before serving.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Carrot Cake: Like spice cake, carrot cake incorporates warm spices and uses grated carrots for added moisture and flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Cake: This seasonal variation of spice cake includes the addition of pumpkin puree, giving the cake a moist and rich texture.
- Gingerbread Cake: Gingerbread cake is another spiced dessert that is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. It features a strong ginger flavor and is often served with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

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