Description

Craving a nostalgic, spice-filled dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings? What if you could bake a tender, two-layer cake infused with cinnamon, allspice, and raisins, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, in just 65 minutes of active time? Mama’s Spice Cake, with 6 reviews, is your answer—ideal for holiday dinners, family celebrations, or gifting.

Ingredients

Cake

Sugar (1-1/2 cups): Sweetens and creates a syrupy base. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1 cup sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup.
Raisins (1 cup, chopped): Add chewy sweetness. Sub: Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or omit.
Water (1 cup): Forms syrup with sugar and spices. Sub: Apple juice for extra flavor.
Butter (3/4 cup, cubed): Enriches syrup and batter. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm flavor. Sub: Pumpkin pie spice.
Ground allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Provides spicy depth. Sub: Cloves or nutmeg.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds bold warmth. Sub: Allspice or omit.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances spiced profile. Sub: Ginger or cinnamon.
Large eggs (4, separated, room temperature): Yolks enrich batter; whites add lightness. Sub: Flax eggs (4 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 12 tablespoons water) for vegan; omit whites (batter may be denser).
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend or 1 cup whole wheat + 1 cup all-purpose.
Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Ensures rise. Sub: No substitute; critical for leavening.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/4 teaspoon.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with acidic ingredients. Sub: No substitute; critical for texture.
Chopped pecans (3/4 cup): Add crunch. Sub: Walnuts, almonds, or omit for nut-free.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates tangy, creamy frosting. Sub: Vegan cream cheese.
Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds richness. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor. Sub: Almond extract or omit.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness. Sub: Omit for low-sodium.
Confectioners’ sugar (4 cups): Forms smooth frosting. Sub: Reduce to 3-1/2 cups or use maple sugar.
Optional toppings: Chopped pecans, cinnamon sticks, fresh bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, or confectioners’ sugar for garnish. Sub: Candied ginger or edible flowers.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and festive, creating a wholesome, indulgent dessert.

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Instructions

Cook spice mixture: In a large saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup chopped raisins, 1 cup water, 3/4 cup cubed butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and cool completely. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent scorching; cool to room temperature to avoid curdling eggs.
Preheat oven and prep pans: Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans; optionally line with parchment. Tip: Dust pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix batter: In a large bowl, beat 4 egg yolks until smooth. Gradually stir in cooled spice mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Tip: Pat pecans dry if moist to avoid clumping.
Beat egg whites: In a small bowl, beat 4 egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Gently fold into batter. Tip: Fold carefully to retain air for a lighter cake.
Bake: Divide batter evenly between the two pans (about 2 cups per pan). Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 35 minutes; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool: Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely (about 1 hour). Tip: Run a knife around edges to loosen cakes.
Make frosting: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Gradually beat in 4 cups confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Tip: Adjust sugar for desired thickness; chill briefly if too soft.

Assemble and serve: Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with frosting (about 1 cup), leaving sides slightly exposed. Top with second layer and frost top and sides similarly. Garnish with optional pecans, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, rosemary, or confectioners’ sugar. Slice into 16 pieces. Tip: Chill for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts