Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary flavor adventure! This Spice Cake with Citrus Filling and White Icing is not just a dessert—it's a symphony of warm, aromatic spices dancing with bright, tangy citrus notes that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet bakery. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this recipe promises to deliver a show-stopping cake that looks as incredible as it tastes, guaranteed to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup citrus filling (orange or lemon)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent curdling.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For citrus filling, prepare by mixing citrus (orange or lemon) with a small amount of sugar and reducing to create a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Once cake is completely cool, carefully slice horizontally to create two layers.
- Spread citrus filling between cake layers, ensuring even distribution.
- For white icing, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth and reaches desired consistency.
- Drizzle or spread white icing over the top of the cake, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides.
- Let icing set for 15-20 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with citrus zest or a light dusting of ground spices.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough, dense cake.
- Spice Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Citrus Filling Tip: For an extra punch of flavor, add a little citrus zest directly into your filling.
- Icing Consistency: Add milk to powdered sugar gradually to control the thickness of your white icing.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding filling and icing to prevent melting.
- Storage Hack: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
