Spice Crazy Cake Recipe

This Spice Crazy Cake is a dessert lover’s dream—warm, spiced flavors wrapped in a moist, tender cake with an irresistible caramel-cream cheese frosting. The best part? This cake is mixed directly in an ungreased pan (yes, really!), meaning fewer dishes and minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this easy dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: No mixer, no greasing—this cake comes together in one pan with a whisk. Talk about easy clean-up!
• Warm, Aromatic Flavors: With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, every bite is like a cozy hug.
• Customizable Frosting: The caramel-cream cheese frosting brings sweetness and a luscious richness, but you can easily dial it back to suit your taste.
• Pantry-Ready Ingredients: No eggs or butter required! You likely have most (if not all) of these ingredients right in your pantry.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake and provides structure.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and balances the spices beautifully.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cake its lift—no need for eggs here!
• Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, and Nutmeg: These aromatic spices make the cake wonderfully warm and cozy.
• Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
• Vinegar: Activates the baking soda to make the cake rise. Basic white vinegar works well!
• Cold Water: The liquid element that pulls everything together—it’s that simple!

For the Frosting:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Store-bought or homemade, it adds creamy sweetness to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Mixed into the frosting for depth and a touch of buttery sweetness. Plus, extra for drizzling on top because why not?

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of overly sweet frosting, start with less caramel sauce and adjust to taste.

Variations

• Spiced Up: Add a touch of ground ginger or allspice for an extra kick of warmth.
• Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into the batter right before baking.
• Nut Lover’s Dream: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or on top of the frosting for added crunch.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and plant-based milk for a vegan twist.

How to Make the Spice Crazy Cake

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients in the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In an ungreased 8×8 pan, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Use a spoon to carefully bring the flour from the edges toward the center to ensure everything gets mixed evenly.

Step 2: Create the Wells

Using a spoon, make two wells in the dry mixture—one large and one smaller.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour the vegetable oil into the larger well and the vinegar into the smaller well. Then, pour the cold water over the mixture.

Step 4: Whisk it Together

Gently whisk everything together right in the pan until the batter is smooth. Be sure to work all the edges and corners so no dry bits remain. If you spot any bubbles in the batter, give the pan a gentle tap on the counter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese frosting and caramel sauce. Taste and adjust the caramel to your liking!

Step 7: Frost and Drizzle

Once the cake has cooled, spread the caramel-cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the finished cake for a picture-perfect presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to ensure the center of the cake is fully baked. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
• Don’t Overmix: Combine until just smooth—overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Cool Before Frosting: Patience is key here. Frosting a warm cake will turn your beautiful frosting into a melted mess.

How to Serve

• As Is: This cake is perfect on its own as a simple dessert or sweet snack.
• Paired with Coffee: The warm spices taste amazing alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
• Elevated Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed nuts or extra cinnamon on top for flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (without the frosting) in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Enjoy your cake cold or let it come to room temperature before digging in. If reheating, consider a quick microwave zap for a slightly warmed, cozy slice (sans frosting).

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the mix includes xanthan gum for structure.

What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?
You can use plain vanilla frosting or make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk. Add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.

Do I really mix the batter in the pan?
Absolutely! This is what makes the recipe so unique and cleanup a breeze. Just be thorough in whisking so all the ingredients combine evenly.

Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Use a 9×13 pan and bake for about the same time, keeping an eye on it toward the end to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Spice Crazy Cake is proof that you can create something absolutely delicious with just pantry basics and a little creativity. The warm spices, moist texture, and luscious frosting make it a dessert that will delight your family and guests alike. Whether you’re short on time, in need of a quick sweet fix, or just looking for a cozy treat, this cake has you covered. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print