Handwritten recipe card for Spice Nut Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Spice Nut Cake with Lemon and Walnuts

Spice Nut Cake
This Spice Nut Cake is a classic American dessert bursting with nostalgic warmth and rich spice flavor. Combining aromatic nutmeg and chopped walnuts, it delivers a comforting texture reminiscent of old-fashioned family gatherings and church potlucks. The lemon rind adds a hint of brightness that balances the sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting brings a smooth, tangy finish. Often enjoyed as a holiday or Sunday treat, this cake perfectly captures the cozy essence of homemade baking traditions.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ⅓ cups cake flour (sifted )
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • ⅔ cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk (divided)
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 1 tbsp lemon rind (grated )
  • 1 lemon
  • ⅔ cup ketchup

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

  • Add shortening, ketchup, and ⅔ cup milk to the dry mixture. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Remaining Milk

  • Add eggs and remaining ⅓ cup milk. Beat for 2 more minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Flavorings

  • Fold in chopped walnuts and grated lemon rind.

Step 6: Bake

  • Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Frost

  • Cool cakes completely before frosting with buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

Tips

  • Substitute half the shortening with butter for a richer flavor.
  • Add ½ tsp cinnamon for an extra spice kick.
  • Top with a simple lemon glaze instead of frosting for a lighter dessert.
  • Toast the walnuts before adding for deeper nuttiness.
  • Store cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword comfort food, cream cheese frosting, dessert, lemon rind, nutmeg, spice cake, vintage baking, walnuts
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