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–+ servings
Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Baked Icing
This Brown Sugar Spice Cake is a rich, aromatic dessert bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The inclusion of sour milk gives it a tender crumb, while the unique boiled topping adds a delightful crunch. This cake reflects classic American home baking, perfect for cozy gatherings or special treats. The topping’s texture and deep molasses-like sweetness set it apart from typical spice cakes, making it a beloved choice for fall and holiday tables.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 455 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2½ cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sour milk

For the Topping:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup broken nut meats (such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  • Cream shortening.
  • Gradually add sugar, beating until smooth.
  • Add well-beaten egg yolks and whole eggs to creamed mixture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Cake Batter

  • Add dry ingredients alternately with sour milk to the creamed mixture. Mix well.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Pour batter into a greased and floured 8½ x 12½ inch pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes in a moderate oven.

Step 5: Make the Topping

  • Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
  • Add brown sugar and beat until thick and glossy.
  • Spread topping over warm cake and sprinkle with nuts.

Tips

  • Substitute butter for shortening for a richer, more decadent flavor.
  • Add ½ cup raisins or chopped dates for an old-fashioned fruit-spice variation.
  • Replace sour milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to deepen the spice profile.
  • For crunchier icing, let the topping bake until the sugar crystallizes slightly.
  • Use pecans or walnuts, both pair beautifully with brown sugar.
  • Turn this into cupcakes by adjusting the baking time to ~20 minutes.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for added aroma.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword brown sugar cake, comfort food, heirloom recipe, holiday baking, nostalgic food, southern dessert, spice cake, vintage baking
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