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–+ servings
Cocoa Spice Cake
Cocoa Spice Cake is a warmly spiced, old-fashioned cake that blends simple pantry ingredients with cocoa for a tender, fragrant crumb. This style of cake became popular in American home baking when cocoa powder became widely available and economical, allowing families to enjoy chocolate flavor without expensive baking chocolate. The gentle sweetness is layered with cinnamon and vanilla, creating a comforting aroma as it bakes “slowly” at a moderate oven temperature. The use of buttermilk or sour milk helps tenderize the crumb and deepen flavor. Loved for its unfussy method and dependable results, this cake is perfect for everyday desserts, afternoon coffee breaks, and nostalgic baking that highlights warm spices and cocoa together.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening (or butter/lard blend)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or sour milk)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

  • Preheat oven to 325–350°F (160–175°C)
  • Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch cake pan

Step 2: Cream Base

  • Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy

Step 3: Add Eggs

  • Beat in eggs one at a time

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, cinnamon, and baking soda

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

  • Stir vanilla into buttermilk or sour milk

Step 6: Make Batter

  • Add dry and wet ingredients alternately to creamed mixture
  • Mix just until smooth

Step 7: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan
  • Bake slowly for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean

Step 8: Cool and Serve

  • Cool in pan 10 minutes
  • Remove to rack and cool completely before slicing

Tips

  • Add a simple vanilla or cocoa glaze for a classic finish
  • Substitute oil for shortening for a slightly moister crumb
  • Add 1/2 tsp ground cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice notes
  • Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture
  • Dust cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting
  • Bake as cupcakes; reduce baking time to 18 to 22 minutes
  • Use sour cream instead of buttermilk for richer flavor
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.9mg
Keyword cinnamon chocolate, cocoa cake, comfort food, cozy baking, homemade cake, old-fashioned dessert, vintage baking, warm spices
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