Spice up your baking with this simple Cake Spice recipe. This warm, aromatic blend uses common pantry spices to bring depth and warmth to cakes, muffins, donuts, and more.
I once wandered through a large spice shop filled with scents and blends from around the world. Among my purchases were a cinnamon syrup for pancakes and a cake spice blend to use in baked treats. Cake spice quickly became one of my favorites, adding a cozy, festive flavor to many recipes. Because it can be uncommon in regular grocery stores, making your own at home is fast, economical, and flavorful.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade cake spice is made from everyday baking spices you likely already have on hand. The combination creates a warm, balanced flavor that enhances many baked goods.
- The spices combine to produce a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic profile.
- It can be used anywhere a recipe calls for cinnamon to add extra complexity.
- Homemade blends taste fresher and are more economical than store-bought jars.
What is Cake Spice?
Cake spice, often called mixed spice in British recipes, typically combines several warm spices in one blend. It’s a traditional choice for holiday baking and is similar in character to pumpkin pie spice, though with its own distinct mix.
What You Need
You can mix this cake spice in equal parts for an easy, consistent blend. Use freshly ground spices when possible for the best aroma and flavor.
- Allspice — warm, sweet, with a faint peppery note.
- Cinnamon — sweet and fragrant; a classic base for mixed spice.
- Cloves — intense, warm, and slightly bitter; use sparingly if grinding whole cloves.
- Ginger — spicy and slightly sweet, adds brightness.
- Nutmeg — nutty and warm, rounds out the blend.
- Star anise — warm and sweet with a mild licorice note; optional but adds complexity.
How to Make Cake Spice
This blend comes together in minutes. Measure the spices and whisk them until evenly combined, then store for future use.
- Combine the spices. Mix the ground spices in a small bowl with a whisk until uniform.
- Store in a jar. Transfer the blend to an airtight container or spice jar.
- Shake before using. Give the jar a quick shake to reblend before each use.
Storage
Store the mix in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor. For best results, use within 6–8 months; spices gradually lose potency with exposure to air, light, and heat.
Recipe Tips
- Make small batches to keep the blend fresh and vibrant.
- Use fresh spices for the most aromatic and flavorful results.
- Label the jar with the date so you know when it was made.
- Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to maximize shelf life.
FAQ
What can you use in place of cake spice?
If you don’t want to make the blend, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice can be used as substitutes in many recipes.
Why keep spices in the dark?
Exposure to light accelerates flavor loss. Storing spices in a dark cupboard helps preserve aroma and potency.
Can you freeze spices?
Freezing is not recommended for everyday spice jars. Repeated temperature changes and condensation can introduce moisture, which may degrade flavor and encourage clumping or spoilage.
How to Use It
This cake spice can replace cinnamon in most recipes and adds a layered spice note to sweet dishes.
- Add 1–2 teaspoons to boxed cake mixes for extra warmth.
- Whisk into batter, pancake mix, custards, or French toast egg mixtures.
- Sprinkle into muffin, donut, or bundt cake batters for a cozy flavor.
Other Baking Basics
- Cinnamon sugar blends well with this spice.
- Homemade baking mixes can benefit from a teaspoon of cake spice.
- Use in whipped cream flavoring or spice-infused frostings.
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Recipe
Cake Spice Recipe
Just the right seasonings mixed together for the perfect cake spice.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cloves
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon star anise
Instructions
- Mix all the ground spices together in a small bowl until evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture into an airtight bottle or jar.
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place and shake before using.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 13
Total Fat: 1g
Sodium: 3mg
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Nutrition facts are estimates and not guaranteed. For specific dietary advice, consult a registered dietitian.
