Spice Cake With Caramel Frosting

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 08/08/19
spice cake slice

Roy Gr / EyeEm / Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 8 servings

Top this easy spice cake recipe with the caramel icing as directed below or use your favorite frosting. Either way, it's sure to be delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs
  • Garnish: easy caramel icing (recipe below)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  3. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  4. Add shortening, milk, and vanilla; beat on slow to medium speed of electric mixer for 2 minutes. Scrape sides and bottom of mixing bowl several times.

  5. Beat in eggs and continue to beat for 2 minutes longer.

  6. Spoon batter into a generously greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.

  7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

  8. Cool completely and frost with caramel icing (below) or cream cheese icing.

Easy Caramel Icing

  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

  1. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, milk, and butter.

  2. Stirring constantly; bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Let cool to lukewarm.

  4. Beat until creamy and thick enough to spread. If too thick, add a little more milk or a small amount of cream.