What to Add to a Spice Cake Mix

Last Updated on December 16, 2022

The old-fashioned spice cakes are a household favorite. However, homemade versions are on a whole new level. So, what to add to a spice cake mix? It is time to get baking and break out all those delectable spices. 

Essentially, a delicious spice cake relies on the selection and combination of spices so that no spice dominates others. Likewise, select a tasty frosting that will complement the spice flavors and not overpower the spice cake’s flavor. 

Can I Add More Spices? 

Generally, spice cake mixes contain dry ingredients in an airproof container. Then, add the wet ingredients when you are about to bake. Similarly, this is applicable if you utilized a box of mix you bought at the convenience store.

Remember, it is okay to adjust the spice level to your tastes. In addition to that, you have complete control to experiment with the number of spices you want to add if you desire a zany and bold spice cake. Likewise, it is best to make a subtle spice cake that does not overpower a cream cheese frosting.

Moreover, you can increase the spices if you want them for your recipe. Remember, be cautious when increasing the number of cloves, allspice, and nutmeg because the following spices are overpowering the spice cake if added too much.

What to Add to a Spice Cake Mix?

Essentially, begin with a spice cake mix as the base. Then, transform it into an even more delicious spice cake with extra ingredients. You can use various spices such as cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. However, if you do not prefer to add cloves or nutmeg to the spice cake mix, you can exclude them. However, cloves and nutmeg are great ingredients to add to a spice cake mix because they give an excellent flavor. 

Moreover, you can use a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar. As a result, it adds moisture to the spice cake. Remember that you can use only 3/4 cup of granulated or brown sugar. Likewise, buttermilk, oil, and applesauce can add extra moisture to the spice cake. Also, the best thing about it is that it helps to keep it tender for days. If you prefer not to use applesauce, then you can use at least a cup of buttermilk. However, it is best to add applesauce to the spice cake mix.

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In addition to that, you can even add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to make it flavorful. Also, add currant or dark raisins to it. Considering this, make sure to add around a cup of these ingredients to the recipe only because it would weigh down too much. Likewise, when adding the raisins or pecans, ensure to put a small amount of flour. Doing this will make them suspended in the spice cake. Also, they would not sink to the bottom as the spice cake bakes.

• Pilgrim Pumpkin Cake – Add water, baking soda, nuts, pumpkin, and eggs. 
• Upside Down Apple Spice Cake – Add peeled apples, butter, nuts, and light brown sugar. 
• Apple Spice Dump Cake – Add melted butter, chopped nuts, and apple pie filling. 
• Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake – Add oil, water, eggs, cinnamon, nuts, pumpkin, and vanilla pudding.

How to Create an Easy-to-make Spice Cake?

First and foremost, preheat the oven, then prepare the baking pans to use. Afterward, whisk the spices and dry the ingredients. Then, combine the applesauce and sugar. After that, blend the vanilla and eggs. Mix in two additions of dry ingredients with buttermilk. As you pour it into the prepared pans, bake it till it sets. Then, let it cool. Finally, apply the cream cheese frosting and spread it all over the cooled cake. You can even add sprinkles and pecans if you want to.

Does Spice Cake Mix Have Nuts?

When it comes to spice cake mix, you may think that it contains nuts. However, that is not usually the case. As nuts are one of the leading allergens, most boxed spice cake mixes like Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines do not usually contain any nuts.

However, when it comes to homemade spice cake, nuts are usually an addition to the recipe. Nuts help to add texture to the cake, as well as flavor. It also helps to make the cake mix taste more homemade. But if you can’t nuts, it’s just as tasty without them!

Can Spice Cake Mix Replace Carrot Cake Mix?

Spice cake mix and carrot cake mix are ultimately the same things. With the stars of the show for both are the spices, which usually are cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. However, spice cake mix is missing one vital ingredient that carrot cake mix has – carrots, of course! Just add around 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots to your spice cake mix, as well as any additional ingredients you may like such as coconut or pecans.

What Spices Are in a Spice Cake Mix?

Three main spices will always feature in a spice cake mix. Those spices are nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. These are the spices that you get the warming flavor and sensation from when enjoying a spice cake mix.

While these are the most common ingredients, that list is by no means exhaustive! You can also have spices such as ginger or clove; as both work well in a spice cake mix. Another favorite that I’ve found works well is pumpkin pie spice. It’s an absolutely amazing-tasting addition to a spice cake.

How Do You Make Pumpkin Bars With Spice Cake Mix?

To make pumpkin bars with spice cake mix, you do not need many ingredients at all! You’ll need 1 packet of spice cake mix, a 15oz can of pumpkin, and a small amount of cooking spray. You can also choose to add cream cheese frosting to your pumpkin bars, but this is optional.

Now all you need to do is grease a baking pan with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350F. Grab a bowl and add the pumpkin and spice mix together. Keep stirring until completely combined and then add the mixture to your oiled pan.

Place the pan into the center of your preheated oven for around 25-30 minutes (a toothpick or skewer should come out clean when ready). Cool and cut into bars. Frost with cream cheese frosting, if desired.

How to Make Spice Cake Frosting?

When it comes to the frosting for your spice cake, cream cheese frosting is the most popular choice. The tanginess of the cream cheese frosting works well with the warming cake. The ingredients you’ll need for your spice cake frosting are 12oz of cream cheese, 4oz of unsalted butter, 3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

To make your spice cake frosting, grab a bowl and cream the cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth. Once smooth, add the powdered sugar gradually; stirring as you go. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the ingredients are all combined. Your frosting is now ready to eat!

Tips for an Easy-to-make Spice Cake

You can lay paper towels on top of the spice cake to function as a protective shield between the moisture and the cake that will gather on the container lid, aluminum foil, or cling wrap. Only do this if there is no time to allow the spice cake to cool entirely before covering it.

Make sure that you grease the sides and bottoms of the pans. Afterward, sift a little flour into every pan. Make sure to shake hard so that the pans are floured properly. In addition to that, discard surplus to help spice cakes drop from the pans effortlessly. Moreover, make sure to divide the batter into pans. Doing this allows equal distribution through cakes and prevents air tunnels.