Chocolate Spice Cake Recipe

Ever had chocolate cake with a cozy little twist? This one’s got warm spices tucked inside. It smells like a hug and tastes even better.

It’s rich like your fave chocolate cake—but with cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe a little clove. I make it when I want something sweet and comforting.

No fancy steps here. Just mix, bake, and breathe in that amazing smell. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Ready to bake it too? I’ll show you how I make mine. Let’s get cozy with this cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Delicious: Easy ingredients, bold flavor, and no complicated steps.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and allspice add depth to the chocolate.
• Moist Texture: Buttermilk and oil help create a soft, tender crumb.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for a family dessert or a cozy gathering.
• Kid-Friendly: The flavor is sweet and gentle, not too spicy.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes (includes cooling time)

Servings:
This recipe makes one 9×13-inch cake, serving about 12 people. You can cut smaller or larger squares depending on the occasion.

Difficulty Level:
Very easy — beginner-friendly and great for baking with kids.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls (x2)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze (optional)

Ingredients for Chocolate Spice Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this warm, spiced cake (measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

Dry Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour – the base of the cake
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness
• Baking soda – gives the cake a good rise
• Cocoa powder – brings rich chocolate flavor
• Ground cinnamon – adds warmth
• Ground ginger – gives a soft spicy note
• Ground allspice – deepens the flavor
• Salt – balances the sweetness

Wet Ingredients:

• Water – helps mix the dry ingredients smoothly
• Buttermilk – keeps the cake moist and tender
• Egg – binds the batter
• Vegetable oil – gives the cake its soft texture
• Vanilla extract – adds sweet aroma

For the Cocoa Glaze (Optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• Milk – to create a pourable glaze

Variations for Chocolate Spice Cake

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to make it extra rich.
• Use Applesauce: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a slightly lighter version.
• Top with Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the cocoa glaze for a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.
• Make It a Layer Cake: Use two 9-inch round pans instead of one rectangular dish. Just reduce bake time to about 30–35 minutes.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

How to Make Chocolate Spice Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Cocoa powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground allspice
• Salt

Make sure everything is evenly mixed before moving on.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Water
• Buttermilk
• Egg
• Oil
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop once no flour streaks remain.

5. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then move it to a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing or slicing.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

Chocolate Spice Cake is lovely on its own, but here are a few easy ways to dress it up:

• Cocoa Glaze Drizzle: Once the cake cools, pour the simple cocoa glaze over the top. It adds shine and a sweet finish.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Keep it simple and elegant with a light dusting just before serving.
• Add Whipped Cream: A scoop of whipped cream on each slice brings a soft, creamy contrast.
• Pair with Fruit: Fresh raspberries or orange slices brighten up the flavors.
• Serve Warm: Slightly warm slices make the spices stand out even more.

How to Store Chocolate Spice Cake

• At Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days. Use a cake dome or airtight container to keep it soft.
• In the Fridge: Stays fresh for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving.
• To Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir until the flour is just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose flavor over time. Use fresh cinnamon, ginger, and allspice for best results.
• Check for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the cake cool fully before adding glaze so it sets properly.
• Use Buttermilk: Real buttermilk gives the cake its soft, tender crumb. If you don’t have any, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

🍫 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 of 12 slices)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~280 kcal
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	3g
Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	2g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	24g
Sodium	210mg
Calcium	40mg
Iron	2mg

Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

FAQs About Chocolate Spice Cake

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour, but the cake may be a bit denser.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to make a quick substitute.

Can I make this in a bundt pan?
Yes — just grease it well and extend the bake time to about 50–55 minutes.

Is this cake spicy?
Not in a hot way! The “spice” refers to warm baking spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Spice Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that brings together deep chocolate flavor with the gentle warmth of spices. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for any time you want a sweet treat that feels a little extra cozy. Whether you serve it glazed, frosted, or plain, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.