12 Exotic Spice Cake Recipes for Winter You’ll Love

You're baking a warmly spiced apple cider cake, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas. As you explore winter spice cakes, you'll discover unique flavors like cardamom and rosewater. What other exotic spices will you combine to create the perfect treat?

1. Warmly Spiced Apple Cider Cake

Warmly spiced apple cider cake, perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the apple cider.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Gingerbread Cake With Crystallized Ginger

Spicy and sweet gingerbread cake infused with crystallized ginger.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in chopped crystallized ginger.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Cinnamon Swirl Buns With Sweet Glaze

Soft and fluffy cinnamon swirl buns topped with a sweet glaze.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of warm milk
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• Sweet glaze for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and melted butter.
4. Add the beaten egg to the wet ingredients and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and brush with melted butter.
8. Mix the cinnamon and nutmeg, and sprinkle over the dough.
9. Roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
10. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each bun.
11. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Allow the buns to cool before drizzling with sweet glaze.

4. Cardamom and Rosewater Pound Cake

Delicate cardamom and rosewater flavors infuse this moist pound cake.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons rosewater
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in rosewater and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Nutmeg and Caramel Cream Cheese Cake

Nutmeg and Caramel Cream Cheese Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cakes are cool, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
10. Beat cream cheese until smooth and use to fill and frost the cake.

6. Spiced Pear and Ginger Upside-Down Cake

Moist and flavorful cake filled with spiced pears and ginger.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 10-inch tube pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the flour mixture.
5. Arrange the pear slices in the prepared pan and sprinkle with crystallized ginger.
6. Pour the batter over the pears and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
9. Serve warm, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

7. Chai Tea Cake With Vanilla Bean Frosting

Moist chai tea cake paired with creamy vanilla bean frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup strong brewed chai tea
• 1 cup vanilla bean frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with chai tea, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cakes are completely cool, spread vanilla bean frosting on top of one cake layer and place second layer on top.
10. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.

8. Lemon and Ginger Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon and ginger flavors combined with poppy seeds create a unique and delicious cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, yogurt, eggs, lemon juice, and ginger.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in the poppy seeds.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Cranberry and Orange Zest Spice Cake

Moist and flavorful cake with cranberry and orange zest.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the yogurt and orange zest.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Five-Spice Chocolate Chiffon Cake

Moist and flavorful, this Five-Spice Chocolate Chiffon Cake combines Asian spices with rich chocolate.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a 10-inch tube pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, five-spice powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, oil, egg yolks, and milk.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold the egg whites into the cocoa mixture until no white streaks remain.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
10. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
12. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cake and serve.

11. Maple and Ginger Walnut Coffee Cake

Moist coffee cake filled with maple and ginger flavors, topped with crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugars and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the maple syrup.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Clove and Allspice Sweet Potato Spice Cake

This sweet potato spice cake combines warm cloves and allspice with sweet potatoes for a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
8. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired.

Conclusion

You'll be the king of the castle, like a modern-day King Arthur, with these 12 exotic spice cake recipes. Warm spices and unique flavors will transport you to a winter wonderland, where cardamom and rosewater reign supreme. Bake your way through the season, and let the aromas of cinnamon and ginger be your guiding light, leading you to a world of culinary delight.