17 Spice Cake Recipes for Exotic Tastes

Get ready to explore a world of delicious flavors with 17 amazing spice cake recipes. You'll find cakes inspired by Africa, Mexico, and India, with special ingredients like ginger and cardamom that will make your taste buds happy. These unique cakes are perfect for anyone who loves trying new things.

You can make a cake that tastes like a warm hug from India, or one that feels like a fun party in Mexico. With these recipes, you can travel around the world without leaving your kitchen, and discover new favorite flavors. What kind of amazing spice cake will you create first?

1. African Spice Cake With Ginger and Cinnamon

African Spice Cake combines ginger and cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 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 whole milk, at room temperature

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, cinnamon, ginger, 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, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next.
5. Beat in the vanilla extract.
6. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, they can be frosted and decorated as desired.

2. Mexican Chocolate Chai Spice Cake

Mexican Chocolate Chai Spice Cake combines rich chocolate and warming spices.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

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, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Fold melted chocolate into cake batter until well combined.
8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

3. Indian Cardamom and Rosewater Spice Cake

Indian Cardamom and Rosewater Spice Cake is a unique dessert infused with aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons rosewater
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
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 rosewater.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Moroccan Orange and Ginger Spice Cake

Aromatic Moroccan spices blend with orange and ginger in this moist cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cayenne pepper.
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 orange zest and juice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Thai Coconut and Lime Spice Cake

Moist and aromatic cake infused with Thai flavors of coconut and lime.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

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, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, oil, eggs, lime zest, and lime juice.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Stir in cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Middle Eastern Pistachio and Saffron Spice Cake

Aromatic Middle Eastern spice cake infused with pistachio and saffron.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and saffron.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in yogurt and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
7. Fold in chopped pistachios.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Chinese Five-Spice Cake With Lemon

Chinese Five-Spice Cake With Lemon is a moist and aromatic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

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, five-spice powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest and juice.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Jamaican Allspice and Rum Spice Cake

Jamaican Allspice and Rum Spice Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 1 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, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, 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, then beat in vanilla extract.
5. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in rum and walnuts.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

9. Scandinavian Cardamom and Almond Spice Cake

Delicate Scandinavian spice cake infused with cardamom and almond flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds

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, cardamom, cinnamon, 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 almond extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, then fold in the sliced almonds.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Greek Cinnamon and Walnut Spice Cake

Aromatic Greek spice cake filled with cinnamon and walnuts.

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 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 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 medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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 vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold 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 comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Turkish Coffee and Spice Cake

Turkish Coffee and Spice Cake is a moist dessert infused with coffee and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup strong Turkish coffee

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, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
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 beat in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the Turkish coffee until the batter is smooth.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Indonesian Ginger and Galangal Spice Cake

Indonesian Ginger and Galangal Spice Cake combines warm spices with sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground galangal
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, galangal, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Beat the mixture just until combined, then pour into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Peruvian Cocoa and Chili Spice Cake

Peruvian Cocoa and Chili Spice Cake combines rich cocoa with spicy chili peppers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chili peppers, diced

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, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cocoa powder and sugar.
4. Add the softened butter to the cocoa mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Add the flour mixture to the cocoa mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the diced chili peppers.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Ethiopian Berbere and Honey Spice Cake

Ethiopian Berbere and Honey Spice Cake is a moist and aromatic dessert.

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 cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Ethiopian Berbere spice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.
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 Berbere spice and honey.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
10. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

15. Irish Whiskey and Spice Cake

Moist Irish whiskey infused spice cake with warm spices and velvety texture.

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 ginger
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in Irish whiskey and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix 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 center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

16. Korean Ginger and Sesame Spice Cake

Korean Ginger and Sesame Spice Cake is a moist and aromatic dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper.
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, followed by the yogurt and sesame oil.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the sesame seeds and crystallized ginger.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are cool, they can be frosted and decorated as desired.

17. Brazilian Nutmeg and Coconut Spice Cake

Brazilian Nutmeg and Coconut Spice Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert.

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
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut

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, 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 coconut milk and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in the shredded coconut.
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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

You've made it through the Spice Cake Olympics, congratulations! Now, go ahead and bake all 17 cakes, because your taste buds (and your social life) are clearly begging for it. Don't worry, your kitchen (and your diet) will survive... maybe. Get baking, and let the spice cake chaos begin!