Old Fashioned Chocolate Spice Cake

There’s something special about old fashioned recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. They have a certain magic that brings back memories of family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. And what better way to honor those memories than by recreating the old fashioned chocolate spice cake recipe that your grandmother used to make? This recipe is a perfect tea-time treat or dessert that will evoke all those warm and cozy feelings in you. So, let’s get started!

One of the reasons this cake is considered “old fashioned” is because it uses simple, basic ingredients that were commonly found in your grandmother’s pantry. The recipe doesn’t call for any fancy or expensive ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on short notice.

Instead, this recipe uses cocoa powder or unsweetened chocolate and a blend of warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice (or whatever you have in your pantry), that give this cake a rich and complex flavor profile that reminds us of the simpler times.

You do not need to be an expert baker to whip up this cake. With its simple ingredients, you can make the cake with just a bowl and a spoon. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it, but it is not essential. Mix them together, pop it in the oven, and voila – you have yourself a delicious cake that will take you back in time!

The texture of this cake is moist and dense, almost like a cross between a brownie and a cake. Unlike most cakes that are light and airy, this cake has a satisfying heft to it that makes it perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or a satisfying dessert. The simplicity of this cake is what makes it so special. The absence of frosting allows the spices and chocolate to shine, giving it a rustic and sophisticated charm. A slice of this cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea and would make a great addition to your Christmas afternoon tea menu.

Now, let’s get to the exciting part – the recipe. You’ll need the following ingredients to make this old fashioned chocolate spice cake:

Ingredients for the chocolate and spice cake

All-purpose flour – just the plain kind is fine
Baking soda
Salt
Cinnamon – Cinnamon really helps to bring out the chocolate flavor!
Spices -Nutmeg/Allspice/Ginger/Cardamon – any combination of these. I prefer nutmeg and allspice, but use what you have in your pantry.
Unsalted butter
Sugar – plain sugar or you can use brown sugar if you like a richer flavor
Eggs
Cocoa or Unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled – whichever you have handy
Buttermilk – or you can make your own buttermilk by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon to one cup of room temperature milk and let it stand for about 10 minutes. You can even use non dairy milks – get some clear instructions here.

Confectionery Sugar to sprinkle on top.

Making the Chocolate Spice Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and cocoa powder (if using, otherwise .

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in melted chocolate (if using).

5. Pour into cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

6. Cool on wire rack and sprinkle with confectionery sugar right before serving.

This old fashioned chocolate spice cake recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and time-tested recipes. When you take a bite of this cake, you’ll be transported to a different time and place, where life was a little slower, and everything seemed a little simpler. So, next time you’re in the mood for a comforting slice of cake, why not try this recipe? It’s easy to make, doesn’t require any frosting, and will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Happy baking!

“A warm and cosy, old fashioned chocolate and spice cake!”

-Anonymous