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Ultimate Cinnamon Extract Spice Cake – Moist, Aromatic & Fluffy
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Cinnamon
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
16
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
This Ultimate Cinnamon Extract Spice Cake combines a tender, moist crumb with a medley of classic warm spices—like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—blended seamlessly with eggs, sugars, oil, applesauce, and buttermilk. The optional addition of cinnamon flavor extract amplifies the spice profile with a deeper, aromatic punch. Once baked, the cake emerges fluffy and fragrant, offering comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon ground cloves
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2 large eggs
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup dark brown sugar
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¼ cup neutral-flavored oil (e.g. canola)
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½ cup unsweetened applesauce
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½ cup buttermilk
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon flavor extract to boost the warm, aromatic depth—acts as a strong flavor enhancer alongside ground spices.
Directions
Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×9‑inch or 8‑inch square baking pan.Blend Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated and brown sugar, oil, applesauce, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon flavor extract for enhanced aroma.Mix Batter
Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain fluffy texture.Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice into 16 portions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Note
10 FAQs About This Recipe
Can I really taste the cinnamon extract?
Yes—the cinnamon flavor extract is potent and adds a deeper, more aromatic note beyond what ground cinnamon offers.
How much cinnamon extract should I use?
For every 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, about ¼ teaspoon of extract provides comparable intensity, so ¼ teaspoon works well here.
Can I omit the extract and use more ground spices instead?
Absolutely—keep the blend of ground spices; the extract is optional but intensifies the flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes—replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and follow the same baking time.
Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
What’s the texture like?
Expect a moist, tender crumb, enriched with warm spice layers—applesauce and buttermilk help maintain softness.
Can I add frosting or glaze?
Definitely! A simple cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze pairs beautifully with the spice cake.
Can I bake this in a round pan instead?
Yes—use a similar-sized round pan, but reduce baking time slightly and begin checking for doneness sooner.
Any tips for richer flavor?
Boost extract by an additional ¼ teaspoon, or fold in a handful of chopped nuts or raisin mix-ins to complement the spice.