Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm flavors of this Spice Cake topped with a crunchy coffee toffee layer, perfect for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-02T16:26:01.917Z

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch combines the warmth of spices with the delightful crunch of toffee, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm, aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with a cozy scent
  • Crunchy coffee toffee topping that adds a delightful texture
  • Perfect for sharing with friends and family at any celebration

A Symphony of Spices

The heart of this Spice Cake lies in its warm and inviting blend of spices. Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg create a comforting aroma that wafts through your kitchen as it bakes. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also evoke memories of cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations. Each bite is a delicious reminder of why spice cakes are a beloved classic.

Using fresh ground spices elevates the flavor profile significantly. Opt for high-quality spices to ensure that your cake captures the full essence of warmth and richness. The combination of these spices pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to formal celebrations.

The Crunch Factor

No cake is complete without a unique texture, and that's where the Coffee Toffee Crunch comes in. This topping introduces a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moistness of the spice cake. The toffee bits melt slightly when layered on the warm cake, creating a rich, sweet glaze that makes each slice irresistible.

Additionally, the brewed coffee adds depth to the toffee crunch, enhancing its flavor and making it an exceptional topping for the spice cake. If you choose to include nuts, they bring an extra layer of crunchiness and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the toffee.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is not just for special occasions; it's a versatile dessert that can brighten up any day. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself, this cake fits the bill. Its impressive appearance and delightful flavors make it a standout dessert that will impress your guests.

Moreover, this cake is easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for gatherings. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat that everyone will love. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Mix all ingredients well for a delectable flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Make the Spice Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Coffee Toffee Crunch

In a small bowl, combine the toffee bits, cooled coffee, and nuts if using. Stir until well mixed.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the coffee toffee crunch mixture over the top, then place the second layer on top. Finish by topping the entire cake with the remaining coffee toffee crunch.

Slice and serve your delicious spice cake with coffee toffee crunch!

Storing Your Spice Cake

To keep your Spice Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, but be aware that refrigeration can slightly alter the texture.

If you need to store the cake for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with the spices in your cake! Adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves can introduce new flavors that elevate the overall taste. Additionally, you can swap the buttermilk for yogurt or sour cream for a slightly different texture and flavor.

For a chocolate twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the batter while keeping the spices. This will give your spice cake a richer, more indulgent flavor that pairs well with the coffee toffee topping.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this delicious cake, consider pairing it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the cake complement a warm beverage beautifully, making it the perfect afternoon treat.

You can also garnish the cake with a sprinkle of additional toffee bits or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an eye-catching presentation. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, can also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite nuts or omit them entirely.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice mixed in, letting it sit for a few minutes before using.

Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Delight in the warm flavors of this Spice Cake topped with a crunchy coffee toffee layer, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Spice Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 4 large eggs
  5. 1 cup buttermilk
  6. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  9. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  10. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  11. ½ teaspoon salt

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  1. 1 cup toffee bits
  2. ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled
  3. ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 03

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 04

In a small bowl, combine the toffee bits, cooled coffee, and nuts if using. Stir until well mixed.

Step 05

Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the coffee toffee crunch mixture over the top, then place the second layer on top. Finish by topping the entire cake with the remaining coffee toffee crunch.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 4g