Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm flavors of this Spice Cake layered with a delightful Coffee Toffee Crunch that adds a perfect crunch to each bite.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-02T16:31:01.857Z

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is a true testament to the cozy flavors of fall. The warm spices blend beautifully with the rich coffee toffee, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or a comforting treat at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A perfect harmony of spices and sweetness
  • Crunchy toffee that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake
  • Ideal for special occasions or a delightful afternoon snack

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is a wonderful blend of spices that warm the soul. Each bite offers a comforting hint of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, making it the ideal dessert for fall or winter gatherings. The unique combination of flavors elevates the traditional spice cake into a gourmet treat that appeals to both young and old alike.

The addition of buttermilk ensures the cake remains moist and tender, allowing the spices to shine through in every mouthful. This cake is not overly sweet, making it perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

The Crunch Factor

What sets this recipe apart is the Coffee Toffee Crunch that crowns the cake. This delightful topping adds not just flavor but also texture, transforming a simple cake into an extraordinary dessert. The caramel notes from the toffee combined with the rich undertones of coffee create a symphony of taste that will leave your guests impressed.

The toffee crunch is easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Its quick preparation makes it a great last-minute addition, ensuring that your cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its glossy finish.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an afternoon treat, this Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch fits the bill perfectly. It's impressive enough for birthday parties and holiday gatherings while also being comforting for everyday enjoyment. This versatility makes it a go-to recipe for any dessert lover.

You can also customize this recipe by adding nuts or dried fruits to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to experiment with different coffee flavors or even spices to make the cake uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

For the Spice Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Mix well and prepare for baking!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Coffee Toffee Crunch

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the toffee bits, coffee granules, and brown sugar. Stir until combined and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread the coffee toffee mixture on top of the cake. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious spice cake!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, though this may slightly alter the cake's texture. For an extra touch, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving to bring back some of the cake's warmth.

When it comes to serving, consider garnishing each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This addition elevates the dessert experience, providing a delightful contrast between the warm cake and the cold cream.

Pairing Drinks with Your Cake

This Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A rich cup of coffee or espresso complements the coffee toffee crunch beautifully, enhancing the dessert's flavor profile. Alternatively, a spiced chai tea can accentuate the warm spices of the cake, making it a cozy option for chilly days.

For a non-caffeinated option, consider serving it with a glass of cold milk or a fruity herbal tea. The refreshing notes of the tea will balance the richness of the cake, creating a well-rounded dessert experience that will delight your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

→ How should I store the leftover cake?

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

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and add the topping just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Indulge in the warm flavors of this Spice Cake layered with a delightful Coffee Toffee Crunch that adds a perfect crunch to each bite.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Spice Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 tsp baking powder
  4. 1 tsp baking soda
  5. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  6. 1 tsp ground ginger
  7. ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  8. ½ tsp salt
  9. 1 cup buttermilk
  10. ½ cup vegetable oil
  11. 3 large eggs
  12. 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  1. 1 cup toffee bits
  2. 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
  3. ¼ cup unsalted butter
  4. 1 tbsp brown sugar

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 02

Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Step 03

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the toffee bits, coffee granules, and brown sugar. Stir until combined and let cool slightly.

Step 04

Once the cake is cool, spread the coffee toffee mixture on top of the cake. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 28g
  • Protein: 5g