Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of this Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch, perfect for any occasion.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-02T16:34:02.545Z

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is not just a dessert; it's a delightful experience. The combination of warm spices and the rich crunch of coffee toffee creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm spices that evoke cozy feelings and nostalgia
  • Crunchy coffee toffee that adds a delightful texture
  • Perfectly moist cake that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee

The Magic of Spice in Baking

Spice cakes have an incredible ability to evoke warmth and comfort, making them a beloved choice for both casual gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to come and enjoy. Each bite of this spice cake not only offers delightful flavors but also brings back memories of cozy family gatherings during the fall and winter months.

The unique blend of spices in this recipe is carefully balanced to enhance the sweetness of the cake without overpowering it. As you bake, you’ll find that the scent of the spices mingles beautifully, creating an irresistible invitation to savor a slice. This cake isn't just a dessert; it's an experience that warms the heart and soul.

Crafting the Perfect Coffee Toffee Crunch

The Coffee Toffee Crunch is the star of this dessert, providing a delightful contrast to the moistness of the spice cake. Made with toffee bits and brewed coffee, this topping is a simple yet effective way to elevate your cake. The added walnuts bring a satisfying crunch, though they can be omitted for a nut-free version. This topping is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great addition to your baking repertoire.

When combined, the flavors of coffee and toffee create a rich, indulgent topping that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake. Allowing the toffee bits to soak in the coffee for a short time softens them, making them easier to spread while still retaining some crunch. This delightful texture will have your guests reaching for seconds!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is versatile enough to serve on any occasion, whether it's a casual coffee break or a festive gathering. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors and create a comforting experience. The warm spices in the cake complement the rich notes of the coffee, making every bite a harmonious delight.

For an extra touch, consider topping the cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the cake's spices and adds an indulgent flair that everyone will love. Don't forget to sprinkle a few extra toffee bits on top for a striking presentation!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious cake.

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect spice cake.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare Coffee Toffee Crunch

In a bowl, combine toffee bits, cooled coffee, and walnuts (if using). Let sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of coffee toffee crunch, then top with the second layer. Drizzle with any remaining coffee toffee.

Enjoy your delicious spice cake with a cup of coffee!

Storage Tips

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 prolong its shelf life, you can refrigerate it, although the texture may change slightly. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If the toffee crunch has lost some of its texture, you can easily refresh it by adding a little more brewed coffee or toffee bits before serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different spices in this cake to suit your taste preferences. You might consider adding cardamom for a unique twist or even a hint of orange zest for brightness. If you're a chocolate lover, try incorporating cocoa powder into the cake batter to create a chocolate spice cake variation.

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch, consider experimenting with different nuts or even adding chocolate chips for an exciting flavor combination. Each variation offers a new experience while maintaining the essence of the original recipe.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

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

→ Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of this Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch, 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: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  10. 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  11. 3 large eggs
  12. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  13. 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  1. 1 cup toffee bits
  2. 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
  3. 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 06

In a bowl, combine toffee bits, cooled coffee, and walnuts (if using). Let sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Step 07

Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of coffee toffee crunch, then top with the second layer. Drizzle with any remaining coffee toffee.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 4g