Easy Spice Cake Recipe (German Gewürzkuchen)

A white plate with a square of chocolate topped spice cake with a fork.

4.87 from 15 votes

Easy Spice Cake Recipe (German Gewürzkuchen)

This easy Spice Cake Recipe is an old family recipe and makes your house smell amazing! A moist and chocolatey spiced sheet cake made with holiday spices that is easy to make from scratch and tastes even better on the next day.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: Holiday

Servings:

Author: Julia Foerster

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs room temperature
2 tsp orange zest (optional)
1 1/4 cup whole milk
6 oz dark or milk chocolate
2 Tbsp sprinkles

Cups - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the paddle attachment combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat for 4 minutes at medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Scrape sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the sugar-butter mixture. Mix for 20 seconds after each addition.
Add orange zest and mix until combined.
With the mixer running on low add flour mixture and milk alternating. Mix for 1 minute until combined.
Transfer batter to the prepared baking pan and use a rubber spatula to smooth the top.
Bake for 25-35 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean with only a few crumbs attached.
Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Melt chocolate and spread over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with chocolate and let chocolate set before serving.
Store covered in a cool place. This cake keeps fresh for up to 5 days and tastes best on the 2nd day.

Nutrition