Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

Indulge in the delightful combination of warm spices and rich coffee flavor with this Spice Cake topped with crunchy toffee bits.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-02T18:54:02.825Z

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The warm spices complement the rich coffee flavor, while the toffee adds a delightful crunch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Warm spices that fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma
  • Coffee toffee crunch that adds a unique texture
  • Perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee

A Symphony of Spices

This Spice Cake is a celebration of warm spices that not only tantalize the taste buds but also fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a harmonious blend that is both comforting and invigorating. Each bite transports you to a cozy café during fall, where the essence of spices mingles with the comforting warmth of baked goods.

Using fresh spices can elevate your cake to a whole new level. Ground spices can lose their potency over time, so it's advisable to check their freshness before using them. A little tip: lightly toasting whole spices before grinding can enhance their flavor profile, making your cake even more aromatic and delightful.

The Perfect Pairing: Coffee and Toffee

Imagine the rich, robust flavor of coffee merging with the sweet crunch of toffee. This Coffee Toffee Crunch not only adds a unique texture to the cake but also deepens the overall flavor profile. The brewed coffee brings out the richness of the toffee bits, creating a delightful contrast to the spiced cake layers.

The toffee bits, when mixed with coffee, create a luscious topping that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy a little decadence in their desserts. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions

This Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch is versatile enough to be served on various occasions. Whether it’s a festive gathering, a birthday celebration, or a simple afternoon tea, this cake steals the show. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the flavors beautifully.

For added flair, consider garnishing the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. You can also serve it with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance the indulgence. The options for customization are endless, allowing you to make this cake uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start baking.

For the Spice Cake

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

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  • 1 cup toffee bits
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start making your cake.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious 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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine with Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Toffee Crunch

In a small bowl, mix the toffee bits with the cooled brewed coffee until coated.

Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, layer the cakes with the coffee toffee crunch in between and on top.

Let the cake sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Storing Your Spice Cake

To keep your Spice Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy the flavors and textures.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and let it sit at room temperature before serving.

Customizing Your Recipe

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to the cake batter for added crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also add a delightful sweetness and chewiness.

If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or adding a bit of applesauce to reduce sugar. Experimenting with different spices can also lead to exciting new flavor combinations, allowing you to make this cake your own.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture.

→ How can I store leftover cake?

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

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to create a buttermilk substitute.

Spice Cake with Coffee Toffee Crunch

Indulge in the delightful combination of warm spices and rich coffee flavor with this Spice Cake topped with crunchy toffee bits.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Sweet Treats

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Spice Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  6. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  7. 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  10. 1 cup granulated sugar
  11. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  12. 4 large eggs
  13. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  14. 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coffee Toffee Crunch

  1. 1 cup toffee bits
  2. 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled

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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk until just combined.

Step 06

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

In a small bowl, mix the toffee bits with the cooled brewed coffee until coated.

Step 08

Once cooled, layer the cakes with the coffee toffee crunch in between and on top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g