New Duchess Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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Most Helpful Positive Review

Dec 29, 2003

This cake was delicious but there are a few things I would change for next time. First of all I would cut the frosting in half. I baked it in a 13x9 pan and there was literally about an inch of frosting. Also, 45 minutes is a little too long to bake it in a 13x9. When I took it out it was just starting to get black and hard aroung the edges. One last thing...next time I might add some raisins or nuts to the batter. Thanx

—KEVINCOOK

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Most Helpful Critical Review

May 20, 2009

I struggled with how many stars to rate this cake. I was not impressed with the cake itself or the recipe directions but the frosting was a real winner. Traditionally, a cake of this type has pretty standard directions: cream the butter or shortening and sugar(s), add eggs one at time, then add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the liquid, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. The second problem is that the baking time as directed is far too long. Even at 25 minutes, I believe my layer cake was overbaked, which I'm sure contributed to the third problem, which is that the cake was not nearly as moist as it should have been. The flavor was great, and I did add 1 tsp. of double-strength vanilla. Now the frosting is perfect - silky, fluffy, light and smooth, with just the right amount of maple flavor. But even here there was a problem. Other reviewers have commented they had too much frosting for their 9x13" cake. I, on the other hand, made a layer cake and did not have enough frosting to frost the sides. Unfortunately, given the issues with the mixing and baking instructions and the fact that this was on the drier side, I can only call this an average cake, even though the frosting was simply perfect and beautiful.

—naples34102

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117 Ratings

May 14, 2007

This was good, but I did have to modify it. Like others, my cake was done in 25 minutes, and I was very thankful for the reviews or I might have walked away from the oven and ended up with a burnt cake! I split the batter into two nine inch rounds, so that may have had something to do with it. Otherwise the recipe was great, tasted just like the spice cake I remember. The spice ratio was PERFECT but overall not quite strong enough for me, so I would probably increase the spices by half next time, just to my own preference. I didn't have any maple extract so I tried substituting some of the sugar in the frosting for real maple syrup. The texture was fine but the maple flavor was hardly noticeable--just a warning for anyone else who might try the same thing ;0). Otherwise it was great. Thanks for the recipe!

—MixieArmadillo

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Aug 07, 2003

The frosting was superb! I added an extra 1/2 tsp. maple flavoring to the frosting since the flavor was too subtle. The cake, however, was very dry. I'll keep the frosting recipe and search for another spice cake recipe to go with it.

—KIMAR

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Feb 11, 2008

Spice cake is my favorite cake, as well. I have been wanting to try this recipe, but was worried the high ratings were more for the frosting than the cake. Not to worry! I did make a few changes, but nothing that substantially changed the recipe. Most of my changes were in the directions because I'm really anal when it come to preparation. First I sifted the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cloves, but not the white sugar. I substituted unsalted butter for the shortening and creamed it with the white and brown sugars. I then beat in the eggs (one at a time, as directed), as well as a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, I added the flour mixture (in fourths) alternately with the buttermilk (in thirds), beginning and ending with the flour mixture. I know this sounds complicated and time consuming, but it really isn't. I baked my cake in a 13x9 pan for 35 minutes. 45 minutes is too long. I always use an oven thermometer, so I know my oven is correct. Anyway, I frosted it with a traditional cream cheese frosting, and my husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it! So, thank you Stephanie, from both of us!!

—Sara

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Jul 21, 2004

Spice cake and carrot cake are tied as my favorite. I loved this recipe, but made a couple of healthy changes. I used Splenda in place of the white sugar, olive oil in place of shortening, and added a cup of applesauce for moisture. I did not substitude anything in the frosting (best part), but cut it in half and had enough. Thanks.

—claudygirl

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Sep 28, 2010

i didnt make the cake...i was looking for a maple frosting recipe and found this, so i only made the frosting. but it deserves 5 stars, i'll definetly be using it again! i added a little extra maple and decreased the confectioners sugar by almost a cup. its a very sweet frosting as written. thank you !!

—sparrow

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Oct 04, 2010

The cake itself is delicious and moist, with a wonderful texture. The smell of the cake baking had my son's mouth watering. We couldn't wait any longer and iced it while it was still slightly warm. I did make a couple of small changes -- I used all butter instead of butter and shortening, and half the quantity of icing was perfect for the sheet cake version. YUM! Next time, I will add some ginger and some allspice to the batter. To those who claim the cake is dry, I suspect that you're using too much flour. Make sure to sift it thoroughly BEFORE measuring.

—PEABODYDOG

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Nutrition

Calories
559 kcal
28%

Carbohydrates
81.1 g
26%

Cholesterol
64 mg
21%

Fat
25.2 g
39%

Fiber
0.7 g
3%

Protein
4.3 g
9%

Sodium
342 mg
14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

New Duchess Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting

Serving Size: 1/14 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 14
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 559
Calories from Fat: 227

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25.2g 39 %
Saturated Fat 9g 45 %
Cholesterol 64mg 21 %
Sodium 342mg 14 %
Potassium 93mg 3 %
Total Carbohydrates 81.1g 26 %
Dietary Fiber 0.7g 3 %
Protein 4.3g 9 %
Sugars 64.3g
Vitamin A 5 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 6 %
Iron 13 %
** Thiamin 18 %
Niacin 16 %
Vitamin B6 2 %
Magnesium 4 %
Folate 25 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.