Delicious nutmeg cake baked and served on a plate with a slice cut out.

Nutmeg Cake Recipe

why make this recipe

Nutmeg Cake is a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. This cake is not only easy to make but also perfect for various occasions like birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home. With its unique flavor from the nutmeg and a rich caramel icing, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

how to make Nutmeg Cake

Ingredients:

3 eggs, room temperature
0.5 cup butter, softened
1.5 cups white sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cream
0.25 cup butter
1.5 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.

  2. Make nutmeg cake: Beat butter and white sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Add eggs, one at a time, until well-blended. Stir in vanilla.

  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.

  4. Pour 1/3 of the flour mixture into the bowl; mix just until incorporated. Stir in 1/2 of the buttermilk, mixing gently. Continue adding flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing until combined. Spread batter into the prepared pans.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them on a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

  6. Make caramel icing: Combine brown sugar, cream, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

  7. Stir in confectioner’s sugar and beat until smooth. Add more cream or confectioner’s sugar to achieve desired spreading consistency.

how to serve Nutmeg Cake

Serve Nutmeg Cake at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain, but it’s even better with a slice of the rich caramel icing on top. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

how to store Nutmeg Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can place it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for about a week.

tips to make Nutmeg Cake

  • Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light cake.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

variation

You can add walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture. Additionally, if you’re a chocolate lover, try adding chocolate chips for a different flavor twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the texture will be a little denser.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it properly. Just frost it before serving.

3. What can I substitute for brown sugar in the icing?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar, but it won’t have the same caramel flavor. You might also consider adding a little maple syrup for extra flavor.

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Nutmeg Cake

Nutmeg Cake is a delightful treat infused with warm nutmeg flavor and topped with rich caramel icing, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 pieces eggs, room temperature
  • 0.5 cup butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
  • 1.5 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk Substitute with milk and a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Icing
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar Can substitute with white sugar, but will alter the flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons cream
  • 0.25 cup butter
  • 1.5 cups confectioners' sugar Adjust with more cream or sugar for desired consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.
  2. Beat butter and white sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, until well-blended. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Pour 1/3 of the flour mixture into the bowl; mix just until incorporated. Stir in 1/2 of the buttermilk, mixing gently.
  6. Continue adding flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing until combined.
  7. Spread batter into the prepared pans.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  2. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them on a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
Making Caramel Icing
  1. Combine brown sugar, cream, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Stir in confectioner’s sugar and beat until smooth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35g

Notes

Serve Nutmeg Cake at room temperature. It can be enjoyed plain or with caramel icing. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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