Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze Recipe

This Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze Recipe is a moist and aromatic recipe, which uses tender applesauce and zesty fresh ginger. It’s the perfect afternoon treat, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze Recipe Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 tablespoons grated ginger (from about 3-inch piece of ginger)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

How To Make Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze

1. Prep the oven and ginger: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch cake pan or a Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the grated fresh ginger in a double layer of cheesecloth or paper towels and squeeze firmly over a small bowl to extract the juice. Set both the dry, juiced ginger pulp and the reserved ginger juice aside separately.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the reserved dry ginger pulp. Ensure the ginger pulp is broken up and distributed evenly.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg with the brown sugar, applesauce, canola oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Make the batter and bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until thoroughly incorporated. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan and level the top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
5. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely, for at least 1 hour.
6. Make the ginger glaze: Stir together the powdered sugar with the reserved fresh ginger juice. If the glaze is too thick to pour, add a little water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
7. Glaze and garnish: Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the glaze over the center of the cake, using an offset spatula to gently guide it so it runs down the sides. Sprinkle the edges with the chopped walnuts to garnish before the glaze sets.

Recipe Tips

• Fresh Ginger is Key: Do not substitute ground ginger powder for the fresh ginger in this recipe. The fresh ginger pulp provides texture to the cake, while the potent juice creates the signature spicy kick in the glaze.
• Why use applesauce: Applesauce acts as a moisturizer and fat replacer (though we still use some oil). It ensures the cake stays incredibly moist for days without being heavy or greasy.
• Glazing Temperature: Be patient and let the cake cool completely (at least an hour) before glazing. If the cake is warm, the glaze will melt, become translucent, and run right off the cake onto the plate.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitute: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

What To Serve With Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze

This warming cake pairs perfectly with cozy beverages and light accompaniments.

• A hot cup of Chai tea or Earl Grey
• A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream
• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Warm apple cider

How To Store Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze Recipe

• Room Temperature: Store the glazed cake in an airtight container or cake keeper at room temperature for up to 3 days. The applesauce keeps it moist.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unglazed cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and make the glaze fresh before serving.

Spice Cake with Ginger Glaze Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 260mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 52g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per slice and may vary based on ingredients used.

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