AUTUMN EMBER SPICE CAKE

This cake is warmth captured in a bite. It is a golden crumb kissed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, made by the richness of olive oil. On its own, it carries the comfort, but brushed with spiced caramel syrup it becomes something more fragrant, glowing, and layered with sweetness that lingers. The glaze seeps into the cake while it is still warm, leaving a glossy sheen, a whisper of spice, and a hint of decadence that makes every slice feel like divine.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup brown sugar (softened)
¼ cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup regular milk
(Optional) ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins - love pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan or loaf pan.

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

• In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.

• Add the dry ingredients in thirds to the wet, alternating with milk, stirring gently until just combined.

• Fold in nuts or raisins if using.

• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 35–40 minutes (round) or 45–50 minutes (loaf), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy with coffee.

SPICED CARAMEL SYRUP

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp butter (or olive oil if you want to keep it consistent)
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
1 tbsp vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a small saucepan, melt the sugar with water over medium heat until it begins to bubble and shimmer.

• Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, the scent rising warm and sweet.

• Remove from heat, stir in butter and spices so they bloom into the caramel, then finish with vanilla for depth.

• Optional: fold in pecans if you want the glaze to carry a little crunch and earthiness. - IT’S OPTIONAL, BUT IT’S A MUST!

• Brush it over the cake while still warm, letting it sink in and leave a golden sheen with a whisper of spice that turns each bite into something layered, fragrant, and unforgettable.

NOTES FROM MY TABLE:

Brush the warm cake with a spiced syrup drizzle for extra moisture and aromatic flavor (light caramel + cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).