Jenna, my best friend from growing up in MN, has THE BEST spice cake recipe. She’s been an integral part of my life and I’m so happy to celebrate our friendship with this recipe.
Every year on Jenna’s birthday (and later on my birthday) her mother would make this cake in celebration of her daughter. It stands out as having both depth of flavor and a light airiness to it. Paired with an amazing butter and brown sugar panuche icing, you will literally lick every utensil used to cut a slice it is that good. Honestly, after one piece you barely feel like you ate any cake at all.
1 box spice cake mix (yes, a box mix)
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup milk
2 cups powdered sugar
2 square or round cake pans
Bake cake according to mix directions. Flip out of pans and allow to cool completely. For the icing, melt the ½ cup butter (unsalted) in a pan on low heat. Add 1 cups brown sugar, bring to a boil over low heat. Stir in ½ cup milk, stir until it comes to a boil again. Take off the heat to cool completely. Once completely cooled, add 2 cups powdered sugar to the mixture with a handheld mixer. Ice cake in layers and serve with afternoon tea.
