A traditional Finnish spice bundt cake known as Maustekakku. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, it's perfect for cozy days and coffee breaks. Serve dusted with powdered sugar or topped with cream cheese whipped frosting.
Equipment
- Bundt pan (8–10 cup capacity)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (for frosting)
- Kitchen scale (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins (folded in at the end)
For the Optional Frosting:
- 225 g cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with 1 tbsp softened butter.
- In a small bowl, melt butter and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and yogurt until smooth. Add vanilla and melted butter, then whisk in the sugar.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Invert onto a plate and cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar, or proceed with frosting below.
Optional Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth.
- Mix in sea salt and vanilla extract.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Frost cooled cake or serve frosting on the side.
Notes
Maustekakku, or Finnish Spice Cake, is a traditional Nordic bundt cake that brings cozy spice aromas and nostalgic comfort to any kitchen. 🍰✨ Often associated with the colder months, this tender, golden cake is deeply rooted in Finnish home-baking culture. However, its inviting blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves makes it a year-round delight — perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Unlike heavily frosted cakes, Maustekakku embraces elegant simplicity. It’s traditionally served un-iced, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, allowing its rich flavors and soft crumb to shine. But for those who love a creamy finish, a whipped cream cheese frosting can elevate it into a decadent centerpiece for any gathering.
🧁 A Slice of Finnish Tradition
In Finland, spice cakes like Maustekakku are commonly prepared for family celebrations, Sunday coffee tables ("kahvipöytä"), and especially during the festive season. Though it resembles other European spice cakes, Maustekakku stands out due to its specific balance of spices and typically includes no molasses or heavy sweeteners — just a tender, buttery crumb enhanced by yogurt or sour milk. The word "mauste" means "spice" in Finnish, and while some traditional versions include cardamom — the queen of Nordic spices — this variation omits it for a cleaner flavor profile, letting cinnamon and ginger take the lead. 🎄🛠 Tools & Equipment
To make Maustekakku, you’ll need:- A bundt pan (8–10 cups capacity is ideal)
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric handheld mixer (for frosting)
- Kitchen scale (optional, but useful for precision)
🧂 Ingredients for Maustekakku
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
- Eggs
- Plain Greek yogurt (or substitute with sour cream or buttermilk)
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1 cup raisins (folded in at the end, if desired)
For the Optional Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting:
- Cream cheese (full-fat, room temperature)
- Powdered sugar
- A pinch of sea salt
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
👩🍳 How to Make Finnish Spice Cake (Maustekakku)
-
Prepare the pan:
Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with softened butter (about 1 tablespoon). Some Finnish home bakers traditionally use breadcrumbs to prevent sticking — if your bundt pan tends to cling, consider buttering and flouring it. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.
-
Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg (if using). -
Combine wet ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, whisk again, then add sugar and continue whisking until well combined. -
Add the dry ingredients:
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Whisk or fold gently — the batter will be thick and aromatic. - Pour and smooth the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to gently even out the top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes. The cake should rise, turn golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
-
Cool and unmold:
Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate. Let cool completely or serve slightly warm. -
Finishing touch:
Dust with powdered sugar for a traditional presentation, or top with cream cheese whipped frosting if desired (see below).
❄️ Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting (Optional)
For a creamy twist, this light frosting is a dreamy addition:- Beat cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Mix in a pinch of salt and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add heavy cream while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Frost the entire cake or serve it on the side as a dollop for individual slices.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Without frosting: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- With frosting: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Yogurt Alternatives: Sour cream, buttermilk, or Finnish cultured milk like piimä or viili can be used in place of yogurt.
- Raisins: Fold in a cup of raisins for a nostalgic variation enjoyed in many Finnish households.
- Cardamom: While omitted in this recipe for balance, feel free to add ½–1 tsp of ground cardamom for a more traditional Nordic touch.
☕ The Perfect Companion for Coffee Time
Whether it’s a snowy morning or a breezy July afternoon, this Finnish spice cake is a warm embrace in every bite. Soft, fragrant, and elegantly simple, Maustekakku is the kind of cake you’ll find yourself craving again and again — especially with a hot cup of coffee on the side. 🇫🇮❤️