Simple Molasses Spice Cake With Orange Marmalade Topping

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Butter a 9- inch square cake pan. Line the pan's bottom with parchment; butter the parchment.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, milk, eggs, molasses, walnuts, raisins, and orange zest. (Note the nuts and raisins are optional.).

4. 4

   With an electric mixer, beat on low for 2 minutes. Beat on high for 4 minutes.

5. 5

   Scrape batter into the prepared pan; bake 16-20 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back when lightly pressed. Let cake cool down a-bit (just enough so that it can be easily handled); carefully turn cake out onto a wire rack, remove parchment, and turn right side up. Spoon marmalade over WARM cake. Let cake continue to cool on wire rack. Transfer to your favorite cake pedestal and crown each serving with a dollop of whipped cream topping and a sprinkling of fresly ground nutmeg. (This cake is flavorful enough to be serve unadorned, or If desired, sprinkle with sifted confectioners sugar instead of the marmalade and whipped topping.).

6. 6

   Cook's Tip: Prior to topping with orange marmalade, cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic and refrigerated for up to 1 day.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.