Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than starting your day with a slice of homemade cake paired with a hot cup of coffee. One recipe that has captured the hearts of many home cooks is Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe. This old-fashioned, spice-filled cake is not just delicious but also brings back the warmth of Southern kitchens and cherished family traditions.

Packed with cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and a bit Dairy Queen Hot Fudge over it, this cake is simple to prepare yet flavorful enough to impress guests. Brenda Gantt, a beloved Southern cook, makes this recipe approachable, even for beginners who may be baking for the very first time.

Whether you’re baking it for family breakfast, brunch with friends, or just a cozy morning treat, this cake is a wonderful way to start the day. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

My Personal Experience With This Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe

When I first tried making Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake, I was drawn to how effortlessly it came together. The mixing of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves created an aroma that filled my kitchen long before the cake was ready to eat. It immediately reminded me of holidays at home, when baking felt like part of the celebration.

What stood out most was how adaptable this recipe is. Brenda often doubles her ingredients, and I’ve done the same when I had guests over. The layers baked evenly, and the finished cake turned out soft, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.

I also experimented with her cream cheese and orange zest icing instead of just dusting the cake with powdered sugar. That small change elevated the flavor, adding a refreshing citrus twist that perfectly balanced the warm spices. This is now a family favorite that we bake often.

Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour (Brenda recommends White Lily)
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 4 eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Add-ins

• 1 cup pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer)

Optional Icing (Brenda’s Version)

• 2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese
• 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• Zest of one orange + 2 tablespoons orange juice

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mixing bowls
2. Measuring cups & spoons
3. Whisk or hand mixer
4. 9×3 baking dish, cast iron skillet, or 3 small cake pans
5. Cooling rack

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Copycat Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the Oven & Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease three 9-inch cake pans, a cast iron skillet, or a 9×3 baking dish. Set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups self-rising flour, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Whisk well until the spices and sugars are evenly distributed.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack 4 room-temperature eggs into the dry mixture. Add ½ cup vegetable oil and stir gently with a wooden spoon or hand mixer until the batter becomes smooth and lump-free.

4. Fold in the Pecans
Add 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer) to the batter. Gently fold them in with a spatula, making sure the nuts are evenly spread throughout.

5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust time slightly if using thicker pans.

6. Cool & Finish with Icing (Optional)
Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. For Brenda’s signature icing, beat together cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, orange zest, and juice, then spread over cooled cakes before serving.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake deliciously

1. With a Hot Cup of Coffee
Honestly, nothing beats enjoying a warm slice of this cake with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The cinnamon and cloves pair so beautifully with a bold roast-it feels like the ultimate Southern breakfast.

2. Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream
We once tried adding a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top, and oh my, it softened the spice flavors perfectly. It’s especially nice if you’re serving it for brunch.

3. Paired with Fresh Fruit
Strawberries and blueberries on the side make this cake feel lighter and fresher. We love slicing up oranges too-the citrus really complements the orange zest in Brenda’s optional icing.

4. Warmed with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
One evening, we reheated a slice and topped it with vanilla ice cream-instant dessert! The creamy cold against the spiced warmth was just heavenly.

5. Served with Cream Cheese Icing
Brenda suggests just powdered sugar, but that cream cheese-orange zest icing is worth the extra step. We’ve made it both ways, and honestly, the icing makes the cake taste bakery-special.

6. As a Holiday Breakfast Treat
During Christmas, we’ve served it right alongside sausage balls and scrambled eggs. The sweetness of the cake balances savory dishes so well-it almost feels like part of the celebration.

7. Drizzled with Honey or Maple Syrup
One morning, we didn’t have icing on hand, so we drizzled warm honey over our slices. It gave the cake a sticky sweetness that paired beautifully with the spices. Maple syrup works just as well!

8. Layered as a Trifle
We once crumbled leftover cake into a glass dish, layered it with whipped cream and fruit, and turned it into a rustic trifle. It was a fun twist and a great way to use up pieces that stuck to the pan.

9. With a Glass of Cold Milk
This is such a simple pairing, but it’s one we love. The richness of the cake with a cold glass of milk is pure comfort food.

10. As a Sweet Brunch Centerpiece
When guests come over, we place this cake in the center of the table with coffee, fruit, and eggs around it. People always go straight for the cake first-it looks inviting and makes the whole meal feel special.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use self-rising flour.
This recipe works best with self-rising flour. Don’t use plain flour, or the cake may not rise right.

2. Bring eggs to room temp.
Cold eggs don’t mix well. Take them out early or put them in warm water for a few minutes.

3. Don’t skip the spices.
Cinnamon and cloves make the cake smell and taste amazing. They are the secret!

4. Mix gently.
When you stir, don’t beat too hard. Just mix until everything looks smooth.

5. Grease the pan.
Butter or spray the pan well, so the cake doesn’t stick.

6. Check with a toothpick.
After 30 minutes, poke the middle with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is done.

7. Cool before icing.
If you put icing on a hot cake, it will melt. Let the cake cool first.

8. Try pecans or walnuts.
Pecans are classic, but walnuts taste good too. Use what you like!

9. Smell the kitchen.
This cake makes your house smell so cozy. Enjoy the smell-it’s part of the fun.

10. Eat with coffee or milk.
This cake is soft, sweet, and spicy. It’s perfect with a warm drink in the morning.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs on this Copycat Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe

When you give this Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What is Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe?

Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe is a simple, old-fashioned spice cake made with flour, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, eggs, and pecans. I’ve baked it many times, and it always turns out moist, flavorful, and perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning.

2. Is Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe easy to make?

Yes, this is a very Good Morning Cake Recipe easy enough for beginners. From my experience, you just mix the dry ingredients with the wet ones, fold in the pecans, and bake-it doesn’t require any complicated steps.

3. Can I make this Good Morning Cake Recipe without icing?

Absolutely! The original Good Morning Cake Recipe Brenda Gantt calls for just a dusting of powdered sugar. I’ve made it both ways, and while the cream cheese-orange icing adds a lovely twist, the cake is just as delicious without it.

4. What makes this Morning Cake special?

What I love about this morning cake is how the cinnamon and cloves fill the kitchen with the most comforting aroma. It’s not too sweet, which makes it perfect for breakfast, unlike most traditional cakes.

5. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in this Good Morning Cake Recipe?

Yes, and I’ve tried it myself. The Good Morning Cake Recipe easy version works beautifully with walnuts if you don’t have pecans on hand. It adds a slightly different flavor but still tastes fantastic.

6. How long does it take to bake Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake?

From my experience, the cake bakes in about 30 minutes at 350°F. I always check with a toothpick in the center-if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Can I double Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe?

Yes, I’ve doubled it many times, just like Brenda herself. When I expect guests, I bake it in multiple pans, and it still comes out moist and evenly baked.

8. What is the best way to serve this Morning Cake?

I usually serve this morning cake slightly warm with coffee or tea. If you use the orange cream cheese icing, it pairs beautifully with the spice flavors, making it feel extra special.

9. How should I store leftovers from this Good Morning Cake Recipe?

Based on my experience, the cake keeps best in an airtight container. At room temperature, it lasts about 2 days, but in the fridge, you can enjoy it for up to 5 days. Just warm up a slice before eating-it tastes freshly baked.

10. Can I make this Good Morning Cake ahead of time?

Yes! I’ve baked it the night before when I had company coming over. By morning, the flavors of cinnamon and cloves had deepened, and it tasted even better. That’s why I love this Good Morning Cake Recipe easy make-ahead version.

Brenda Gantts Good Morning Cake Recipe is more than just a sweet treat-it’s a slice of Southern tradition served with love. With its fragrant spices, nutty crunch, and optional citrus-kissed icing, this cake is guaranteed to brighten any morning.

If you haven’t tried it yet, gather your ingredients and give it a go. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love simple, comforting bakes. Happy baking, and good morning!

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