1 1/2 stick butter, softened
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 1/4 c. cake flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. milk
2 tbsp. molasses
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. mace (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9x13 inch pan. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, beat in eggs, beat in 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat in remaining flour alternately with milk. Spoon 1/3 of batter into small bowl, stir in molasses and spices until mixed smooth.

Spoon half of batter in prepared pan, then spiced batter, then rest of plain batter. With knife, cut through batter several times for marble effect. Bake at 350 degrees until center springs back when pressed cool and ice if wanted.