The space cake is one of the most iconic cannabis edibles in the world, and its fame began in the 1990s in Amsterdam’s coffee shops. While edibles had existed long before—in the form of brownies, teas, or cannabis butter—the space cake became especially popular thanks to its discreet presentation and long-lasting effects, quickly becoming a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The rise of space cakes is closely tied to the Netherlands’ tolerant cannabis policy. Since the 1970s, when cannabis consumption was partially legalized in licensed coffee shops, bakers began exploring new ways to offer weed without rolling a joint.
A simple slice of cake infused with cannabis turned out to be the perfect solution—and the name “space cake” became a staple on coffee shop menus and in travel blogs around the world.
Today, space cake is considered a classic edible. And while Amsterdam is still the spiritual home of this treat, the good news is: you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy it. With the right ingredients and a bit of care, you can bake your own space cake at home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process—from decarboxylation to baking, with tips on dosage, customization, and safe consumption.
What Is Decarboxylation and Why Does It Matter?
Before you mix anything, there’s one essential step that will make the difference between a space cake that works—and one that just tastes like weed: decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation is a heat-based process that transforms THCA (a non-psychoactive compound in raw cannabis) into THC, the one responsible for the “high.” When you smoke weed, this reaction happens automatically due to the flame. But with edibles, you need to do it yourself—slowly and carefully—in the oven.
It’s simple, but skipping this step means your space cake won’t have the desired effect.
How to Decarboxylate Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 110 °C (230 °F).
- Break apart your buds and spread them evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even exposure.
- Once the cannabis is dry, golden, and aromatic, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated, it’s ready to be infused into butter or added directly to your recipe.
Ingredients for Your Homemade Space Cake
This recipe makes one medium-sized cake, perfect for sharing with 4–6 people. You can adjust the quantities depending on your cannabis potency and how strong you want each slice to be.
- 6 to 10 grams of ground, decarboxylated cannabis
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup of milk
- 1¾ cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1¾ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Optional: cocoa powder, chocolate chips, nuts, vanilla extract, cinnamon—whatever you like
Basic Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl (for softening butter)
- Large spoon or hand whisk
- Oven-safe cake pan
- Small heatproof container for decarboxylation
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Toothpick or skewer (for checking doneness)
Got everything ready? Then let’s move on to mixing the batter and baking your very own space cake. Here’s where the fun begins.
How to Make the Space Cake Batter and Bake It
Now that your cannabis is decarboxylated and your ingredients are ready, it’s time to make the batter and bake your space cake. Follow these steps to get a soft, flavorful, and well-balanced result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, melt your butter in the microwave (about 15–20 seconds). Once soft, stir in your ground cannabis until fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in the cannabis butter, eggs, and milk. Mix everything together until smooth. If you’re adding extra flavors (like cocoa or chocolate chips), do it now.
- Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
- Grease your cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, give it another 3–5 minutes.
- Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before removing it from the pan and slicing it.
Dosage Tips: How Strong Will It Be?
The strength of your space cake depends on the THC percentage of your cannabis and how much you use in the recipe. If you’re unsure, it’s better to calculate a rough dosage per slice.
For example, if you use 8 grams of cannabis with 15% THC, the total THC content is approximately 1200mg. If you divide your cake into 12 slices, that’s around 100mg per serving—a strong dose for beginners.
Start with a small piece (like ¼ slice) and wait at least 1–2 hours before eating more. Edibles take longer to kick in and can last for several hours. If you’re new to edibles or want a smoother experience, check out this guide on whether weed hits harder on an empty stomach.
Be patient, stay hydrated, and enjoy your homemade creation responsibly.
Flavor Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
One of the best things about making a space cake at home is that you can customize it to your taste. Want something rich and intense? Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Prefer something light? Try lemon zest and almond flour for a brighter twist.
Once baked, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a week. You can also freeze individual slices to enjoy later.
Serve with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream for an elevated edible experience. And if you’re looking to pair your space cake with a specific cannabis strain, this guide on the best strains for edibles might inspire your next batch.
Conclusion
Making your own space cake isn’t just fun—it’s a great way to enjoy cannabis in a slower, longer-lasting form. As long as you decarboxylate properly, use quality ingredients, and pay attention to dosage, you’re in for a tasty and mellow ride.
Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, space cakes are a classic edible that never go out of style. Just remember to start low, go slow, and always wait before eating more. Enjoy responsibly—and happy baking!
If you’d like to better understand how eating cannabis affects your body, this Healthline article covers safety, benefits, and potential side effects of cannabis edibles like space cake.
