Space Cake: How to Make Space Cakes (Recipe) and Tips

By WeedWeek Aug 28, 2020

The humble space cake is a classic marijuana edible, but it is not to be underestimated. The space cake traces its origins not from it’s namesake star-filled expanse, but from here on earth – Amsterdam to be exact. The city’s long and proud heritage of legalized weed has spawned invention and creativity within weed bakeries, and the space cake has long featured prominently in display cases across the city. But buyer beware: like any edible, space cake can be potent. 

Whether you’re looking to learn what expect from a space cake experience, where to buy it in it’s city of origin or how to make it in your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right spot. 

What Is Space Cake?

Space cake is essentially a cake infused with marijuana. Originating in Amsterdam, one of the original global capitals for legalized weed consumption, these cakes can incorporate weed, hash, infused butter or oil  – there are an infinite number of variations. In Amsterdam, the word “space” has become synonymous with any product that includes pot – you can find space foods and drinks of all sorts throughout the city. 

Another reason for the “space” aspect of these cakes is that they can sometimes be quite strong – so its best to read the label of any pre-packaged space cake before you consume, so that you are aware what you’re getting into. Or better yet, make a space cake on your own – we’ve got a great recipe for you below.

The Effects Of Edibles

Because marijuana contains significant levels of the cannabinoid THC, which gives the feeling of being “high”, any product containing marijuan will produce a psychoactive effect. The difference between smoking and eating THC is the assimilation pathway, which leads to differences in the experience. When eaten, THC gets absorbed into your digestive system and is converted into a more potent form of the cannabinoid. 

Not only do edibles tend to be stronger, but their effects kick in later and last longer, thanks to the time it takes to absorb THC into the digestive system. Expect to begin to feel effects anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after the initial consumption. It is highly advised to wait until you feel the effects before consuming any more. Effects can last anywhere from an hour to eight, and sometimes more, depending on how much was consumed, body weight, and other individual factors. 

Are Space Cakes Dangerous?

Generally, space cakes are not dangerous, however, as with any drug, it is important to proceed with a healthy dose of caution. Overdosing on weed, while it rarely appears to do long term damage, can still be an unpleasant experience, producing feelings of anxiety or paranoia. These effects are only temporary. What is dangerous is consuming a space cake and operating heavy machinery, which is never advised. 

Before eating a space cake, make sure you won’t need to be behind the wheel of a car, or do any other important tasks for a while. In other words, as long as you clear your schedule, have water and munchies available and ensure you’re in a safe space, you should be a-ok. 

How Do You Make Space Cakes: Recipe

In these days of incredible innovation within the worldwide cannabis industry, which have yielded a dizzying array of new edible products, it’s sometimes nice to stick with the classics. Below is a tried and tested recipe for space cake that will send you to the moon. 

Ingredients

  • 5-10 grams of decarboxylated marijuana buds, to your preference. 
  • 1 cup of butter (you can use dairy-free alternatives)
  • 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of white or brown sugar
  • ¾ cup of milk of your choice
  • 2 eggs (egg-replacers will work fine)
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon of seasalt

Equipment

  • A grinder for your bud
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls and spoon
  • A cake tin
  • A Skewer or toothpick
  • A wire rack for cooling the cake after its been baked

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grind up your decarboxylated marijuana into similar-sized pieces as you would for a joint.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter until it is liquid. Add the ground-up bud to the butter and mix, ensuring the weed is evenly coated. 
  4. Add the flour, sugar, milk, eggs, baking powder and salt to the mixing bowl, along with the cannabis-butter mixture. Mix until the batter forms a smooth consistency. 
  5. Grease your cake tin with some butter along the bottom and sides, or line it with parchment paper. Then pour the batter into the tin. 
  6. Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Use the skewer to determine if it’s ready – stick the skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is ready to come out of the oven. 
  7. Remove the cake from the over and let it cool for about 15 minutes in the tin. After that, turn it out onto the wire rack and allow to cool further. 
  8. Enjoy! 

Space Cake Tips

  • You can get creative with your space cake – add blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter, or whipping cream on the side. 
  • You can substitute the decarboxylated flower with cannabis oil or cannabutter
  • Keep in mind that it’s always difficult – and some might say impossible – to achieve completely even distribution of cannabis throughout the cake. So, some slices may be more potent than others. 
  • As with all edibles, it’s recommended to start with a low dose and go slow – wait until you feel the effects before consuming more. 

How To Choose The Appropriate Dosage

First things first, understand that dosing homemade edibles is not an exact science. If using cannabis oil or butter, read the concentration on the label before adding it to your recipe. If using bud, check to see the strain type and cannabinoid concentrations which are often provided on labels when purchased from dispensaries. 

You should also get to know your own tolerance, since this is difference for everyone. Beginners should start out by adding a small amount to your space cake until you comfortably know your own limits and what kind of experience you’re after.

How Long Does Space Cake Last In Your System

The length of time you can expect to feel the effects of space cake in your system depends on a number of factors, including your metabolism, gut flora, and the amount consumed. It is different for everyone. Generally speaking, studies have found that edibles reach a peak effect at around two to three hours after consumption, while lesser effects both before and after the peak can last for five or more hours. This means that even after you begin feeling it an hour after eating, you will continue to get higher – so eating more after an hour could push you into “too high” territory. Proceed with caution! 

Space Cake Strain

The Space Cake strain of marijuana comes from Bodhi Seeds, and mixes the genetics of Snow Lotus with Girl Scout Cookies. The effects are mood elevating, stress-evaporating, and can help you get a good night’s rest.

Can You Buy Space Cake?

Space cakes, the baked goods, are generally widely available in the coffee shops of Amsterdam. And you can look into purchasing the Space Cake strain of marijuana here.

Where To Buy Space Cakes In Amsterdam

There are plenty of places to buy space cakes in their place of origin – the glorious weed-friendly city of Amsterdam. Culture Trip provided their top six picks for the best places to find space cakes in the city, including some centrally-located venues like Voyager, near the Centraal Station. Or try the aptly named Amnesia, located on the Herengracht canal, which offers a smoking lounge and lovely little terrace. 

Can You Bring Space Cakes Back From Amsterdam

The laws around bringing marijuana across national borders varies from place to place. However, for the United States, the answer is a resounding no. Space cakes cannot be brought into the United States from any other country, since marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, being considered a Schedule 1 Drug. So don’t try to smuggle your cake across the border – we highly recommend enjoying it in a civilized cafe in the comfort and safety of Amsterdam. 

Do Edibles Make Your Eyes Red?

We all know smoking a joint can turn the eyes all bloodshot – but what about edibles? Bloodshot eyes, known as vasodilation, is triggered by THC as the cannabinoid binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). One of the effects of THC on the ECS is to lower blood pressure, which in turn causes the dilation of blood vessels and capillaries. This dialation is what turns eyes red.  

Because THC is also the primary psychoactive ingredient in edibles, it often has the same effect on the ECS. So space cake will not spare you from bloodshot eyes. 

How To Get Rid Of Space Cake Effects

If you have eaten a bit too much space cake and are ascending to heights you’d rather not be at, the first thing to know is that this is a temporary feeling and will go away with time. 

While it’s not possible to entirely get rid of space cake effects, it is possible to make yourself more comfortable. Begin by taking some deep breaths, and drink some water. Take yourself to a safe place where you feel comfortable. Distract yourself by watching a funny movie. And if you feel sleepy, know that when you go to sleep, in the morning you’ll be feeling back to normal. 

Conclusion

Space cakes have long decorated the bakery shelves of Amsterdam’s famed coffee shops, and have a reputation for good reason. When enjoyed responsibly, space cakes can rocket you away from your troubles, bringing you into the heavenly bliss of a marijuana experience.