Crossword Genius

King Alfred's spoils? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cakes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'spoils?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cakes that I've seen before include "Savoury food" , "Tasty food" , "Covers in e.g. mud" , "goes hard" , "Pastries" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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