Arkansas Spice Cake
A nostalgic Southern treat blending buttery cake with warm spices, raisins, nuts and gumdrops—ideal for holiday gatherings and nostalgic comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar and eggs.
- Combine flour, salt and spices.
- Alternately add cold water to the butter mixture, folding in each addition.
- Fold in raisins, diced apple, nuts and gumdrop candy.
- Pour batter into a tube pan and bake at 350°F; start checking after 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots if desired. If you're short on time, pre-chopped nuts and ready-to-use gumdrops can save you prep time. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. This cake benefits from a day of resting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Arkansas Spice Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider drizzling a light glaze over the top or dusting it with powdered sugar before serving. This cake also makes a lovely addition to a dessert table alongside items like Mrs. Ruth O'Neal'S Famous Yeast Roll Recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Arkansas Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice your cake and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arkansas Spice Cake contains roughly 388 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping it to avoid sogginess.
What can I use if I don't have gumdrop candy?
If gumdrops are unavailable, you can substitute them with chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs for a similar chewy texture. Alternatively, mini marshmallows can provide a fun twist, adding sweetness and a unique flavor to the cake.
Can I freeze the Arkansas Spice Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).