Aunt Martha'S Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful cake with warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons, offering a nostalgic taste of classic baking comfort.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 box stewed raisins
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • 1 teaspoon soda

Instructions

  1. Mix the flour, baking soda, and shortening together in a bowl.
  2. Take out 1 cup of the flour mixture and set aside to sprinkle on top of the cake.
  3. Combine the remaining flour mixture with brown sugar, stewed raisins, cinnamon, allspice, and sour milk. Mix well.
  4. Pour the batter into a prepared pan.
  5. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of flour mixture over the top of the batter.
  6. Bake at 350°F until done when tested with a toothpick or cake tester.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you don't have sour milk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure that your raisins are well-drained to avoid excessive moisture in the batter. If you prefer a nutty texture, add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Aunt Martha's Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh Y-U-M-M Salad to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. This cake is also delicious served cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Martha'S Cake contains roughly 597 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 47g fat.

597 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 47g 60% DV
Carbs 41.7g 15% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 16.4g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 26.9mg 1% DV
Potassium 68.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.4mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 33.2mg 3% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 use regular milk instead of sour milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a sour milk substitute. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the batter. This will help achieve the desired tangy flavor.

What if I don't have brown sugar?

If you don't have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by using white sugar and adding a tablespoon of molasses for each cup of sugar needed. This will mimic the flavor and moisture of brown sugar, ensuring your cake remains delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it can vary depending on your oven. Generally, it should take about 30-40 minutes.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →