Boiled Irish Soda Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Irish

A hearty Irish soda cake with warm spices, raisins, and molasses, perfect for teatime or dessert, offering rich flavors and moist texture.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter or margarine
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1 package raisins
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

  1. Bring water, raisins, and applesauce to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
  2. Add butter to the hot mixture and let it stand until cooled.
  3. Stir in the eggs and mix well.
  4. Add all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  5. Stir in molasses.
  6. Pour the batter into greased, floured loaf pans.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 1 1/4 hours, or until done, testing with a toothpick.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of orange zest to the batter. If you're out of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates can make a great substitute. For a lower sugar option, try the Powdered Sugar Replacement(Sugar Free) to sweeten the cake while maintaining moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Boiled Irish Soda Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a twist, try drizzling Pineapple Icing For Cake over the top to add a tropical flair.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, wrap the Irish Soda Cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Boiled Irish Soda Cake contains roughly 1716 calories, with 17g protein, 416g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (84% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1716 kcal 86% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.3g 35% DV
Total Fat 10.5g 13% DV
Carbs 416.2g 100% DV
Fiber 17.4g 62% DV
Sugar 192.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 3951.4mg 84% DV
Cholesterol 313.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 79.2mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 51.8mg 58% DV
Calcium 632.7mg 49% DV
Iron 12.3mg 68% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
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 make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce to make this cake vegan-friendly. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. This will maintain moisture and bind the ingredients together effectively.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary with different ovens.

Is it possible to add more spices to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor. Just be sure to balance the spices so they complement rather than overpower the cake.

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).

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