Booze Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, boozy fruit cake featuring raisins, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or as a decadent treat for those who enjoy flavorful desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 3/4 cup liquor
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Boil the raisins in 1 1/2 cups water for 20 minutes.
  2. Drain the raisins and reserve 3/4 cup of the liquid, then let it cool.
  3. Cream together the sugar and butter.
  4. Add the egg and continue beating.
  5. Alternately add the flour, spices, and reserved liquid to the mixture until well blended.
  6. Fold in the chopped walnuts and soaked raisins.
  7. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch square or 7 x 11-inch pan.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Frost with plain butter frosting before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark rum or bourbon instead of the liquor. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic version, replace the liquor with additional water or apple juice. Ensure that your raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before use. This cake is quite moist, so avoid overbaking to keep it tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Booze Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with David Warren'S Candied Yams for a festive meal. For a delightful contrast, consider a side of fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Booze Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Booze Cake contains roughly 274 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 706mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

274 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 8.2g 11% DV
Carbs 40g 15% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 5.5g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 706.3mg 31% DV
Potassium 260.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 79.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 5.9mg 7% DV
Calcium 114.4mg 9% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While chopped walnuts add a great texture, feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds based on your preference. Just be sure to chop them finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the cake.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can easily replace butter with margarine or a plant-based butter substitute. For a healthier choice, unsweetened applesauce can also work, though it may alter the cake's texture slightly.

How do I make the frosting for the cake?

A simple butter frosting can be made by creaming together 1/2 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed to achieve your desired spreadability.

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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