Bren'S Raisin Cake
A moist, flavorful raisin cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy spiced sweet treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins in water for 15 minutes.
- Drain and reserve one cup of the liquid.
- Let raisins cool.
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add egg and cooled raisins to the creamed mixture.
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Add vanilla extract and the reserved liquid to the batter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or a splash of rum to the batter. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To enhance the spice profile, feel free to increase the cinnamon or nutmeg slightly. Make sure to cool the raisins completely before adding them to the mixture to prevent the batter from melting the shortening.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bren's Raisin Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect companion to your afternoon snack or brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover raisin cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bren'S Raisin Cake contains roughly 956 calories, with 11g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 use fresh grapes instead of raisins?
Fresh grapes won't yield the same texture or flavor as raisins, but if you're looking for a fresh twist, you could use dried cranberries or cherries as an alternative. Just ensure they are plump and sweet to maintain the cake's intended sweetness.
How can I make this cake healthier?
To make Bren's Raisin Cake healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You might also reduce the sugar by one-third without significantly affecting the taste, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Bren's Raisin Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free. This will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious cake without concern.
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).