Depression Cake
A moist, fruit-filled cake with warm spices and a rich texture, perfect for budget-friendly baking and comforting dessert options, suitable for all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the shortening, water, and raisins until raisins are tender; cool.
- Sift together the brown sugar, flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda; add to raisin mixture.
- Add the vanilla to the mixture.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch square or loaf pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55 minutes if using a square pan or 75 minutes if using a loaf pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the water with coffee or brewed tea. You can also replace shortening with coconut oil for a vegan option. If raisins aren't your favorite, try using chopped dates or dried cranberries instead. Make sure the mixture is well combined before baking to ensure even texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Depression Cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a simple touch. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive twist, consider serving alongside Jellied Fruit Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This cake also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Depression Cake contains roughly 1100 calories, with 2g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure. Adjust baking time if necessary, as gluten-free baked goods can vary in cooking time.
How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
To incorporate chocolate, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You may need to reduce the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency. Chocolate chips can also be folded into the batter for added richness.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can use chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or other dried fruits like apricots or figs. Just ensure to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
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).