Depression Cake(Making The Best Of It Coffee Cake)
A nostalgic coffee-flavored cake featuring raisins and warm spices, perfect for teatime or casual gatherings, offering moist texture and rich flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put shortening, sugar, raisins, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and leftover coffee into a boiler and boil for 10 minutes.
- Let the mixture stand until cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of walnuts. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To make this cake even more moist, try using brewed espresso instead of regular coffee. If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
Serving Suggestions
Depression Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your serving by pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with Houghton Holiday Punch for a festive touch. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover Depression Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Depression Cake(Making The Best Of It Coffee Cake) contains roughly 433 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2457mg per serving (107% 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 raisins instead of seedless?
Yes, you can use fresh raisins, but make sure to rinse them to remove any excess sugar coating. However, seedless raisins are typically preferred for this recipe as they provide a better texture and sweetness balance. If fresh raisins are too juicy, you might want to reduce the amount of liquid slightly.
What if I don’t have leftover coffee?
If you don't have leftover coffee, you can easily brew a fresh cup and let it cool before using it in the recipe. Alternatively, for a caffeine-free version, try using brewed herbal tea or a coffee substitute, which can still provide a rich flavor without the coffee.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this Depression Cake vegan, replace the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it easy to adapt.
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).