Easy Raisin Snack Cake
A moist, flavorful raisin snack cake with warming spices and wholesome ingredients, perfect for a quick treat or dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oats ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F for a metal pan or 325°F for a glass pan. Grease and dust an 8 x 8-inch pan.
- Mix all ingredients together; pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Turn out the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or frost as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. If you’re out of raisins, try using dried cranberries or chopped dates. To enhance the spices, feel free to add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with confectioners' sugar, or topped with a simple cream cheese frosting. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more substantial dessert, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also a great addition to brunch tables or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, which can keep it fresh for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Raisin Snack Cake contains roughly 185 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% 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 make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well, making it a great option for preparing ahead of time. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it as mentioned. Just ensure it’s wrapped properly to maintain moisture. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature or lightly warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you need a substitute for the egg, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This works well in keeping the cake moist while still providing structure.
Can I add other fruits to the cake?
Certainly! You can enhance the flavor by adding other fruits such as chopped apples, mashed bananas, or even shredded carrots. Just be mindful of the moisture content; if adding a wet fruit, you may need to slightly reduce the applesauce to prevent the cake from becoming too dense.
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).