Economy Cake
Economy Cake is a flavorful, moist treat packed with raisins and chopped walnuts, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Its rich brown sugar base creates a deep sweetness, making it perfect for those who enjoy traditional, homemade cakes with warm, comforting flavors. Ideal for tea time or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the brown sugar, water, raisins, Crisco, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt together for 3 minutes.
- In a separate cup, mix the soda, dissolved in hot water.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then combine with the soda mixture.
- Add flour, baking powder, and chopped English walnuts to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the batter into two round 9-inch cake pans.
- Bake in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes.
- If desired, bake for an additional 20 minutes if using candied fruits.
- For doubling the recipe, bake in one 9 x 12-inch oblong pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a tablespoon of apple sauce or substituting half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Adjust the spices according to your taste; a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. This cake is versatile and can be served as a dessert or a snack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Economy Cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple presentation. It pairs beautifully with Cinnamon Peaches, adding a fruity contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert experience. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Sweet And Sour Salad Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Economy Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold as a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Economy Cake contains roughly 334 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% 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 other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Just ensure that any nut used is chopped and evenly distributed in the batter for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan, indicating that it has baked through completely.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To make this cake vegan, you can replace the Crisco with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Use a flax egg or applesauce instead of any eggs if the recipe calls for them. The other ingredients in this recipe are already vegan-friendly.
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).