English Nut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: British

A rich, nut-filled cake with raisins and lemon flavor, perfect for teatime or special occasions, offering a moist texture and delightful crunch from pecans and raisins.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 well beaten eggs
  • 1/4 cup warm milk
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2 teaspoons lemon extract

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Add the well-beaten eggs and warm milk to the mixture.
  3. Mix with a wooden spoon until well combined.
  4. Fold in raisins and pecans.
  5. Add lemon extract last and mix well.
  6. Grease and flour a loaf pan.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. If you prefer a more fruity flavor, add chopped dried apricots or cranberries alongside the raisins. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and use fresh lemon extract for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of English Nut Cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Nana'S Cheese Ball for a savory complement. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with a simple lemon glaze or serving with whipped cream and fresh berries to enhance its flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover English Nut 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 and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of English Nut Cake contains roughly 549 calories, with 6g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 808mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

549 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 32.4g 42% DV
Carbs 60g 22% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 807.7mg 35% DV
Potassium 316.8mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 162.9mg 54% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Calcium 213.8mg 16% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the English Nut Cake a day or two ahead of time. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps the flavors meld together, making it even tastier when served later.

What can I substitute for raisins?

If you don't have raisins on hand, you can substitute them with sultanas, dried cranberries, or chopped dates. Each option will add a unique sweetness and texture to the cake, making it just as delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To test if the English Nut Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes and check again.

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).

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