Grammie Bray'S Boiled Cake
A moist, spiced raisin cake with warm cinnamon and cloves, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea, offering nostalgic homemade comfort with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, raisins, cold water, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and shortening in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the raisins with chopped dates or dried cranberries for a different twist. If you want to enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure to cool the boiled mixture completely to avoid clumping when mixing in the flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the boiled cake warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with a simple icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a side of Killer Cole Slaw for a unique meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover boiled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grammie Bray'S Boiled Cake contains roughly 915 calories, with 5g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg 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 use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture may be denser and the flavor slightly nuttier. Adjust the liquid if necessary, as whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture.
What can I add to make this cake more festive?
To make your boiled cake more festive, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or seasonal spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to enhance the flavor profile. A drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles can also add a festive touch.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! To make this cake vegan, simply replace the shortening with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, ensure that the vanilla extract you use is alcohol-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this classic cake.
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).