Grandma'S Boiled Raisin Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Boiled Raisin Cake offers a moist, spiced treat with tender raisins, perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon tea, appealing to fruit and spice lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins
  • 1/2 cup raisin water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Cream the margarine, sugar, and egg until well combined.
  2. Add the boiled raisins and raisin water to the creamed mixture and mix well.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased 9x9-inch pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the margarine with unsweetened applesauce or a nut butter. If you prefer a more complex taste, add a splash of vanilla extract to the mixture. If you want to enhance the texture, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans. When boiling the raisins, you can use water infused with spices like cloves for added depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandma's Boiled Raisin Cake warm or at room temperature, possibly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Geneva Stewart'S Company Squash for a comforting, balanced spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which can keep well for about a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through to maintain its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Boiled Raisin Cake contains roughly 529 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1035mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

529 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 51.4g 66% DV
Carbs 18.1g 7% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1034.9mg 45% DV
Potassium 153.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 19.4mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.1mg 12% DV
Calcium 39.2mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 boiled ones?

Using fresh raisins is possible, but boiling them enhances their flavor and texture, making them plumper and sweeter. If you skip boiling, consider soaking the fresh raisins in hot water for 15-20 minutes to mimic this effect.

What if I don't have margarine?

You can substitute margarine with equal parts butter or a vegan alternative like coconut oil. Each option will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they will still yield a delicious cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake's structure and moisture.

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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