Great Depression Cake(1929 Crash)
A nostalgic cake with rich flavors of spices, raisins, and coffee, perfect for budget-friendly baking during tough economic times, offering moist texture and comforting aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups strong coffee ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 cups Sun-Maid raisins ⓘ
- 1 apple, peeled and grated ⓘ
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, simmer the sugar, strong coffee, and shortening for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool the mixture for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, blend together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Add the grated apple, raisins, and chopped walnuts to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Stir the cooled coffee mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark roast coffee instead of strong coffee. You can substitute the shortening with vegetable oil or applesauce for a healthier option. If you're looking to add a twist, incorporate some citrus zest or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile. This Great Depression Cake is a versatile recipe, so feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal or alongside a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat. Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For added texture, consider serving it with a side of Apple Crisp With Macadamia Nuts for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Depression Cake(1929 Crash) contains roughly 633 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 709mg per serving (31% 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 fresh fruit instead of raisins?
While raisins add moisture and sweetness, you can use fresh fruit like chopped apples or pears. However, reduce the liquid slightly to maintain the cake's texture. If using fresh fruit, consider adding a bit of extra flour to compensate for the added moisture.
What can I do if I don't have all the spices?
If you're missing some spices, you can substitute with a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, increase the amount of cinnamon, as it's a key flavor in this cake. Just remember that the unique blend of spices gives this cake its distinct character, so adjust carefully.
Is this cake suitable for vegans?
This recipe can easily be adapted for vegan diets. Replace the shortening with coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the apple. These substitutions will keep the cake moist and delicious while meeting vegan standards.
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).