Holiday Yum Yum Cake
A rich, fruity cake filled with raisins and warm spices, topped with buttercream icing and decorated with nuts and candied fruit, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the raisins, sugar, water, lard, cinnamon, and salt to a boil.
- Mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder together.
- Sift the dry ingredients and fold into the boiled mixture.
- Pour the batter into two small loaf pans and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- For a large cake, pour into a regular loaf pan and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Allow the cake to cool, then frost with white buttercream icing.
- Decorate with nuts and candied fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of lard. You can also substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for added texture. If you want to enhance the spice, add a pinch of nutmeg. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps in the batter. This cake pairs beautifully with the rich taste of white buttercream icing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. This cake also works wonderfully alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot tea. For a festive touch, consider decorating with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or serving with a side of Lettuce-English Pea Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Yum Yum Cake contains roughly 354 calories, with 4g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg per serving (49% 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 different types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or cherries. Just ensure they are seedless and chopped into smaller pieces if necessary. This will add unique flavors and textures to your Holiday Yum Yum Cake.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by replacing lard with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Additionally, you can use a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute and ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, consider serving it with a drizzle of simple syrup or a fruit glaze to add moisture. You can also serve it with ice cream or whipped cream, which can help balance the dryness and enhance the overall flavor experience.
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).