Jailhouse Cake
A moist, spicy carrot cake enhanced with raisins and nuts, featuring warm cinnamon and allspice flavors. Perfect for those who enjoy hearty, homemade desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 No. 2 1/2 tin crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 2 pounds peeled and grated carrots ⓘ
- 2 or 3 cups raisins ⓘ
- 3 cups sugar (half brown and white) ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
Instructions
- When the carrots are almost done, add raisins and sugar, along with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and some salt.
- Cook until the raisins are tender, then cool the mixture.
- Add enough flour to make a slightly stiff cake batter, along with baking powder and soda.
- Mix in plenty of chopped nuts, preferably walnuts.
- Pour the batter into greased and floured loaf pans.
- Bake in a slow oven for at least 1 hour until done.
- Wrap and freeze surplus portions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist Jailhouse Cake, ensure the carrots are finely grated and well-measured. You can substitute half of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you don't have allspice, a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg works well. Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds, or even leave them out for a nut-free version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jailhouse Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful afternoon treat, enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. This cake also makes a great addition to brunch or as a sweet ending to a family meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jailhouse Cake contains roughly 2922 calories, with 39g protein, 461g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), potassium (86% of the Daily Value), and protein (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% 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 carrots instead of grated ones?
Yes, you can use fresh carrots, but make sure to peel and grate them finely to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in the cake. Just keep in mind that freshly grated carrots may have a bit more moisture.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, try substituting with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or currants for a different flavor profile. Each option adds a unique sweetness and texture to the Jailhouse Cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the Jailhouse Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
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).