Miss Nettie'S Raisin Cake
A moist, flavorful raisin cake with a rich lemon aroma, perfect for special occasions or teatime, showcasing tender raisins and a tender crumb with a subtle sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend shortening, sugar, and eggs together and add 4 cups of flour.
- In a separate bowl, coat the raisins with 1/2 cup of flour.
- Add the coated raisins, lemon extract, and baking powder to the dough and mix well.
- Bake at 225°F (107°C) for 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half butter and half shortening. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different flavor. If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the sugar by 1/2 cup. Make sure to sift the flour before measuring for more accurate results, which is a good practice in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Miss Nettie's Raisin Cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad like Potluck Melon Salad. It’s perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting dessert after dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miss Nettie'S Raisin Cake contains roughly 808 calories, with 7g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dried?
Fresh raisins are not recommended as they have a higher moisture content, which could affect the cake's texture. Stick with dried raisins, which provide the right sweetness and chewiness. If you want to experiment, you could try using dried figs or apricots for a unique twist.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, consider adding a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water to moisten it. You can also serve it with a fruit compote or a drizzle of cream to enhance the moisture and flavor. To prevent dryness next time, avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze Miss Nettie's Raisin Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and it should taste just as good as fresh.
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).