Mom'S Poor Man Cake
A moist, spiced raisin cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect as a comforting dessert or snack for family gatherings and casual occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, raisins, and water in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool.
- Combine the cooled mixture with shortening, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and soda.
- Gradually add flour to make a stiff batter.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a more decadent texture. If you prefer a lighter cake, add an extra half teaspoon of baking soda. Adding chopped nuts can provide a delightful crunch. Ensure your raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Poor Man Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a twist, try drizzling it with chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes to restore its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Poor Man Cake contains roughly 1051 calories, with 6g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 16g 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 different dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with chopped dates, dried cranberries, or apricots. Just make sure they are roughly chopped for even distribution throughout the cake. This allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets. Replace the shortening with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute if desired. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful, meeting the needs of vegan recipes.
How can I make the cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of orange juice to the batter. You can also experiment with spices like ginger or allspice. For an even richer taste, try incorporating a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
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).