Old Fashioned Poor Man'S Cake
A nostalgic, moist fruit cake packed with raisins and warm spices, perfect for teatime or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy classic, hearty desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil all ingredients together except flour and baking soda. When cool, then add flour and baking soda.
- Mix well.
- Grease and flour any size pan, preferably a loaf pan.
- Pour contents into the prepared pan.
- Bake in a slow (350°) oven for approximately 45 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting.
- Cake can also be frozen for future use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute some of the raisins with chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture. If you're looking for a lighter version, try using applesauce in place of half the sugar. Ensure to let the mixture cool completely before adding flour and baking soda to avoid clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Poor Man's Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Serve it alongside a warm beverage like coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It also makes a great breakfast option when toasted and spread with butter or jam, complementing dishes like Poppy Seed Squash.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it well and placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it at room temperature before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Poor Man'S Cake contains roughly 579 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 838mg per serving (36% 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 other dried fruits besides raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried apricots, cranberries, or even chopped dates. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the moisture balance in the cake.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, you can serve it with a drizzle of syrup or a glaze made from powdered sugar and water to add moisture. Additionally, storing it in an airtight container can help retain moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture, and adjust the baking time as needed.
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).