Outer Banks Poor Man'S Cake
A hearty and spiced raisin cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil raisins in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes and let cool.
- Sift dry ingredients together: flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cooled raisins and 1 cup of water, mixing well.
- Melt shortening in a baking pan.
- Pour the batter into the pan with the melted shortening, mixing the rest of the shortening in.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half of the shortening with applesauce for a lighter version. If you want to enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of allspice or clove. Ensure the raisins are well-coated with flour before mixing into the batter to prevent them from sinking.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cinnamon butter for quick breads. It pairs well with a strong cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Easy Fall Punch to complement the spices in the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Outer Banks Poor Man'S Cake contains roughly 2567 calories, with 11g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 240g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 927mg per serving (40% 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 dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chopped apricots to give the cake a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the total amount of dried fruit remains the same.
Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets by replacing the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Additionally, use a flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute if you choose to incorporate eggs.
What can I do if the cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, check that you didn't overbake it. For future batches, you can add more moisture by increasing the amount of water or adding a splash of milk or plant-based milk to the batter. Serve with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of ice cream for added moisture.
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).