Poor Man'S Cake(No Eggs)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist, and flavorful cake featuring warm spices and sweet raisins, perfect for budget-friendly desserts and enjoyed by those seeking comforting, homemade treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups raisins
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients (flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg) together in a bowl.
  2. Cook 2 cups of raisins in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes, then add 2/3 cup of shortening to the dry ingredients.
  3. Pour in the hot water with raisins and mix until all ingredients are well blended while hot so the shortening melts.
  4. Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 55 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a splash of vanilla extract to the batter. If you don't have raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries or apricots. For a spicier cake, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg. Remember to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even mixing and a light texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light Apple-Walnut Salad. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Poor Man's Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poor Man'S Cake(No Eggs) contains roughly 800 calories, with 10g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2632mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).

800 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 44.6g 57% DV
Carbs 101.1g 37% DV
Fiber 35.3g 100% DV
Sugar 4.3g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2632.2mg 100% DV
Potassium 805.8mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 47.7mg 53% DV
Calcium 659.7mg 51% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of dried fruit instead of raisins?

Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots. This will give your cake a different flavor profile while maintaining the moisture and sweetness.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the baking powder and soda are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already egg-free, which makes it a great option for vegan diets. You can substitute the shortening with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil for a richer flavor, ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

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).

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