Poor Man'S Raisin Spice Cake
A hearty and nostalgic spice cake featuring tender raisins and warm spices, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting family desserts. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it an easy-to-make treat suited for any occasion, especially when craving a simple, sweet, spiced cake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer raisins in water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool.
- Stir dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the raisin liquid (add water if necessary to make 1 cup), shortening, and eggs into the well.
- Beat the mixture for 1 minute.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 11 x 8 1/2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider soaking the raisins overnight in warm water or a splash of rum. If you don't have allspice, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a simple presentation. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a unique twist, serve it with a side of Snowcapped Broccoli Spears for a sweet-savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which can extend its freshness for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Raisin Spice Cake contains roughly 874 calories, with 6g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 11g 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?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like chopped dates, dried apricots, or even cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the total amount of dried fruit remains the same to maintain the cake's texture and moisture.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, or 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. Additionally, substitute the shortening with a plant-based butter or oil for a completely vegan cake.
What is the best way to know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, let it bake for a few more minutes and check again to ensure a perfectly baked cake.
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).