Prairie Raisin Cake
A hearty, raisin-filled cake with warm spices and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or teatime treats, offering rich flavor and moist texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the raisins, water, sugar, and shortening together for 10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Add the flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder to the cooled mixture.
- Mix well and fold in the chopped nuts.
- Add eggs if needed and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider soaking the raisins in warm water with a splash of rum or orange juice for an hour before using. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment with different nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to complement the spices in this Prairie Raisin Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Prairie Raisin Cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple treat. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside coffee or tea, or browse more American recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Prairie Raisin Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prairie Raisin Cake contains roughly 2118 calories, with 21g protein, 228g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2753mg per serving (120% 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 types of dried fruit in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like chopped dates, apricots, or cranberries for different flavor profiles. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you select, as some may be sweeter than raisins.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of this cake by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based shortening or coconut oil in place of regular shortening, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
How can I enhance the spice flavor in this cake?
To enhance the spice flavor, consider increasing the amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg slightly or adding a pinch of allspice. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
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).