Raisin-Apple Spice Cake
A moist, flavorful spice cake packed with raisins and apples, perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy family desserts with warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine raisins and diced apples.
- Add water to cover and cook until the fruit is tender, ensuring you have 1 cup of liquid after removing the fruit.
- Drain the fruit and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, and soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Fold in the cooked raisins and apples.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, soak the raisins in warm water or apple juice for 30 minutes before adding them to the cake. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer taste. If you want a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. For extra texture, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans, which pairs beautifully with this cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a cup of coffee. This cake also complements well with a slice of 50 Year Old Pound Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Raisin-Apple Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin-Apple Spice Cake contains roughly 875 calories, with 5g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1333mg per serving (58% 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 fruits in this cake?
Absolutely! While apples and raisins are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or dried cranberries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the fruit to ensure they become tender and flavorful.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana, using 1/4 cup for each egg. This will help maintain moisture and binding in the cake while keeping it suitable for vegetarian diets.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check if the cake is done is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Additionally, the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
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).