Raisin Cake
Raisin Cake is a moist, spiced dessert featuring tender raisins, aromatic cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Its rich flavors and nutty texture make it perfect for tea time or special occasions, delighting those who enjoy classic, comforting baked treats with a hint of warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water, lard, sugar, and raisins to a boil until the lard floats to the top.
- Dissolve the soda in enough water and add it to the boiling mixture.
- Add the nuts and flour to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half the lard with unsweetened applesauce or a vegetable oil. Ensure your raisins are plump; soak them in warm water or rum for extra moisture. If you want a spicier flavor, increase the cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of ground cloves. This cake can also be enhanced with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Raisin Cake is delightful when served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Applesauce for a comforting dessert experience. For a festive touch, dust the top with powdered sugar or serve it alongside a warm cup of tea for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Raisin Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Cake contains roughly 746 calories, with 14g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g 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 types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests nuts, you can use walnuts, pecans, or almonds based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure to chop them roughly for even distribution throughout the cake.
What should I do if my cake doesn't rise properly?
If your cake doesn't rise, ensure your baking soda is fresh and properly dissolved in water before adding it to the mixture. Additionally, make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a denser cake.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this Raisin Cake to be vegan by substituting the lard with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and using almond or soy milk instead of water. This way, you can enjoy a moist cake without any animal products.
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).