Spice Drop Cake
A moist, spiced cake packed with spice drops, raisins, and nuts, perfect for holidays or teatime, offering warm flavors and chewy textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups spice drops
- 1/2 pound golden raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nut meats ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup applesauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup hot water ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the spice drops into thirds.
- Mix the spice drops with the golden raisins and chopped nut meats.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Cream the shortening, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat well.
- Alternately add the flour mixture, applesauce, and hot water to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the spice drops, raisins, and nut meats.
- Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or smaller pans as desired.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 1½ to 2 hours, or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for extra flavor. When cutting the spice drops, use kitchen scissors for easier handling. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spice Drop Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Golden Harvest Apple Pie for a comforting dessert spread. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, and consider adding a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spice Drop Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy cold as a snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spice Drop Cake contains roughly 561 calories, with 10g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1174mg per serving (51% 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 types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for golden raisins, you can easily substitute them with other dried fruits like currants, chopped dates, or dried cherries. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness and texture you prefer.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of Spice Drop Cake by replacing the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and using a plant-based shortening or coconut oil. Also, ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If you find your Spice Drop Cake is too dry after baking, try adding a bit more applesauce or a splash of milk during the mixing process next time. Additionally, ensure you’re not overbaking the cake, as this can lead to dryness. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean but not dry.
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).