Sultana Cake
Sultana Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring golden raisins and chopped nuts, infused with lemon extract. Its rich sweetness and nutty crunch make it a perfect choice for special occasions or teatime indulgence, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, nut-studded baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and margarine together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate lemon extract.
- Mix in flour and baking powder until just combined.
- Add chopped nuts and golden raisins, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your margarine is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you don't have lemon extract, you can substitute it with orange extract for a different citrus flavor. You can also replace the chopped nuts with seeds or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. If you prefer a richer cake, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
Sultana Cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance its flavor by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside other desserts like Apricot Buttons or as part of a dessert platter with fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sultana 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 the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sultana Cake contains roughly 1146 calories, with 11g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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 regular butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for margarine in this recipe. Just ensure that it's softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. This will give your Sultana Cake a richer flavor and slightly different texture.
What can I use instead of golden raisins?
If you don't have golden raisins, you can use regular raisins or even dried cranberries for a tart twist. Chopped dried apricots or figs could also work well, adding a unique flavor profile to the cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the Sultana Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.
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).