Swedish Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Swedish

Swedish Spice Cake offers warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with sweet raisins, making it a comforting treat perfect for cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. raisins
  • 1 c. cold water
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. cloves
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, mix together sugar, raisins, and cold water, letting it barely come to a boil; remove from heat and cool.
  2. Add the dry ingredients to the cooled mixture and mix well.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased, lined bread pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F until done, approximately 35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, consider adding a mashed banana or substituting some of the shortening with applesauce. You can replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile. Be cautious not to overmix the batter; this helps maintain a light texture. If you like a bit of crunch, chopped nuts can also be a great addition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Swedish Spice Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of water or orange juice for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, enjoy it alongside Fresh Apple Chutney for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, ensuring it remains moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Swedish Spice Cake contains roughly 592 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

592 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 49.1g 63% DV
Carbs 37.7g 14% DV
Fiber 8.2g 29% DV
Sugar 9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 958.8mg 42% DV
Potassium 221.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.6mcg
Vitamin C 11.9mg 13% DV
Calcium 122.3mg 9% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, it may result in a denser texture. To maintain moistness, consider adding a little extra water or a splash of Orange Fruit Juice to the batter.

How can I make this cake vegan?

To make this Swedish Spice Cake vegan, replace the shortening with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, you can substitute the cold water with a flaxseed meal mixed with water to act as an egg replacement, maintaining the cake’s moisture and binding.

What can I serve alongside this cake?

This cake can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Consider pairing it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat. It also goes well with a fruit compote or a lightly spiced sauce, making it a versatile option for any meal or gathering.

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).

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