Traditional Scripture Cake
A rich, spicy fruit cake infused with almonds, dates, and raisins, perfect for special occasions and enjoyed by those who love traditional, flavorful desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup margarine or butter, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey ⓘ
- 6 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped almonds ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped dates or figs ⓘ
- 2 cups raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat sugar, margarine or butter, and honey in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the egg yolk mixture, beating after each addition until smooth.
- Fold in chopped almonds, chopped dates or figs, and raisins.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 90 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute chopped almonds with sunflower seeds. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of allspice or clove. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, which can help achieve a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Traditional Scripture Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, consider drizzling a little honey over each slice before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or serve at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traditional Scripture Cake contains roughly 588 calories, with 11g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg per serving (34% 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 other dried fruits instead of dates or figs?
Yes, you can substitute dates or figs with other dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even distribution in the batter. This will add a different flavor profile while still keeping the cake delicious.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
Can I freeze this cake for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
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).