War Cake (No Eggs)
War Cake is a rich, eggless dessert with warm spices and fruity sweetness, perfect for those seeking a nostalgic treat or a cake suitable for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, hot water, and shortening in a saucepan.
- Add raisins to the mixture.
- Then add salt and spices (cinnamon and cloves).
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes after it first bubbles.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Add flour and the dissolved baking soda to the cooled mixture and mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake at 350° to 375°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture. If you want to enhance the spice profile, adding a pinch of nutmeg can be delightful. Make sure to let the mixture cool completely before adding the flour to avoid clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve War Cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Fresh Blueberry Jam to balance the spices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover War Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrapping it tightly and freezing it will preserve its flavor and moisture for up to three months. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of War Cake (No Eggs) contains roughly 1559 calories, with 1g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Yes, you can definitely use other dried fruits like chopped apricots, cranberries, or even dates. Each will add a unique flavor that complements the spices in the cake. Just ensure you adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the texture of traditional flour. This will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious cake as well.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of orange juice to the batter. You could also experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or allspice, which would complement the existing flavors beautifully.
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).