War Time Cake
War Time Cake is a nostalgic, hearty dessert featuring warm spices, sweet raisins, and a moist texture. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat during challenging times, its rich flavors evoke a sense of history and resilience, making it a memorable addition to any dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, hot water, shortening, raisins, cinnamon, salt, and ground cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Allow it to cool.
- Add flour and baking soda to the cooled mixture.
- Pour the batter into a loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- For a flat cake, use a greased 8-inch pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider substituting half of the raisins with chopped dates or figs. You can also use a mix of brown and white sugar for a lighter flavor. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter or coconut oil works as a great alternative. Adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile. This cake is a great companion to a cup of Lemonade Tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of War Time Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs well with coffee or tea and can be enjoyed as a sweet treat during afternoon gatherings. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside a drizzle of No Sugar Apple Syrup for added moisture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover War Time Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven or microwave briefly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of War Time Cake contains roughly 2580 calories, with 27g protein, 343g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value), iron (132% of the Daily Value), and calcium (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1395mg per serving (61% 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 make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Replace the shortening with coconut oil and use a flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent instead of eggs. The cake will still be delicious and moist, making it a perfect addition to your vegan recipe collection.
Why did my cake not rise properly?
If your cake didn't rise, it could be due to expired baking soda or not enough mixing. Ensure your baking soda is fresh and thoroughly combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Also, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or some chopped nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with the spices; adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can provide a warm, aromatic touch to the cake. These adjustments can make your War Time Cake even more delightful.
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).