Wartime Cake
A nostalgic wartime cake featuring raisins, spices, and cocoa, offering a moist, flavorful treat suitable for those seeking a simple, budget-friendly dessert with rich taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place raisins, sugar, water, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cool the mixture, then add margarine, flour, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Great for making cupcakes as well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brewed coffee or a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter or a plant-based alternative can be used. To make this cake even healthier, substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour or add in some shredded carrots or zucchini for moisture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a refreshing glass of Lime Iced Tea for a perfect afternoon treat. For a nostalgic touch, serve alongside Garlic Bread And Butter Pickles for a unique flavor contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Wartime Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you'd like to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wartime Cake contains roughly 907 calories, with 15g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2600mg per serving (113% 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help the cake hold together. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly from the original recipe.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you don’t have raisins on hand, you can use chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or other dried fruits like figs or dates. Each will impart a different flavor, so choose based on your preference or what you have available.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the Wartime Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is ready. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
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).