W.W.I. Wonder Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

W.W.I. Wonder Cake is a rich, spiced raisin cake with warm flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon teatimes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1/2 cup lard
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Mix together hot water, lard, sugar, raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
  2. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes and then let it cool.
  3. Add flour and baking soda to the cooled mixture and combine well.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.
  6. Serve the cake with cream cheese or plain.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the lard with butter. You can also mix in other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries for added texture. If you don't have nutmeg, you can use allspice as a substitute. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rising, and check the cake with a toothpick for doneness before removing it from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but for an indulgent twist, serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like Homemade Pot Pies for a comforting meal experience that balances sweet and savory.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Wonder Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of W.W.I. Wonder Cake contains roughly 410 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 624mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

410 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 35.6g 46% DV
Carbs 22.6g 8% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 623.6mg 27% DV
Potassium 206mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 28.5mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 22.2mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 42.5mg 3% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 a different type of fat instead of lard?

Yes, you can substitute lard with butter or vegetable oil. However, keep in mind that butter will add a different flavor profile, while vegetable oil will make the cake lighter. Adjust the amount to ensure the consistency remains similar.

What if I don't have raisins?

If you don't have raisins, you can replace them with other dried fruits such as chopped dates, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Each alternative will give the cake a unique texture and flavor.

Is this cake suitable for vegan diets?

To make this cake vegan, substitute the lard with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly. You can also add a flaxseed or chia seed mixture to replace any eggs if desired, although this recipe does not call for eggs.

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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