Yum Yum Cake(Depression Era Cake)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Cuisine: American

A rich, chocolate-infused raisin cake with warm cinnamon notes, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a nostalgic treat during challenging times.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 2 teaspoons shortening
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 4 minutes.
  3. Cool the mixture, then add 1 teaspoon of soda dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water.
  4. Add 1 1/2 cups of flour to the mixture.
  5. Pour into a baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider soaking the raisins in warm water or a splash of rum for extra sweetness. If you're out of cocoa powder, you can substitute with carob powder or omit it for a lighter cake. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour instead of regular flour. Ensure to mix well to avoid lumps in the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Yum Yum Cake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cake also complements a light fruit salad or can be enjoyed alongside Lisa'S Salad Ring for a delightful meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Yum Yum 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, place slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yum Yum Cake(Depression Era Cake) contains roughly 317 calories, with 5g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

317 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 5.8g 7% DV
Carbs 68g 25% DV
Fiber 9.2g 33% DV
Sugar 39.6g 79% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 513.3mg 22% DV
Potassium 878.2mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 23.2mg 26% DV
Calcium 76.9mg 6% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 raisins?

Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as chopped apricots, dates, or cranberries. Each will add a unique flavor and texture to your Yum Yum Cake, making it versatile and enjoyable.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this Yum Yum Cake vegan by replacing the shortening with coconut oil or a vegetable-based shortening. Ensure the cocoa powder is dairy-free and use a plant-based milk instead of water if desired.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if your Yum Yum 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, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.

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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