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A moist, spiced Depression-era cake made without eggs or milk, using a boiled raisin and brown-sugar batter for rich flavor.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake
Calories: 290kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins
  • 1 cup butter
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Combine water, brown sugar, raisins, and butter in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and cool completely.
  • Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
  • Pour cooled raisin mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently.
  • Spread batter into prepared dish.
  • Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool fully before slicing.

Notes

Allow the boiled raisin mixture to cool completely before adding to the dry ingredients to ensure proper texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 7mg