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Slice of old-fashioned raisin cake with raisins and spices on a plate

Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake

A cozy dessert featuring plump raisins and warm spices in a tender butter cake batter. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with coffee.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Home Baking
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.5 cups Raisins Plump raisins, approximately 1 and 1/2 cups
  • 1 cups Water For simmering the raisins
  • 0.5 cups Butter Softened
  • 1 cups Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 cups All purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons Cinnamon
  • a pinch Nutmeg Optional but nice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cups Chopped walnuts or pecans Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Simmer the raisins and water in a small pot for about 5 minutes, then let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your chosen pan.
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) to the wet mix and stir just until combined.
  6. Fold in the simmered raisins and any remaining liquid from the pot.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, do not skip the raisin simmer step. The cake tastes even better the next day. Consider serving it warm with butter or whipped cream.