Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake
This Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake is a beautifully simple, egg-free and dairy-free spice cake born out of necessity but loved for its rich flavor and moist texture. Made with warm spices, plump raisins, and pantry staples, this vintage dessert is surprisingly tender and perfectly sweet without frosting. It’s the kind of nostalgic, no-fuss recipe that feels like a comforting slice of history in every bite — wholesome, economical, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Boiled Fruit Base
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter or shortening for traditional version
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chopped dates
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine raisins, water, sugars, and butter.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
- Combine Batter
- Once the raisin mixture has cooled slightly (warm is fine, but not hot),
- gradually stir in the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in nuts or dates if using.
- Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve
- Let cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
- Slice and serve plain or dust with powdered sugar.
