Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake
Introduction
Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake, often called “Depression Cake,” dates back to an era when
ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk were hard to come by. Despite these limitations,
this cake delivers a moist texture, warm spices, and a comforting sweetness. It’s a
wonderful example of making something delicious from simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square or round baking pan.
- In a saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, oil, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing.
Description
This cake is soft, gently dense, and infused with warm spices. The raisins swell during
baking, adding natural sweetness and moisture throughout. It’s traditionally served plain,
making it a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Tips
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes for extra moisture.
- Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
- The flavor improves after resting overnight.
Corrections & Substitutions
- Substitute raisins with dates or dried cranberries.
- Use whole wheat flour for a heartier cake.
- Reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
- Adjust spices to suit your personal taste.
Enjoy
Enjoy this Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake with a cup of tea or coffee, and appreciate a timeless
recipe that proves simple ingredients can still create something truly comforting.
