Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
If you love the aroma of warm spices mingled with the sweet, nostalgic chew of raisins, then you’re in for a real treat with this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. This cake is everything comfort food should be: moist, tender, and rich with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all crowned with a cloud of creamy vanilla frosting. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply to satisfy a craving for something homey and delicious, this recipe is a celebration of classic flavors that never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each one brings its own special touch, from the chewy raisins to the fragrant spices and the silky frosting on top.
- Raisins: Plumped in simmering water, these add bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout the cake.
- Water: Used to hydrate the raisins, making them juicy and flavorful.
- Unsalted Butter (cake and frosting): Softened for both the cake and the frosting, it creates a rich, tender crumb and a luscious, creamy topping.
- Brown Sugar: Packed for deep molasses flavor and added moisture in the cake.
- Eggs: These bind the cake together and contribute to its light, fluffy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds all the goodness together.
- Baking Soda: Gives the cake a gentle lift so it bakes up perfectly tender.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, offering warmth and fragrance.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of sweet spice.
- Ground Cloves: Just a touch for a subtle, earthy undertone.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds a delightful tang.
- Vanilla Extract (cake and frosting): Essential for a well-rounded, aromatic finish in both the cake and frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: The backbone of the frosting, bringing structure and sweetness.
- Milk: Loosens up the frosting for perfect spreadability.
- Pinch of Salt (frosting): Enhances the vanilla flavor in the creamy topping.
How to Make Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Plump the Raisins
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch square baking pan. In a small saucepan, combine the raisins and water, bringing them to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes. This quick simmer makes the raisins incredibly plump and juicy, ensuring every bite of cake has that wonderful burst of sweetness. Once simmered, set the raisins aside to cool slightly — don’t drain the liquid, as you’ll use it all in the batter!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating that classic, tender crumb in your Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. Take your time here, as well-creamed butter and sugar make all the difference.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely fragrance to your cake batter.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices is what gives the Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe its cozy warmth and inviting aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with spoonfuls of sour cream or yogurt. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. This alternating method keeps the batter silky and ensures the cake stays moist.
Step 6: Fold in Raisins and Finish the Batter
Gently fold in the cooled raisins along with any remaining liquid from the saucepan. This ensures the raisins are evenly distributed and the cake stays extra moist and flavorful.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before you think about frosting—it’s worth the wait!
Step 8: Make the Vanilla Frosting
While your cake cools, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is silky and spreadable, perfect for topping your Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting generously over the completely cooled cake, using swoops and swirls for a homey look. Now your cake is ready to slice and serve!
How to Serve Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted walnuts makes a gorgeous finishing touch on top of the frosting. You could also decorate with a few extra plump raisins or even some edible flowers for a charming, rustic presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong black tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more decadent dessert experience, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream—each brings out the warming spices and raisins in a delightful way.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try cutting the cake into small squares and serving on a tiered platter for an afternoon tea spread. Alternatively, dress up each serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to make every slice of Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. The cake stays moist thanks to the raisins and sour cream, and the frosting remains soft and luscious.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap unfrosted or frosted slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying; the flavors actually deepen over time!
Reheating
If you prefer your cake warm, pop an unfrosted slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds. For frosted slices, let them sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften the frosting without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use golden raisins instead of regular raisins?
Absolutely! Golden raisins add a lighter, slightly fruitier flavor profile and a beautiful golden hue. Either variety works perfectly in the Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a wonderful addition for extra crunch. Just fold in about ½ cup along with the raisins for a delightful twist on the classic Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Plain yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, offering the same moisture and slight tang. Greek yogurt works too, but may make the cake a bit denser.
Can I make this as a layer cake?
Definitely! To create a layer cake, double the recipe and divide the batter between two round cake pans. Adjust the baking time as needed, and enjoy a more dramatic version of the Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe with family and friends. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug—simple to make, but full of flavor and charm. Give it a try, and let it become one of your go-to comfort bakes!
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Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert that blends plump raisins with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, this old-fashioned cake delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the raisins: In a small saucepan, bring the raisins and water to a simmer for 5 minutes to plump the raisins. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Incorporate dry and wet mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with sour cream, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in raisins: Gently fold the cooled raisins along with any remaining liquid from simmering into the batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch square baking pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the vanilla frosting: Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and serve: Spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into 9 servings and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use golden or dark raisins depending on your flavor preference.
- For added texture and flavor, incorporate ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- If making a layer cake, double the recipe and bake in two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
