If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you in warm spices and sweet, tender raisins, look no further than this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. It’s a cozy, old-fashioned treat that blends comforting flavors and a luscious, smooth frosting that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend gathering, or just to brighten your day, this cake delivers moist texture and a fragrant spice mix that feels both familiar and special all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the plump raisins soaked in water to the fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that bring depth and warmth to every bite.
- 1 cup raisins: Soaking them softens their chewy texture and infuses the batter with natural sweetness.
- 1 cup water: Used to simmer the raisins gently, enhancing their flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to the cake and frosting.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the spices with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture for a perfect rise and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its soft, tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise evenly and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweet and spiced flavors, making them shine.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The heart of the spice blend, evoking warmth and comfort.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty note that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives the cake a slightly sweet and intense aroma.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for balance.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and rounds out the cake’s flavor.
- For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): The creamy base for a smooth, luscious frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the frosting a fluffy texture.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s fragrant sweetness, making it irresistible.
How to Make Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Raisins
Start by placing your raisins and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes. This process not only softens the raisins but allows their natural sweetness and flavor to infuse the soaking water, which will later add moisture and richness to your batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is essential to creating a tender crumb for your cake, as it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a wonderful rise and soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This careful mixing helps bind the ingredients and gives the cake structure without making it dense.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This spice blend will give your cake that signature warm, cozy flavor that everyone loves in a spiced cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This alternation keeps the batter smooth and moist. Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the cooled raisins along with their soaking liquid, folding everything gently together.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 7: Make the Vanilla Frosting
Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Spread it generously over the cooled cake for a beautifully creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the spiced richness of the cake.
How to Serve Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of cinnamon or a few extra plump raisins on top makes for a simple yet stunning garnish that highlights the flavors inside. For an elegant touch, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the frosting for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe shines as a sweet finish paired with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares for a delightful party platter or serve it as thick slices plated alongside fresh seasonal fruit like sliced apples or pears. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence or layer the cake into a trifle with whipped cream and fruit for a festive dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh without losing its flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your cake for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep well up to two months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
This cake is delicious served slightly warmed. You can warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to refresh the softness and slightly melt the frosting, creating a cozy experience with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use orange juice instead of water to soak the raisins?
Absolutely! Using orange juice to soak the raisins adds a lovely citrusy brightness that complements the warm spices beautifully and makes the cake even more flavorful.
Can I substitute the sour cream for something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. Both options provide moisture and tang, keeping the cake tender and delicious.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to help maintain the texture and structure of the cake.
How long does the vanilla frosting last?
The vanilla frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before spreading, bring it back to room temperature and re-whip if needed to restore its smoothness.
Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans pair wonderfully with the spices and raisins. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter for a nice crunch and extra flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe is like rediscovering a warm hug from your favorite cozy sweater in dessert form. Its comforting blend of spices, luscious raisins, and creamy frosting make it a celebration-worthy cake. I can’t wait for you to try baking it yourself and experience just how incredible this cake tastes fresh from your own kitchen. Trust me, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for sharing happiness!
Print
Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful spiced raisin cake topped with creamy vanilla frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert. This old-fashioned cake features warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with plump raisins soaked and simmered for extra moisture and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure the cake won’t stick.
- Simmer raisins: In a small saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely; this step plumps the raisins and adds moisture.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next to maintain a smooth mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined for consistent flavor distribution.
- Combine ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
- Add vanilla and raisins: Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled raisins along with their soaking liquid to the batter, folding gently to retain moisture and even raisin distribution.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Make frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy using a mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the cake: Evenly spread the vanilla frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak the raisins in orange juice or spiced rum instead of water before simmering.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
