Sweet Harmony: Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake Recipe

Warm, comforting aromas fill the kitchen when you bake this delightful spiced raisin and walnut cake recipe that promises pure nostalgia.

Sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts dance together in a delectable symphony of flavors.

Each slice tells a story of cozy afternoons and cherished memories.

The subtle blend of warm spices creates a rich, inviting texture that melts in your mouth.

Soft crumbs studded with plump raisins promise a delightful treat for every dessert lover.

Baking this cake transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible homemade masterpiece.

Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake That Warms the Soul

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with vibrant Greek-inspired seasonings that transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal bursting with Mediterranean zest.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable bowl format allows everyone to personalize their plate, making it perfect for picky eaters and diverse taste preferences.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Balanced combination of lean protein, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich yogurt creates a wholesome and satisfying dinner that supports healthy eating.
• Minimal Prep Champion: Straightforward cooking technique requires basic kitchen skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels without compromising on restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredients for Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that provides structure and volume.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that add depth and moisture to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that create a rich, nostalgic flavor profile and add complexity to the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, sweet flavor to the cake.
• Raisins, Walnuts: Provide texture and additional flavor to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
• Icing Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for spreading.

How to Bake Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Allspice

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 3: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Chopped raisins
• Chopped walnuts

Make sure the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Patience is key to perfect cake texture!

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Icing sugar
• Vanilla extract

Splash in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Carefully remove the cooled cake from the pan. Slice it horizontally into two layers.

Spread a generous layer of frosting on the bottom half, then place the top layer back on.

Step 9: Finish with Frosting Flair

Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Create beautiful lines by running the back of a fork across the top in straight, even strokes.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice this nostalgic, spiced treat and serve with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.

Savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

• Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantee the cake's perfect texture and flavor balance.
• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a creamy, smooth frosting consistency.
• Toss chopped raisins in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.
• Add milk to frosting gradually to control spreadability and avoid making it too runny or too thick.
• Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cake's center to ensure even testing and accurate baking completion.

Flavor Variations for Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

• Gluten-Free Raisin Walnut Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture and rich spice profile.
• Vegan Spice Cake: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk to create a compassionate version of the classic cake.
• Low-Sugar Raisin Cake: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delectable flavor.
• Nutless Wonder Cake: Remove walnuts and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies or preferences.

What Goes Best with Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: Complement the cake's rich spices with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in the dessert, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool down the warm spices of the cake with a scoop of smooth, creamy vanilla bean ice cream, offering a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
• Serve alongside Caramel Macchiato: The cake's nutty and sweet profile pairs beautifully with a caramel macchiato, where the coffee's boldness cuts through the cake's richness while the caramel enhances its sweetness.

Storage Guidelines for Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap carefully to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap single slices separately in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick individual servings.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen cake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 1 hour to restore moisture and soft texture.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without nuts?

Yes, you can easily omit the walnuts. The cake will still be delicious and moist without them, maintaining its rich spiced flavor.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

• Can I use different spices in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, you can adjust the spice blend to your taste. Just keep the total quantity of spices similar to maintain the cake’s texture.

Spiced Raisin And Walnut Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg weave through this classic Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake, inviting memories of grandmother’s kitchen. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a comforting slice that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs

Dry Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Add-ins and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (150 grams) raisins, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) icing sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients including flour, both sugars, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a fragrant spice blend.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients by adding melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
4. Gently fold in chopped raisins and walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, letting the flavors meld and settle.
8. For the frosting, cream softened butter until light and fluffy in a medium bowl.
9. Gradually add icing sugar and vanilla extract, then adjust consistency by adding milk one tablespoon at a time.
10. Carefully remove the cooled cake from the pan and slice horizontally into two layers.
11. Spread a thick layer of frosting on the bottom half, then position the top layer and cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.
12. Create decorative lines by dragging a fork across the frosted surface in parallel strokes.
13. Serve the spiced cake alongside a warm beverage, inviting a moment of comforting indulgence.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to ensure smooth batter consistency and even cake texture.
• Toast walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Soak raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes before adding to prevent them from burning during baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 316 kcal
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 261 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg