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