Yum Yum Cake is a classic Depression-era boiled spice cake known for its simplicity and bold flavor. Made with pantry staples like sugar, cinnamon, lard, and raisins, the cake is boiled before baking, giving it a moist crumb and rich, spiced flavor. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or as a humble but satisfying dessert. The name reflects its crowd-pleasing warmth, and its frugality speaks to the resourceful cooking of earlier generations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 tbsp lard (or shortening)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 15 oz raisins
- 1 tsp baking soda (heaping )
- 3 cups flour (sifted)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil Raisin Mixture
- Combine sugar, boiling water, lard, cinnamon, salt, and raisins in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Cool the Mixture
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 3: Mix Batter
- Once cool, stir in baking soda.
- Gradually add sifted flour and mix until well blended.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake in a moderate oven (approx. 350°F / 175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips
- Bake in a loaf pan or square pan if you prefer thicker slices
- Dust with powdered sugar once cooled for a simple finish
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Substitute shortening or butter for lard if desired
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture
- Use dark raisins for deeper flavor
- Let cake rest overnight for improved moisture
- Line pan with parchment for easier removal
- Pairs well with coffee or tea
- Can be lightly glazed with powdered sugar and milk
Nutrition
Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 2gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.3mgSodium: 118mgPotassium: 309mgFiber: 3gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3mg
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