This classic eggless cake is a Depression-era recipe, made when ingredients like eggs were scarce or expensive. It uses pantry staples such as raisins, sugar, shortening, and warm spices like cinnamon to create a moist and flavorful cake without eggs. Often considered a “boiled” or “war cake,” this recipe is both frugal and flavorful. The raisins are simmered with water, sugar, and fat to infuse the liquid with natural sweetness, then cooled and combined with flour and leavening. It’s a humble dessert with deep historical roots, perfect for tea time or a simple after-dinner treat.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups raisins
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp soda (for boiling mixture)
- 2 tsp baking soda (added after boiling)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup nuts (e.g., chopped walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil Mixture
- In a large saucepan, combine raisins, sugar, water, shortening, cinnamon, and ½ tsp baking soda.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cool & Add Leavening
- Remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly (about 15–20 minutes).
- Stir in 2 tsp baking soda.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Combine & Add Nuts
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the cooled raisin mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Fold in nuts if using.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan on wire rack before serving
Tips
- Substitute oil for shortening if preferred; use ⅓ cup oil instead of ½ cup shortening.
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Add spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) for a warm, spice-cake version.
(Handwritten card includes “1 tsp cinnamon” and “½ tsp soda.”) - Fold in chopped nuts or raisins for texture.
- Replace water with strong brewed coffee for a deeper flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, ensure shortening is plant-based.
- Add 1 to 2 tbsp cocoa powder for a light chocolate variation.
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a classic Depression-era finish.
- Bake as cupcakes: reduce baking time to 18 to 22 minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 tsp baking soda to increase lift if batter seems dense.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.6gTrans Fat: 0.6gSodium: 260mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 1.6mg
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