Londonderry Spice Cake is a warmly spiced, moist cake made rich with raisins and enhanced by strong brewed coffee. This cake is a nod to traditional spice cakes enjoyed in colder months, often served as a comforting dessert or midday treat. The use of both white and brown sugars adds depth, while the trio of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provides a familiar holiday flavor. A simple recipe baked in a square pan, it’s equally delicious frosted or served warm with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup butter or shortening
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed )
- 2 eggs (large )
- ½ cup offee (strong brewed , cooled)
- 2 tbsp flour (to toss with raisins)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Pan and Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 3: Prepare Raisins
- In a small bowl, toss raisins with 2 tbsp flour and set aside.
- Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream butter (or shortening) with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Eggs
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Add dry ingredients alternately with cooled coffee, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 7: Fold in Raisins
- Gently fold in floured raisins.
Step 8: Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Cool in pan. Frost if desired or serve warm with whipped cream.
Tips
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a simple finish
- Serve warm with lightly sweetened whipped cream, as suggested on the card
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture
- Substitute brewed tea for the coffee for a milder flavor
- Soak raisins briefly in warm coffee for extra plumpness
- Use all butter instead of shortening for richer flavor
- Add a pinch of ginger or allspice to deepen the spice profile
- This cake keeps well and tastes even better the next day
Nutrition
Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
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