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–+ servings
Booze Cake
This "Booze Cake" is a classic Depression-era or early 20th-century spice cake recipe that features raisins, cloves, cinnamon, and chopped nuts for bold, comforting flavor. The cake gets its whimsical name from the "raisin juice" boiled with spices, a technique that was often used in place of alcohol during Prohibition, though it mimics the deep, rich essence found in liqueur cakes. Moist, aromatic, and perfectly spiced, this cake is a timeless treat served with afternoon coffee or as a humble holiday dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1½ cups flour
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup chopped nuts
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup raisin juice (see instructions)
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil Raisins

  • Boil 1 cup raisins in ½ cup water for several minutes.
  • Reserve the juice and set aside both the raisins and liquid to cool.

Step 2: Prepare Batter Base

  • In a large bowl, cream together sugar and shortening.
  • Add eggs and vanilla; beat until well mixed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  • Stir in chopped nuts, boiled raisins, and the reserved raisin juice.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour into a greased 9x13 baking pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Tips

  • Add ½ tsp nutmeg for a deeper spice profile.
  • Replace raisins with mixed dried fruit for a fruitcake-style variation.
  • Substitute some raisin water with dark rum or brandy for a true “boozy” cake.
  • Use butter instead of shortening for richer flavor.
  • Fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter, modern twist.
  • Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting.
  • Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance aroma and crunch.
  • Bake in a loaf pan for a denser, tea-cake style texture.
  • Add orange zest to brighten the flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 41IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Keyword comfort food, heirloom recipe, holiday baking, old fashioned, raisin cake, spice cake, vintage baking
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