Go Back
–+ servings
Hillbilly Cake
Hillbilly Cake is a humble, flavorful spice cake filled with raisins and nuts and topped with a buttery coconut glaze. Born out of practical pantry staples and Depression-era resourcefulness, it was commonly made in rural American kitchens where ingredients were simple but comforting. What makes this cake unique is that it starts by boiling the raisins and shortening together, which infuses the entire cake with richness and warmth. It’s often baked in a square pan and finished with a bubbling coconut topping that’s broiled until golden.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 343 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups flour (sifted )
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)

Topping:

  • ⅔ cups baking soda
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup shredded coconut

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Boiled Mixture

  • Combine sugar, shortening, cold water, and raisins in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and let simmer for 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together cinnamon, allspice, salt, flour, and baking soda.
  • Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
  • Once the boiled mixture is cool, gradually stir in the dry ingredients.
  • Fold in chopped nuts. Mix until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Pour batter into a well-greased 8x8-inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Leave the cake in the pan.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

  • Mix melted baking soda, butter, and shredded coconut together in a small bowl.

Step 6: Finish Under Broiler

  • Spread topping evenly over the warm cake.
  • Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbling.
  • Watch closely to avoid burning.

Tips

  • Replace shortening with butter for richer flavor.
  • Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter after cooling the boiled mixture.
  • Substitute chopped pecans or walnuts for the nuts listed.
  • Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for deeper spice warmth.
  • Replace raisins with chopped dates for a softer texture.
  • Add ½ cup shredded coconut directly to the batter.
  • Spread frosting while cake is warm for easier absorption.
  • Broil carefully, topping burns quickly.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 2gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 1986mgPotassium: 144mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 160IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg
Keyword broiled frosting, comfort food, heirloom cake, old-fashioned desserts, raisin cake, vintage recipes, warm spices
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!