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–+ servings
Never Fail Spice Cake
This “Never Fail Spice Cake” is a warm, fragrant classic that brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a moist, tender crumb. Enriched with sour milk for subtle tang and studded with plump raisins, it reflects an era when pantry staples formed the heart of everyday baking. Perfect for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings, this cake delivers consistent results with minimal fuss, making it a dependable favorite in any baker’s collection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 198 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp shortening
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Base

  • Cream together sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Egg and Milk

  • Beat in the egg.
  • Stir in the sour milk until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: Mix Batter

  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
  • Fold in the raisins.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan before serving.

Tips

  • Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
  • Stir in diced apples for a fruitier, moister cake.
  • Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tangier flavor.
  • Top with a simple powdered-sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract for a warmer flavor profile.
  • Bake as cupcakes instead of a single cake layer for portion control.
  • Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crumb.
  • Soak raisins in warm water or rum for 10 minutes to plump them.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 116mgPotassium: 143mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 54IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 2mg
Keyword classic baking, homemade cake, old-fashioned dessert, raisin cake, spice cake, vintage recipe, warm spices
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