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Raisin Fruit Cake
Raisin Fruit Cake is a classic home-baked loaf that reflects mid-century American kitchen traditions, when simple pantry ingredients were transformed into comforting everyday treats. This cake relies on raisins, warm spices, citrus rind, and strong coffee for depth of flavor rather than heavy frosting or decoration. Often baked in loaf pans, it was ideal for slicing, sharing, and storing well for several days. The combination of cinnamon, allspice, and orange rind gives it a gently spiced aroma, while the coffee enhances the richness of the fruit. It’s a humble yet deeply satisfying cake, valued for its practicality, warmth, and dependable flavor.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups raisins
  • 2 tbsp grated orange rind
  • 1 tsp grated lemon rind
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 2 ¼ cups cold strong coffee
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cup shortening
  • 2 eggs (well beaten)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups reserved raisin liquid
  • 2 ½ cups chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Raisins

  • Combine raisins, orange rind, lemon rind, cinnamon, allspice, and coffee in a saucepan.
  • Simmer gently until raisins are plump.
  • Drain and reserve 1½ cups of the liquid.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Base

  • Cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavoring

  • Add beaten eggs and vanilla to creamed mixture.
  • Mix well.

Step 5: Combine Batter

  • Add dry ingredients alternately with reserved raisin liquid.
  • Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Add Fruit & Nuts

  • Fold in raisin mixture and chopped nuts.

Step 7: Bake

  • Pour batter into two greased loaf pans.
  • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 60 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.

Tips

  • Soak raisins overnight for extra plumpness
  • Substitute tea for coffee for a lighter flavor
  • Add chopped dates for more sweetness
  • Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf
  • Replace nuts with sunflower seeds for nut-free version
  • Add a splash of rum to the soaking liquid
  • Bake in mini loaf pans for gifting
  • Serve toasted with butter
  • Freeze slices individually for later

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.4mg
Keyword coffee cake, comfort food, old fashioned, pantry dessert, raisin cake, spiced loaf, vintage baking
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