Depression Cake
A tender, richly spiced cake made without eggs, butter, or milk. Raisins, warm spices, and shortening are simmered together into a fragrant base, then folded with flour and baked into a moist, deeply flavored cake that proves simple pantry ingredients can create something extraordinary.
- Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield12 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup Shortening
- 2 cups Water
- 2 cups Raisins
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp Ground cloves
- 2 cups White sugar
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
Instructions
- Simmer the Base: In a large saucepan, combine shortening, water, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand until completely cool.
- Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix the Batter: Stir flour and baking soda into the cooled raisin mixture and mix until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan before slicing.
Notes
The raisin mixture must be completely cool before adding flour and baking soda, or the leavener will activate prematurely and the cake won’t rise properly. This cake improves in flavor as it sits — it’s even better the next day. Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use fresh ground spices for the best flavor. This cake is naturally egg-free, dairy-free, and cholesterol-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Cake, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 120
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Protein: 3
