Nutmeg Raisin Snack Cake Recipe

Nutmeg Raisin Victory Cake Recipe

Description:

This delightful cake is a classic throwback, adapted from Gourmet magazine and originating from a 1901 church cookbook by The King’s Daughters of the Third Congregational Church in Massachusetts. The Nutmeg Raisin Victory Cake is simple, aromatic, and full of old-fashioned charm. Whether enjoyed as a light snack cake dusted with powdered sugar or served with a drizzle of your favorite icing, this cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. It’s the ideal dessert to share during tea time or an afternoon snack. The balance of warm spices and sweet raisins makes it a comforting choice for any occasion.

Recipe Overview

Keywords

• Lunch/Snacks
• Healthy
• Sweet
• Less than 60 Minutes
• Oven-Baked

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Cream Shortening and Sugar
   Begin by creaming together the vegetable shortening and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the cake, giving it a soft texture.

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2. Beat in the Egg
   Once the sugar and shortening are fully creamed, beat in the egg. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture, ensuring there are no streaks of egg left. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cake.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and ground nutmeg. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping the cake rise evenly during baking. The nutmeg gives the cake its signature warm, aromatic flavor.

4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
   In a measuring cup, combine the milk and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The cornstarch helps give the cake its tender, light texture.

5. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures
   Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the wet milk-cornstarch mixture. Use a wooden spoon for this step (as it prevents overworking the batter and keeps the cake tender). Stir gently until all the ingredients are well combined, ensuring there are no pockets of dry flour or lumps from the wet ingredients.

6. Add the Raisins
   Stir in the raisins at the end. These small bursts of sweetness add texture and flavor to each bite. If you prefer, you can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits like currants or chopped dates for a variation.

7. Pour into the Pan
   Pour the cake batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Be sure to grease the pan thoroughly with either butter or vegetable oil to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for added assurance.

8. Bake the Cake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark by inserting a cake tester or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the tester, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

9. Cool and Serve
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After it has cooled slightly, you can turn the cake out onto a rack to cool completely.

   For an extra touch, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle your favorite icing on top. This adds a sweet finishing touch to the already delightful cake. Alternatively, serve it as is with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple yet satisfying treat.

Tips and Variations

• Flour Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add a little extra cornstarch or use a binder like xanthan gum for better structure.

• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes until thickened). Use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk and swap vegetable shortening with coconut oil or your preferred plant-based fat.

• Add Spice: If you love spices, feel free to increase the nutmeg or add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger for more complexity in the flavor.

• Raisin Alternatives: You can easily switch out raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a small handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Final Thoughts

The Nutmeg Raisin Victory Cake is an elegant yet simple dessert that takes you back in time with its comforting flavors and nostalgic charm. Its slightly sweet, spiced taste makes it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual lunch, an afternoon snack, or a celebratory treat. Its moist crumb and subtle sweetness also make it an ideal pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Enjoy making this easy-to-bake dessert, and feel free to make it your own with different add-ins or frostings. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always delicious!