Spicy Raisins and Walnut Cake
A Delightfully Warm, Spiced Cake with a Rich Caramel Finish
This Spicy Raisins and Walnut Cake is the perfect dessert to serve at your next tea party or festive gathering. With its rich blend of warm spices, juicy raisins, and crunchy walnuts, every bite is a delicious combination of flavors and textures. The addition of caramel sauce elevates this cake to a truly indulgent treat, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2-1/4 cups |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 8 tablespoons |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 cups |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Baking Powder | 3/4 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Cloves (Laung) – crushed | 1/4 tablespoon |
| Whole Eggs – slightly beaten | 2 |
| Walnuts – coarse chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Caramel Sauce | As required |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Raisin Mixture
Begin by placing the water in a saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil. Add the raisins and butter to the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, letting the raisins soften and the butter melt into the water. -
-
Cool the Mixture
Once the raisins are plump and the butter has fully melted, remove the pan from heat. Let the raisin mixture cool for about 15 minutes, allowing it to reach room temperature. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, and crushed cloves. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will help the cake rise properly. -
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once the raisin mixture has cooled slightly, pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula to combine the ingredients into a smooth batter. The raisins should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture, and the batter should be thick but pourable. -
Add the Eggs and Walnuts
Add the slightly beaten eggs to the batter and mix thoroughly. Stir in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for added crunch. -
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease and flour a baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. -
Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If necessary, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes. -
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the cake into portions and drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Raisins and Walnut Cake with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of Masala Chai and makes an excellent accompaniment to a hearty Grilled Rajma Masala Sandwich. This cake is perfect for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a spiced, comforting dessert.
Recipe Tips:
- For Extra Moisture: You can add a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the batter for an added depth of flavor.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different texture and taste.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve a bit as it sits, making it even better the next day.
This Spicy Raisins and Walnut Cake is not only an irresistible dessert, but also a heartwarming treat that brings together the perfect balance of spices and sweetness. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
