Introducing the WW2 War Cake, a timeless recipe hailing from an era of scarcity, crafted with resourcefulness and ingenuity in mind. This eggless, almost fatless, and milkless dessert emerges as a delectable solution to wartime shortages, proving that even in the face of limited ingredients, a satisfying treat can be conjured. Dense and delicious without the need for icing, it becomes the perfect choice for those yearning for a flavorful cake while maintaining a commitment to resisting excess fat.
Recipe Overview:
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 15
- Rating: 5 (from 7 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon clove
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 172.4
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 137.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 32.3g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 20.1g
- Protein: 2.2g
Instructions:
- Begin by placing the brown sugar, water, raisins, margarine, cinnamon, and cloves in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool until it reaches a comfortably warm temperature.
- While the mixture cools, preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×4-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the cooled sugar mixture, beating until the batter is smooth and no traces of flour are visible.
- Stir in the walnuts to enhance the texture and flavor of the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a broomstraw inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a rack to cool completely.
Additional Notes:
For an optional glaze, a delightful 90’s addition to this classic recipe, reserve a small amount of the hot spiced water. Mix it with confectioner’s sugar, a drop of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Apply the glaze to the cake while it’s still hot for an extra layer of flavor.
In conclusion, the WW2 War Cake stands as a testament to the resilience of culinary creativity during challenging times. Its simplicity, combined with rich flavors and a fascinating history, makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and satisfying dessert experience. Whether you’re drawn to its wartime origins or simply in search of a low-cholesterol, healthy treat that can be whipped up in under 60 minutes, this recipe is a true culinary gem.
