Nannie's Boiled Raisin Cake

as promised!

Combine in a saucepan:

• 2 cups seeded raisins
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 Tablespoons fat (shortening or butter)
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ginger

Boil mixture for 5 minutes. Let cool.

Add 3 cups of flour, 2 tsp soda, 1/2 tsp salt.

Bake at 350 degrees for around 50 minutes.

This cake is also known as Poor Man's Cake, Boiled Fruit Cake or War Cake. It doesn't require eggs although I have seen some recipes that use eggs. You can also add mixed fruit and/or nuts which make it more like a Christmas Fruitcake - but my family prefers it this way.

It's a lovely moist, spicy cake. The combination of raisins, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger simmering on the stove makes the house smell so delicious!

This cake tastes very good plain ~ but if you spread some butter on top . . .

oh. my.

It's amazing!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out.

Better yet, invite me over.

*grin*

with love,

Comments

[Lorna]

It looks so yummy, Kathie. I LOVE this cake ... and I know Roger does too :>). Lots of love ...

[nikkipolani]

Ooooh, this looks terrific -- esp with the smear of butter on top! I love raisins in baked goods and will give this a try (no trip to the store needed ;-)

[Joanne]

Kathy,
That's neat that you posted this recipe. I have been making this cake for the past month and the great thing is....
It is so easy and the whole house smells wonderful! We all love this cake! I've included my recipe from my Oma(dutch) and it goes as follows:

Kruidkoek
2 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar (I use brown)
1 tsp cinnamom
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
Mix well in large bowl, then add 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk, 1 cup raisins (I use either Golden or Thompson)
Bake at 350' for 50 min.

[ellen b]

Oh that would be perfect for tea :0) Great photos Kathie!
Yes I will keep you posted. I weigh in on Friday mornings, learned long ago Monday isn't a good day to weigh in!
You are right that tight jeans are not fun.
I'm eating 6 small meals a day and exercising 6 days a week (aerobics 3x and simple weights 3x every other day) Then there is that one free day where I'm suppose to eat anything I want. Anxious to see if that will work or if I will sabotage myself...
Have a good week...

[Tracie]

Wow, this is interesting. It is different from the one I have, although mine uses as many spices, and has raisins. but i don't boil anything. I am going to make mine tomorrow - and you are welcome to come. You have an awful long trip, but, possibly because of all the spices, this cake keeps well and just keeps getting moister!

[Sweet Bay]

Thank you for posting the recipe! :) I will have to make this.

[Josie Ray]

Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. And I love your photos! Nannie's Boiled Raisin Cake is now on the agenda for sometime between now and Thanksgiving. :-)

[Jody]

Oh my! Slather the butter over my piece!
Jody

[beth]

Kathie,
I've made the cake twice now and both times it's been a big hit! I did add one egg to the batter. I also put a lemon glaze on top while it was warm, and the lemony flavor soaks right in. Very yummy. I love gingerbread with lemon sauce so thought it would work well with this cake. This is such an easy recipe and each time I've served it people have asked for the recipe so I'm going to link to your page here.

Thanks for sharing this with us! It is now my "go to" easy cake recipe.
Love,
Beth

[James]

This cake is as old as time and is a dutch favorite, having it reminds me of Christmas at my grandmothers house.