Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake is a deliciously moist and aromatic dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the natural sweetness of raisins and the crunch of walnuts. This cake is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a comforting treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy afternoon tea, a family gathering, or a festive celebration, this cake offers a delightful blend of spices and fruits. The raisins add a natural sweetness and chewiness, while the walnuts provide a nutty crunch that complements the soft, tender crumb of the cake. With its rich flavor and inviting aroma, this cake is a wonderful way to embrace the colder months or to enjoy a sweet indulgence year-round. It’s easy to make and can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Warm and Cozy Flavors

The blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates an inviting aroma and comforting flavors that are perfect for any season.

2. Moist and Tender

This cake has a beautifully moist texture, thanks to the combination of raisins and walnuts, making each bite irresistible.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. You’ll be enjoying a delicious dessert in no time.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a special holiday, or an afternoon tea, this cake fits the bill for any occasion and is sure to impress.

5. Customizable

Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits, allowing you to make this cake your own and suit your personal taste.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk
Raisins
Chopped walnuts
Vanilla extract

Variations

Add Orange Zest: For a fresh citrus twist, add some orange zest to the batter.
Use Different Nuts: Try using almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for a different texture and flavor.
Spiced Rum Soaked Raisins: Soak the raisins in spiced rum or brandy for an added layer of flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or aquafaba in place of regular eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
Frosting Option: Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a round or square cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Raisins and Walnuts

Gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Soak the Raisins: For a plumper texture and deeper flavor, soak the raisins in warm water or juice for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the batter.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture and to help everything mix evenly.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a denser cake.
Test for Doneness: Check the cake with a toothpick or cake tester before removing it from the oven. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to ensure the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a more decadent touch, you could also drizzle a simple glaze or frosting over the cake for extra sweetness. Serve it as a dessert at dinner parties, or enjoy it as a sweet snack throughout the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the cake warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and flavor.

2. Can I make this cake without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer, or substitute them with seeds or additional dried fruits for a nut-free version.

3. How can I make the cake even spicier?

If you enjoy a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice.

4. Can I use a different type of dried fruit?

Yes, feel free to use currants, dried cranberries, or chopped dates in place of raisins for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan, but make sure to grease and flour it thoroughly, as this cake tends to stick to the pan. The baking time may vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick.

6. Can I frost this cake?

Absolutely! You can top it with a simple glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

7. Is this cake suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, you can make this cake vegan by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative and using flax eggs or aquafaba instead of regular eggs.

8. How can I prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the raisins in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help suspend them evenly throughout the cake.

9. How long does this cake last?

Stored in an airtight container, this cake will last for 3-4 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.

10. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake is a wonderfully flavorful dessert that brings together the best of spices, fruits, and nuts. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply enjoying it with a warm drink, this cake offers a comforting and satisfying experience. Its moist texture, aromatic spices, and crunchy walnuts create a delightful combination that will leave everyone coming back for more. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any time of year, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.