Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, you have to try this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of fragrant spices and tender raisins, all crowned by a luscious vanilla frosting that transforms an ordinary cake into something truly extraordinary. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting weekend treat, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful experience. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the warm spices that infuse the cake with character to the raisins that add delightful bursts of sweetness and moisture.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the spices.
• Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor and retains moisture for soft cake texture.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light rise and delicate crumb.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness and spice.
• Ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice: This warm spice blend is the cake’s soul, creating its signature cozy taste.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps keep the cake tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to brighten the flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
• Raisins (finely chopped): Sweet and chewy bits scattered throughout, giving bursts of natural sweetness.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and nutty undertone if you want a textural contrast.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings the frosting to life.
• Icing sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet frosting that melts wonderfully on the tongue.
• Milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to creamy perfection.

How to Make Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later. Ensuring your pans are ready helps the cake bake evenly and prevents sticking, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. This mix of dry ingredients ensures the spices and leavening are comprehensively dispersed, so every bite is perfectly flavored.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. The melted butter adds moisture and richness that, combined with the tangy buttermilk, keeps the cake tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix—this is the key to maintaining a light, soft texture in your cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Raisins and Walnuts

Carefully fold in the finely chopped raisins and optional walnuts. The raisins provide delightful bursts of sweetness, while walnuts add a lovely crunch and nuttiness, balancing the cake’s softness.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The warm aroma of spices filling your kitchen at this stage is guaranteed to have you excited!

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans. This step is crucial to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off, and it helps maintain the cake’s moisture and soft crumb.

Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually sift in icing sugar and vanilla extract. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency that’s not too stiff or too runny—perfect for layering.

Step 9: Frost the Cake Layers

Spread a generous layer of vanilla frosting over the bottom cake layer. Gently place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake evenly, creating a luscious, inviting appearance.

Step 10: Add the Signature Fork Lines

Use the back of a fork to create straight, even lines on top of the frosting. This simple touch adds a charming, rustic feel that makes this Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe instantly recognizable and even more inviting.

How to Serve Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling a few whole raisins or chopped walnuts on top for extra texture and visual appeal. A small dusting of ground cinnamon or a couple of edible flowers can also elevate the presentation beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, coffee, or hot apple cider. For a truly decadent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into petite squares for a charming tea party spread or stack them as mini cake towers. You can also cut it into wedges and add a drizzle of caramel or spiced honey to take this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and moisture. Keep it covered well so the frosting does not dry out or absorb unwanted odors.

Freezing

This Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap whole or sliced portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can gently warm single slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting too much—just that cozy warmth to remind you of the cake’s spiced nature.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries will give the cake a slightly tart contrast to the warm spices and sweeter frosting, adding a lovely twist on the original Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum, you can maintain a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Of course! Walnuts add a nice crunch, but leaving them out won’t affect the cake’s flavor too much. This makes the cake suitable for those with nut allergies or simply if you prefer a smoother texture.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe stays fresh and delicious for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend this slightly but may dry out the cake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe is simple, just use larger or multiple pans and adjust the baking time as needed, checking with a toothpick for doneness. This is great for bigger gatherings or celebrations!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about baking the Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. The way the spices mingle with the warm sweetness of raisins and the smooth vanilla frosting feels like a cozy celebration in your mouth. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor, and share with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts for every occasion.

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