Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

There’s something about a Spiced Raisin Cake that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day. This cake is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and moist—each bite filled with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, we top it off with a silky, homemade vanilla frosting that is the cherry on top. Trust me, once you taste this cake, you’ll be hooked!

This is one of those recipes that will make your kitchen smell like heaven, and the best part? It’s easy to make, so you’ll have a delicious homemade treat in no time. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon tea, a special celebration, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this cake has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting

If you’re still on the fence, let me tell you why this cake is a total game-changer:

Perfectly Spiced:

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove gives this cake that comforting spiced flavor you crave, making it feel like the perfect treat for fall or any cozy day.

Moist and Tender:

Raisins not only add a natural sweetness, but they also give the cake a wonderful, soft texture. The cake stays moist for days, making it the kind of dessert that tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!).

Homemade Frosting:

The vanilla frosting is rich, creamy, and just sweet enough to balance out the spices in the cake. It’s the kind of frosting that people will ask about because it’s that good.

Versatile:

This cake works beautifully as a simple afternoon treat, a birthday cake, or even a holiday dessert. It’s easy to dress up with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or some candied nuts if you want to make it extra special.

Easy to Make:

Despite the rich flavor, this cake is simple to put together. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you can bake anytime.

Ingredients in Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting

This cake may sound fancy, but the ingredients are actually pretty simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• Raisins: These plump little gems add sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Flour: The base of any good cake. We use all-purpose flour for this one.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake just enough.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cake richness and depth.
• Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients and make the cake fluffy.
• Baking Soda: A little baking soda helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring that cozy spiced flavor to every bite.
• Buttermilk: For that tender crumb and a bit of tang, buttermilk is essential in this recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cake.

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• Butter: The frosting starts with softened unsalted butter, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: This is the magic ingredient for making frosting light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla to bring out that lovely, sweet flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream helps achieve that rich, silky texture for the frosting.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the frosting.

Instructions

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this delicious Spiced Raisin Cake:

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the raisins: In a small bowl, toss the raisins with a tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). Set aside.
4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk: Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
7. Fold in the raisins: Gently fold in the flour-coated raisins. This ensures they stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.
8. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla and cream: Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Add a pinch of salt: Just a small pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness in the frosting.

Frost the Cake:

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread a generous layer of the vanilla frosting on top.
2. Decorate with extra cinnamon, chopped nuts, or even a few more raisins if desired.

Slice and Serve:

1. Slice the cake into squares or rectangles, and serve. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this delightful cake paired with the creamy frosting!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 280-300 (depending on size and ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting

Here are a few ways to enjoy your spiced raisin cake:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee:

The warmth of this cake pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage, making it an ideal treat for afternoon tea or a coffee break.

With Whipped Cream:

For an extra indulgent treat, top each slice of cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a light, creamy element to the spice.

With a Dusting of Cinnamon:

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over the frosting for a festive touch.

Additional Tips

• Make it ahead: This cake actually gets better after sitting for a day or two, so feel free to make it ahead of time for a party or gathering.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life.
• Freezing: Both the cake and frosting freeze well. Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months and thaw it before frosting and serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A1: Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but buttermilk gives the cake a bit of tang and helps keep it moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk.

Q2: Can I make this cake without raisins?
A2: Of course! If raisins aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for other dried fruits like currants, cranberries, or even chopped dates.

Q3: How do I store leftover cake?
A3: Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Q5: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.

Q6: Can I use a different frosting?
A6: Absolutely! If vanilla frosting isn’t your thing, you can swap it for cream cheese frosting or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A7: Yes, you can make this cake egg-free by using an egg substitute, such as a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg).

Q8: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you use is a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.

Q9: How do I keep the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
A9: Tossing the raisins in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking during baking.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A10: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a lovely addition to the cake, both in the batter or sprinkled on top for added crunch.

Conclusion

This Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting is the perfect combination of comforting spices, moist cake, and creamy frosting. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a birthday, or just a cozy afternoon snack, it’s sure to be a hit. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and enjoy a slice of sweetness!

Print