Description
This Spiced Raisin Cake with Vanilla Frosting is a delightful dessert featuring warm spices combined with succulent raisins and a moist, tender crumb. Finished with a creamy vanilla frosting, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup raisins, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Vanilla Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in mix-ins: Carefully fold in the finely chopped raisins and walnuts if using, ensuring an even distribution without deflating the batter.
- Divide batter and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare frosting base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually mix in the icing sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Adjust frosting consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
- Stack layers: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Create decorative lines: Using the back of a fork, run it gently over the top frosting in straight, even lines to add texture and decoration.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing and serving your delicious spiced raisin cake with vanilla frosting.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts entirely.
- Chopping the raisins helps distribute them evenly and prevents sinking.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- The frosting can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugars slightly.
