5-Star Irresistible Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake Recipe

There’s something so special about old-fashioned recipes—the kind that bring back memories of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the comforting aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. This Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake is a perfect example! Moist, rich, and packed with warm cinnamon-spiced flavors, this cake is one of those treasured recipes that never go out of style.

If you love classic baked goods with simple, wholesome ingredients, you’re going to adore this one! Let’s dive in and bring a taste of nostalgia to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Fashioned Raisin Cake

• Warm and comforting – The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar gives this cake an irresistible aroma and flavor
• Incredibly moist – The secret? Simmering the raisins in water before adding them to the batter. This keeps every bite soft and tender
• Easy to make – No fancy equipment needed—just a few basic ingredients and one bowl
• Perfect for any occasion – Enjoy it with coffee in the morning, as an afternoon treat, or even as a holiday dessert

What Does Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake Taste Like

Imagine biting into a slice of cake that’s soft, slightly dense, and bursting with plump, sweet raisins. The brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness, while the cinnamon gives it a cozy, spiced warmth. If you add the optional walnuts, you’ll get a slight crunch in every bite, making it even more delightful.

Benefits of This Fashioned Raisin Cake Recipe

• Uses pantry staples – Everything in this recipe is likely already in your kitchen
• Naturally sweetened with raisins – No need for excessive sugar; the raisins add natural sweetness and moisture
• Customizable – You can swap in different nuts, add a glaze, or even sprinkle it with powdered sugar

Ingredients You’ll Need

PIN IT

To make this Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake, gather the following:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup raisins (any variety works, but dark raisins add the richest flavor)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened for easy mixing)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (for a perfectly risen cake)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that cozy spiced flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth and warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
• 2 eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) (for a delicious nutty crunch)

Tools You’ll Need

• A medium saucepan (to simmer the raisins)
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk or electric mixer
• A spatula
• A 9-inch cake pan (or a loaf pan for a different shape)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

PIN IT

1. Simmer the Raisins

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and raisins. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for 5 minutes. This softens the raisins and infuses the water with their natural sweetness. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm.

2. Preheat and Prep

While the raisin mixture cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

3. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the cooled raisin mixture and vanilla extract.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using walnuts, fold them in now.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s absolutely delicious!

What to Serve with Fashioned Raisin Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea – The perfect cozy combo
• A dollop of whipped cream – Adds a light, creamy contrast
• A dusting of powdered sugar – A simple but elegant touch
• A drizzle of caramel sauce – For extra indulgence

Tips for the Best Fashioned Raisin Cake

• Don’t skip the raisin simmering step – This ensures they’re soft and juicy in every bite
• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature – This helps everything mix smoothly
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender
• Try different add-ins – Chopped pecans, a handful of chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries can make fun variations

How to Store Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake

PIN IT

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• In the refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week
• In the freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving

FAQs

Can I use different types of raisins

Absolutely! Golden raisins, sultanas, or even a mix will all work beautifully

Can I make this cake gluten-free

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version

Can I add a glaze on top

Of course! A simple vanilla glaze or a drizzle of honey makes a lovely addition

Can I use oil instead of butter

Yes, you can substitute ½ cup of vegetable oil for the butter if you prefer a dairy-free option

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a classic Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to your home.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! If you make this cake, I’d love to see your photos—share them on Pinterest or leave a comment below.

More Classic Recipes to Try

If you love this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delightful cakes:

• Flourless Cinnamon Chia Seed Cake – A gluten-free, wholesome treat with warm cinnamon flavors
• Coconut Almond Spice Cake – A nutty, spiced cake with tropical coconut goodness
• Carrot Date Spice Cake – Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with comforting spices

Happy baking! 😊 🍰

Print