Old Fashioned Raisin Cake

😄 Old-fashioned raisin cake is one of those warm, spiced, grandma-kitchen classics — moist, fragrant, and perfect with a cup of coffee.

Here’s a traditional Southern-style version made the old way (with boiled raisins for extra moisture and flavor).

🍰 Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake

Ingredients

For the Raisin Mixture:

1 cup raisins

1 cup water

½ cup (1 stick) butter

Dry Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon cloves (optional but very traditional)

Wet Ingredients:

1 large egg

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour an 8x8 pan (or 9-inch round pan).

Boil the raisins:

In a saucepan, combine raisins, water, and butter.

Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix dry ingredients:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices.

Combine:

Stir the egg into the slightly cooled raisin mixture.

Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Fold in nuts if using.

Bake:

Pour into prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting.

Classic Frosting Options

🧁 Brown Sugar Frosting (Very Traditional)

½ cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

¼ cup milk

1½–2 cups powdered sugar

Melt butter and brown sugar together. Add milk and bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute. Cool slightly, then beat in powdered sugar until spreadable.

OR

❄️ Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese

¼ cup butter

1½ cups powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Old-Time Tips

This cake actually tastes better the next day.

Add a tablespoon of molasses for deeper flavor.

Some families add a spoonful of cocoa for a darker “Depression-era” style raisin cake.