This Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake is the epitome of cozy comfort in every bite. With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plump raisins, and crunchy walnuts, this cake wraps you up like a soft blanket on a chilly day. It’s moist, fragrant, and just the right amount of sweet, making it the perfect treat for afternoon tea or a casual family gathering. Trust me, this cake is a winner for anyone who loves a combination of rich flavors and texture that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Why You’ll Love Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

Warm and Cozy Flavors: A beautiful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for that comforting vibe.
Texture Delight: The raisins bring a burst of sweetness, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
Perfectly Moist: The cake is soft, light, and tender, with a dense but not heavy texture.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy, just pantry staples that work together so perfectly.

Ingredients

This cake comes together easily with simple ingredients you likely already have:

Raisins: Soaked in water, they plump up and bring sweetness and moisture.
Walnuts: For crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
Flour: The base of the cake that holds everything together.
Sugar: Granulated sugar for the right amount of sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
Eggs: To bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
Baking Soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): The perfect spice blend to warm the flavors of the cake.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth to the flavor profile.
Buttermilk: For moisture and a slight tang that balances out the sweetness.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious cake:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Soak the Raisins: In a small bowl, soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until smooth.

Fold in Raisins and Walnuts: Gently fold in the plumped raisins and chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch.
Pair with Tea or Coffee: This cake is perfect for an afternoon tea, served alongside your favorite hot beverage.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it up a notch.
As a Snack: Great for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, just as is!

Additional Tips

Soaking the Raisins: Soaking raisins beforehand ensures they don’t dry out during baking and adds moisture to the cake.
Spice Variations: You can experiment with adding ground ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut?
A1: Yes! Pecans or almonds would also work well in this cake if you prefer them over walnuts.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.

Q3: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A3: You can use regular milk, but buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps keep the cake extra moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Q4: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A4: Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for longer freshness.

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q7: Can I use a different dried fruit?
A7: Absolutely! Dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dried apricots would all be great substitutions for raisins.

Q8: How do I know when the cake is done?
A8: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Q9: Can I add a glaze or frosting?
A9: Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk would complement the warm spices, or a cream cheese frosting would add a tangy contrast.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! If you double the recipe, bake the cake in a larger pan or bake two cakes and layer them.

Conclusion

The Spiced Raisin and Walnut Cake is the perfect blend of cozy spices, chewy raisins, and crunchy walnuts, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon treat or a holiday dessert, this cake will not disappoint. The flavors are comforting and familiar, yet still exciting with that nutty texture and spice! So, preheat your oven and get ready to savor this delicious cake—you’ll be so glad you did.