Delicious & Nourishing Irish Raisin Cake Recipe
Are you searching for a delicious and comforting dessert recipe that will make your taste buds dance with delight? Look no further than this Irish Raisin Cake Recipe! Perfect for any occasion or time of year, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family.
With its roots in traditional Irish baking, this raisin cake recipe has been passed down through generations of skilled bakers. It’s a classic dessert that’s easy to make, yet packed with flavor and the perfect hint of sweetness. And nothing beats the warm aroma of baking spices wafting through your kitchen!
In this recipe article, I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get baking. But don’t worry if you’re new to baking – I’ll provide plenty of tips and tricks along the way to ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
So put on a pot of Irish tea, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started! Whether you’re making this raisin cake for St. Patrick’s Day or just because you’re craving something sweet, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.
Trust me, there’s no better way to celebrate Irish tradition and culture than by enjoying a slice (or two) of this delicious Irish Raisin Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a sweet and tangy dessert with a hint of Irish flavor? Look no further than this mouth-watering Irish Raisin Cake recipe! With its soft and moist texture, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or even just an afternoon tea indulgence.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is the deliciously rich flavor that comes from the raisins. The mix of golden raisins and seedless raisins gives the cake a unique and delightful taste that you won’t find in other cake recipes. Each bite is packed with sweet and juicy raisins that complement the warm spices like cloves and cinnamon, creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Another reason why this recipe is worth trying is its versatility. This Irish Raisin Cake can be served as a dessert or with your morning coffee, making it a perfect all-day treat. It’s also easy to pair with other desserts like Irish cream or whipped cream on top, giving you endless opportunities to upgrade this already decadent treat.
Finally, even if you’re not an experienced baker, you will have no trouble mastering this easy-to-follow recipe to impress your loved ones at home. Its simple ingredients like flour, sugar, egg, butter, and hot water won’t break the bank, plus they are easily accessible. And despite its lack of complicated steps, this recipe produces a spectacular and tender cake that’s perfect every time.
If you’re looking for something new to add to your baking repertoire or just want to indulge in a delectable creation, try out this Irish Raisin Cake recipe today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before starting with the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need for this tasty Irish Raisin Cake Recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of raisins
- 1 and 1/2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of boiling water
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Note: You can also use golden raisins or currants instead of regular raisins. Make sure they are seedless.
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare the raisins
Preheat your oven to 325℉. While this is heating, in a medium-sized pot, add 2 cups of raisins and enough hot water to cover them by about an inch. Bring them to a boil for two minutes before draining well. This process softens the raisins and helps to create a deep and rich flavor in the cake.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together ¾ cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Next, beat in two eggs, one at a time until they are fully incorporated. Add in one teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix it thoroughly. Your wet ingredients are now ready.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour along with one and a half teaspoons each of baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Then add half a teaspoon of ground cloves. Gradually pour your wet mixture into your dry mixture while stirring gently but steadily, using an electric mixer or wooden spoon.
Step 4: Add Raisins and Bake
Once you’ve mixed everything together properly, fold in the cooked raisins. Be sure to thoroughly coat the raisins with the batter so that they are evenly spread throughout the cake.
Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray before pouring the content into it. Smooth it out so that it forms an even layer across the bottom of the pan before tapping it gently on a hard surface to release any air bubbles.
Bake for approximately one hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While this is happening, resist the urge to open-up and check frequently as this lets out precious heat from the oven which could cause uneven baking.
Once done, remove from oven and let your Irish Raisin Cake cool down to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or adjust this Irish Raisin Cake recipe to your taste or dietary needs, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can try.
For starters, you can swap out the raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or cherries. You can even mix and match different types of dried fruit to create a unique flavor profile.
If you prefer a spicier cake, you can add in more cinnamon or cloves. On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of these spices, you can reduce the amount or leave them out altogether.
For those who are gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.
To make this cake alcohol-free, omit the whiskey and replace it with an equal amount of hot water or apple juice. You can also experiment with other liquors or liqueurs such as Irish cream, Bailey’s or Kahlua to infuse your cake with different flavors.
Finally, if you want a cake that is less sweet but still flavorful, reduce the sugar by half or substitute brown sugar for white sugar. You can also add lemon zest for a slight tartness and top it with a lemon glaze instead of frosting for a lighter touch.
With these substitutions and variations, you’re sure to find a version of this Irish Raisin Cake that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs whilst still honoring tradition.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have baked your scrumptious Irish Raisin Cake, it’s time to think about serving and pairing it. This cake is a perfect treat to pair with a cup of Irish tea or coffee. The warm flavors of cinnamon, clove, and raisins in the cake are perfectly complemented by a hot cup of Irish tea.
For an extra indulgent treat, you can try making an Irish Cream Cake. Simply add a few splashes of Irish cream to the batter before baking, then dust the finished cake with powdered sugar and drizzle with more Irish cream for that extra-rich flavor.
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day dinner party or celebrating Kiddush Shabbat, this recipe is a perfect dessert to serve. Its moist texture and sweet, raisin-infused flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Additionally, if you like a bit of tanginess in your desserts, try pairing this cake with lemon glazed sauce. Adding lemon zest on top of the cake would bring out the flavors of cinnamon and raisins in the most decadent way possible.
Overall, this traditional Irish Raisin Cake is a fantastic dessert to serve at any gathering or as an after-dinner treat. It is flavorful and easy to pair with various drinks or sauces. Get creative, and find your best flavor combination that suits you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
There are certain occasions that call for a make-ahead dessert, and Irish Raisin Cake is the perfect treat to prepare in advance. This cake can be baked up to a few days before serving, allowing its flavor to settle and intensify. Once your cake is cooked, wrap it in parchment paper and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
If you want to prep some of the components ahead of time, you can mix raisins with hot water, butter, sugar, and spices 1-2 days before baking your cake. This will infuse the raisins with rich sweetness and ensure a moist texture for your cake.
For reheating this cake, I suggest placing individual slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F for around three minutes to heat them through. Wrapping the slices in aluminum foil prior to reheating will help keep them moist and warm. Do not heat this cake too high or too long. Doing so will dry up the moisture from the inside and make it crumbly.
I recommend serving this cake with Irish Tea or Kiddush Shabbat because these evoke classic Irish flavors for a full cultural experience. Also, you can add an extra dose of sweetness by pairing Irish Raisin Cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Overall, following these tips about storing and reheating the cake will ensure that this delicious dessert retains its flavor and texture for several days while retaining maximum moistness.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s take a closer look at some tips and tricks that will help you achieve the perfect Irish Raisin Cake.
Firstly, make sure to use the correct measurements for each ingredient. Even small differences in amounts of baking soda or flour can result in a completely different texture and taste. Therefore, I highly recommend using measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
Secondly, it’s important to mix the raisins with hot water before adding them to the batter mixture. This step helps soften the raisins and keeps them moist during the baking process. Be sure not to skip this step as hard raisins can ruin your cake.
Thirdly, try soaking your raisins in a small amount of Irish whiskey before incorporating them into the recipe. The whiskey infusion will give your cake a special kick and unique flavor profile that will make your guests rave about your baking skills.
Fourthly, sift your dry ingredients (flour, salt, cinnamon, clove) together before mixing them with the wet ones. This method ensures an even distribution of spices and leavening agents throughout the cake batter.
Fifthly, don’t forget to add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the batter for that refreshing summer feeling. The sour aroma of lemon complements the sweetness of raisins perfectly.
Lastly, bake the cake in a preheated oven at 325°F for around 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean from the center of the cake. This slow bake at low temperature creates a tender Irish Raisin Cake delicately scented with cinnamon and cloves.
By following these tips and tricks in this recipe article section, you’ll be able to make an authentic Irish Raisin Cake that will transport you straight to Ireland with its aromatic flavors!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information about this delicious Irish Raisin Cake recipe, let’s answer some frequently asked questions that will help make the process of baking this delightful cake a piece of cake!
What is Martha Stewart’s favorite cake?
We have an unbeatable recipe for no-bake cheesecake that boasts a traditional graham cracker crust and a filling infused with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser and our most beloved recipe ever.
What country is raisin cake from?
In this recipe article, I’ll be sharing my instructions, tips and recommendations for a delicious cake which is known as the Raisin Cake. This cake can be enjoyed cold or warm and consists of raisins and cake batter as its key ingredients. It is a perfect dish for those who like fruitcakes as it has a similar taste profile. The origins of this cake can be traced back to the town of Miltenberg, Germany.
What is Irish cream cake made of?
Get ready for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert with this decadent Irish cream cake. Three layers of delectable chocolate Guinness cake are soaked in Bailey’s Irish Cream and generously frosted with a delectable Irish Whiskey white chocolate frosting. To elevate the cake even further, drizzle homemade caramel on top for the ultimate indulgence.
What is kiddush cake?
The kindle cake was a customary treat that I recall from my childhood, enjoyed on Shabbat mornings following synagogue services. In my family, it was often savored alongside a refreshing sip of Schnapps by my father as he recited the Kiddush. As well, it makes for a delectable match with a warm cup of tea.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Raisin Cake recipe is a true gem for any dessert or tea lover. It’s a traditional cake that stands out with its unique texture and rich flavor. The combination of plump raisins, warm spices, and soft cake makes it the perfect choice for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or any special occasion.
By using fresh and quality ingredients, following the steps carefully, and implementing the tips and variations shared in this article, you can create a delicious Irish Raisin Cake that your family and friends will rave about.
So, don’t hesitate to give it a try! Try making this cake at home with your loved ones to create lasting memories with unforgettable tastes. Or better yet, invite some guests over for tea time and serve them something sweet with the Irish Raisin Cake.
Remember to enjoy every bite of this tender Irish classic cake, As for me, I can’t wait to hear about all the unique variations and creative substitutions that you come up with using this recipe as inspiration. Happy baking!
Irish Raisin Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raisins (or a mix of raisins, currants or sultanas)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon clove (ground)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (see NOTE)
Instructions
- Combine the raisins, sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add the butter and stir until it melts.
- Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Dissolve the baking soda in 2 tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl. Add to the raisin mixture.
- Sift the flour, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a large bowl.
- Add the beaten egg, if using (see NOTE).
- Add the raisin mixture and vanilla and stir to mix well.
- Pour into 1 large or 2 small well-greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 60 to 75 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove to a wire rack to cool.
- Remove cake(s) from loaf pan after 5 minutes to cool completely.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.