Time Cake With Raisin & Spices
Warm, aromatic, and comforting, this Time Cake with Raisins & Spices is perfect for cozy afternoons or festive occasions. Rich with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and studded with plump raisins, this cake delivers a moist texture and a fragrance that fills your kitchen. Simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough for gatherings, it’s a cake that celebrates spice in every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) milk
1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
Add-ins:
1 cup (150g) raisins, soaked in warm water or rum for 10–15 minutes
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix milk and yogurt together. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold in the flour-spice mixture gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Raisins and Nuts: Drain raisins and fold them in along with chopped nuts, if using.
Pour and Smooth: Transfer batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.
Tips
Raisin Prep: Soak raisins to keep them plump and juicy during baking.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps the cake batter mix more evenly and rise better.
Spice Adjustments: Adjust spices to taste; more cinnamon for warmth, more nutmeg for depth.
Moisture Check: Yogurt or sour cream keeps the cake moist. You can also substitute with buttermilk.
Mixing: Fold ingredients gently to avoid dense cake.
Pan Prep: Grease and line the pan to prevent sticking.
Toasting Nuts: Lightly toast nuts to enhance flavor.
Even Baking: Bake in the center of the oven for consistent heat.
Flavor Boost: Brush baked cake with a teaspoon of rum or orange juice for extra aroma.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.
Variations
Orange Raisin Cake: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the batter.
Apple Spice Cake: Fold in 1 cup chopped apples for extra moisture.
Chocolate Raisin Cake: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Nutty Delight: Use a mix of walnuts, pecans, and almonds.
Gluten-Free: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (3 tbsp flaxseed + 9 tbsp water) and plant-based yogurt.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Brush with warm maple syrup after baking for extra sweetness.
Spiced Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk and a pinch of cinnamon for a simple glaze.
Tea Cake: Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup and serve with black tea for a subtle flavor.
Caramel Raisin Cake: Add caramel bits and drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
Q&A
Can I use other dried fruits? Yes, cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots work well.
How to keep the cake moist? Yogurt or sour cream and not overbaking are key.
Can I make it in muffin form? Yes, reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Why is my cake dense? Likely overmixing or old leavening agents.
Can I use all brown sugar? Yes, it will make the cake slightly moister and richer.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Substitute for butter? Coconut oil or margarine works, but flavor will vary.
Can I add coffee to enhance flavor? Yes, a teaspoon of instant coffee complements the spices.
How to prevent raisins from sinking? Toss in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter.
Best serving suggestion? Serve with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
(per serving, 1 slice)
Calories: 320
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 22g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 220mg
Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Conclusion
Time Cake with Raisins & Spices is a cozy, aromatic dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for a family treat or special occasion, its moist texture, rich spices, and juicy raisins make it a versatile recipe. With easy variations and tips, it can adapt to gluten-free, vegan, or nutty versions, making it ideal for any pantry or dietary preference. Simple yet indulgent, this cake pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream, delivering a comforting and flavorful experience every time.