Best 2 Grandmas Depression Cake Recipes
In the annals of culinary history, Depression cake stands as a testament to resilience and innovation during challenging times. This humble cake, born out of the scarcity of the Great Depression era, is a poignant reminder of the power of simple ingredients and the human spirit. Despite its humble origins, Depression cake has stood the test of time, evolving into a cherished treat that continues to be enjoyed today. This article presents two variations of Depression cake: a classic version and a chocolate version, each offering a unique taste experience. Both recipes are easy to follow, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment, making them accessible to home bakers of all skill levels. Whether you seek a nostalgic bite of history or a comforting dessert, these Depression cake recipes will surely satisfy your sweet cravings and warm your heart.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
GRANDMA'S GREAT DEPRESSION CAKE
A delicious spiced cake recipe that is made with cinnamon, ground cloves and nutmeg, Grandma's Great Depression Cake is easy to make and easy on the budget. Old fashioned cake recipes like this will forever be remembered as some of the best desserts out there. Baked until golden brown, each slice has a bold flavor that is perfect for the colder months of the year. Serve it when it is still warm and you won't be able to stop at just one slice. This is a great cake recipe to serve with tea or coffee for a nice afternoon pick-me-up. It could even be eaten for breakfast, as a sweeter alternative to your regular eggs and toast. You might notice that this depression cake recipe is missing some common baking ingredients. It's dairy-free and egg-free, because those ingredients were difficult to get during the 1930s. This frugal cake was a great alternative to other cake recipes that used more expensive ingredients. And the recipe turned out to be so delicious that everyone continues to make it today! Our version of depression cake uses raisins and a healthy amount of spice, for a dessert (or snack) that is bursting with flavor.
Provided by RecipeLion.com Test Kitchen
Categories Cake
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325ยบ degrees F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang.
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, combine water, raisins, brown sugar, vegetable oil and the spices. Bring to a boil and, stirring constantly, boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile mix the baking soda and salt in water and stir until completely dissolved. Combine flour and baking powder and toss with a fork to combine.
- After raisin mixture has cooled, add soda and salt mixture - it will bubble up, so stir well. Add the flour mixture and stir until a stiff dough has formed and raisins are well distributed. Spoon into prepared pan, smooth the top and bake 55 minutes.
- Remove cake from oven to a cooling rack and let cool 5 minutes, then use overhanging foil to remove cake from the pan and allow to cool completely.
- Serve slightly warm as dessert or with morning coffee. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
GRANDMA'S DEPRESSION CAKE
This is an eggless, milkless, butterless cake. " A delicious spiced cake that's easy on the budget". I found this recipe in the "Guideposts" magazine (August 2009 issue). The recipe was part of a wonderful article with the same title written by Rosemary Marbach.
Provided by nuts about music
Categories Dessert
Time 1h25m
Yield 1 cake, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine sugar, water, vegetable oil, raisins, and spices in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Take pan off heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Dissolve baking soda and salt in 2 teaspoons of water and add to raisin mixture (it will foam).
- Blend in the flour and baking powder. Mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 inch square pan and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick unserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Simple ingredients: This cake uses basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly and accessible option.
- No eggs or milk: This recipe is eggless and milkless, making it suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
- Use quality cocoa powder: The type of cocoa powder you use can significantly impact the flavor of the cake. Opt for a high-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure a rich, chocolatey taste.
- Do not overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are well combined.
- Use a loaf pan: The recipe calls for a 9x5 inch loaf pan. If using a different size pan, adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done baking.
- Let cool before frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it. This will prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
Conclusion:
Grandma's Depression Cake is a testament to the resilience and creativity of people during challenging times. Its simple ingredients and lack of eggs and milk make it an accessible and affordable dessert. With its moist texture, rich chocolate flavor, and nostalgic charm, this cake is a reminder of the power of food to bring comfort and joy, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of classic recipes, or simply looking for a delicious and economical dessert, Grandma's Depression Cake is sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you're in the mood for a sweet treat, give this Depression-era recipe a try and experience a taste of history.
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