Description: A comforting and deeply flavorful spice cake studded with plump raisins and crunchy pecans, crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for autumnal gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a cozy afternoon treat.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Warm and inviting spices: The blend of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg creates a symphony of warm, comforting flavors that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Moist and tender crumb: The combination of water, butter, and eggs ensures a beautifully moist and tender cake that stays fresh for days.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness: The sweetness of the sugar and raisins is perfectly balanced by the warmth of the spices and the tang of the cream cheese frosting.
- Easy to make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the spices to your liking, add other nuts or dried fruits, or get creative with the frosting and decorations.
Introduction
This Spiced Raisin Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a cake; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of cake that evokes memories of cozy kitchens, crackling fireplaces, and cherished moments shared with loved ones. The deep, rich flavor of the spices, the plump sweetness of the raisins, and the satisfying crunch of the pecans all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
What sets this recipe apart is the unique method of infusing the spices directly into the liquid ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and permeate every inch of the cake. The result is a depth of flavor that simply can’t be achieved with traditional methods.
And let’s not forget about the cream cheese frosting! Its tangy sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the rich spices of the cake, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a formal holiday gathering. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a cake that will delight your senses and warm your soul.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup raisins, chopped
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Optional Decorations:
- Additional chopped pecans
- Cinnamon sticks
- Fresh bay leaves
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preparation:
Step 1: Infuse the Spices
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, raisins, water, butter, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the butter is melted. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and don’t let the mixture boil. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. This step is crucial for infusing the spices into the liquid and creating a deep, rich flavor. It can take about 30-45 minutes for the mixture to cool down to lukewarm.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolks
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks using an electric mixer until they are light and slightly thickened. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually pour the cooled spice mixture into the beaten egg yolks, whisking constantly to combine. Make sure the spice mixture is not too hot, as it could cook the egg yolks.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. This ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will result in a cake with a light and even texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients (spice mixture and egg yolks), mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Beat Egg Whites and Fold Into Batter
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites, as they are what give the cake its light and airy texture. Folding in the egg whites can be accomplished in 2-3 batches and is best done with a spatula to not deflate it.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from sticking to the pans and also allows them to cool evenly, which helps prevent them from cracking.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with half of the cream cheese frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
If desired, decorate the cake with additional chopped pecans, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, and confectioners’ sugar. Get creative and have fun with it!
Step 10: Chill and Serve
Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to firm up and makes the cake easier to slice.
COOKING Rating:
Difficulty: Medium
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair the cake with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or spiced cider.
- Garnish each slice with fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Serve as a dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions.
Tips:
- Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature for best results. This includes the butter, cream cheese, and eggs. Room-temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake.
- Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the best way to ensure that the cake is fully cooked.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting.
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and serving size.)
Calories: 450 per serving (approximate)
Protein: 5g per serving (approximate)
Sodium: 200mg per serving (approximate)
Conclusion
This Spiced Raisin Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a truly special dessert that is sure to impress. The warm spices, moist crumb, and tangy frosting create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this cake is the perfect choice.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can easily substitute them with other dried fruits such as dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cake. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the cake will still be delicious. You could even use a mix of different dried fruits for a more complex flavor.
Q2: Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
A: Yes, pecans can be substituted with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each type of nut will impart its unique flavor to the cake. Walnuts have a slightly more bitter taste, while almonds are milder and sweeter. Hazelnuts offer a nutty and aromatic flavor. Remember to chop the nuts into similar sizes to ensure even distribution.
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before frosting the cake. Assembled and frosted cake should be refrigerated.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers either unfrosted or frosted. If freezing unfrosted layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. If freezing a frosted cake, place it in the freezer uncovered for about an hour to allow the frosting to harden. Then, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q5: What can I do if my cream cheese frosting is too runny?
A: If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, it could be due to the cream cheese or butter being too warm. Place the frosting in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill and firm up. If it’s still too runny, you can add a tablespoon or two of confectioners’ sugar at a time, beating well after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much confectioners’ sugar, as this can make the frosting too sweet. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken it.