When it comes to sweet treats, there’s nothing quite like a moist and flavorful cake packed with plump raisins. The combination of natural sweetness from the fruit and the richness of butter, sugar, and spices creates a truly irresistible dessert. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 18 delicious raisin cakes recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
From classic spice cake with cinnamon glaze to decadent chocolate cake with ganache finish, these mouth-watering treats are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore a range of flavors and techniques that will help you create your own masterpiece. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in some seriously sweet raisin cakes!
Classic Raisin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
Moist and flavorful, this classic raisin spice cake is perfect for any occasion. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of raisins will fill your kitchen as you bake this delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Fold in raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cinnamon Glaze:
1. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Moist Carrot and Raisin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist Carrot and Raisin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic cake recipe is a staple of any celebration, with the sweetness of carrots and raisins perfectly balanced by the tanginess of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, carrots, raisins, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto cooled cake.
Golden Rum Raisin Cake with Vanilla Drizzle
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful golden rum raisin cake, topped with a sweet vanilla drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup golden rum-soaked raisins (see note)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
3. Beat in eggs and heavy cream. Stir in golden rum-soaked raisins and vanilla extract.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before drizzling with vanilla glaze (1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old-Fashioned Raisin Pound Cake with Brown Sugar Topping
Warm up to a classic dessert that never goes out of style! This moist and flavorful pound cake is packed with sweet raisins and topped with a crunchy brown sugar topping, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) golden raisins
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Brown Sugar Topping (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. Fold in raisins and milk.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Brown Sugar Topping:
– 1/2 cup (60g) brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Mix together brown sugar and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle over cake while still warm.
Decadent Chocolate Raisin Cake with Ganache Finish
Decadent Chocolate Raisin Cake with Ganache Finish Recipe
This rich and moist chocolate cake is loaded with plump raisins and topped with a velvety ganache finish. Perfect for any chocolate lover, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup raisins
– Ganache finish (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, egg, and milk. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Fold in raisins.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely.
Ganache Finish:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Combine cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Spread or drizzle over cooled cake.
Lemon Raisin Bundt Cake with Zesty Glaze
This moist and flavorful bundt cake is infused with the sweetness of raisins, the tanginess of lemon, and the zing of a citrusy glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup chopped raisins
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest and juice.
4. Fold in chopped raisins. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the zesty glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Apple Raisin Cake with Maple Icing
Warm up to the comforting flavors of autumn with this moist and flavorful cake, infused with the sweetness of apples, raisins, and a hint of spice. Top it off with a tangy maple icing for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2-3 apples)
– 1/2 cup raisins
– Maple icing ingredients: 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in diced apples and raisins.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Maple Icing:
1. Whisk together maple syrup and butter until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Vegan Raisin and Walnut Cake with Coconut Frosting
Moist and flavorful, this vegan cake is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. The combination of sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and creamy coconut frosting is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Coconut frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in raisins and walnuts.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Coconut Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Spread or drizzle over cooled cake.
Sourdough Raisin Cake with Honey Drizzle
This moist and flavorful sourdough raisin cake is elevated by a sweet honey drizzle, perfect for a special occasion or everyday treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
– Honey drizzle (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, combine sourdough starter, melted butter, eggs, and raisins. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Honey Drizzle:
1. Whisk together 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon heavy cream until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled cake and serve.
Gluten-Free Raisin and Almond Cake with Lemon Zest
This gluten-free raisin and almond cake is a perfect treat for anyone looking for a delicious dessert that’s also easy to make. The addition of lemon zest gives it a bright and citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the raisins and almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Stir in almonds, raisins, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cinnamon Roll Raisin Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl
Start your day off right with this moist and flavorful cake that combines the sweetness of raisins and cinnamon with a tangy cream cheese swirl.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup raisins
– Cream cheese swirl:
+ 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
+ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
+ 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and raisins; mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. For the cream cheese swirl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar; spread over cake batter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Raisin Tea Cake with Citrus Glaze
Moist and flavorful, this tea cake is perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. The combination of orange zest, raisins, and citrus glaze creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 1/2 cup raisins
– Citrus glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add orange juice, zest, and raisins; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Citrus Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake before serving.
Sticky Toffee Raisin Cake with Butterscotch Sauce
This rich and indulgent cake is a masterclass in caramelized sweetness, featuring sticky toffee sauce-infused raisins and a velvety butterscotch topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh or dried raisins
– 2 tablespoons toffee bits (optional)
– Butterscotch Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Beat in eggs.
4. Fold in raisins and toffee bits (if using). Pour batter into prepared dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Butterscotch Sauce:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Bourbon Raisin Cake with Pecan Crumble
Moist bourbon-infused cake meets crunchy pecan crumble in this delightful dessert. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup bourbon-infused raisins (see note)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
For the pecan crumble:
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the cake batter according to package instructions. Fold in bourbon-infused raisins.
3. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. For the pecan crumble, combine ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined. Sprinkle over cakes during last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Coconut Raisin Cake with Coconut Milk Frosting
Moist and flavorful, this coconut raisin cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, unsweetened coconut, and raisins.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Coconut Milk Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine butter and powdered sugar. Add coconut milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Spread or drizzle over cooled cake.
Oatmeal Raisin Cake with Brown Butter Icing
Warm up with a slice of nostalgia – our Oatmeal Raisin Cake with Brown Butter Icing is a classic comfort treat that’s sure to please. This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of oats, plump raisins, and a hint of spice, topped with a rich brown butter icing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in raisins.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling with brown butter icing (see below).
Brown Butter Icing:
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Banana Raisin Cake with Peanut Butter Drizzle
This decadent cake is perfect for banana lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts alike. The combination of ripe bananas, sweet raisins, and crunchy peanuts creates a delightful flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
– Peanut butter drizzle (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter. Beat until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in raisins and chopped peanuts.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Peanut Butter Drizzle:
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp honey
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Pumpkin Raisin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Warm up to the flavors of fall with this moist and delicious pumpkin raisin cake, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 2 large eggs
– Cream cheese frosting (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in raisins and eggs.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until combined.
Summary
Indulge in the sweet and delightful world of raisin cakes! This article presents 18 mouth-watering recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From classic treats like Classic Raisin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze to decadent delights like Decadent Chocolate Raisin Cake with Ganache Finish, there’s something for everyone. Try moist and flavorful combinations like Moist Carrot and Raisin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or sweet and tangy pairings like Lemon Raisin Bundt Cake with Zesty Glaze. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or modern twists, these recipes will surely leave you wanting more.
