by Anne Stjern

Created on: November 06, 2010

This simple but heavenly raisin cake was perfected by my grandmother Laura Draper Thompson. She learned the recipe from her mother-in-law, who got the sweet delight from her mother, Emma Fenstermacher Lichty. In the 1880's, Emma migrated with her husband Chester in a covered wagon from Pennsylvania Dutch country to the Midwest. There is no doubt that they had this rich, easy to create cake along the way.

There are so many things to love about Lichty's Famous Raisin Cake. It is moist, full of spicy flavor and plump raisins. It easily lasts a week, if you can keep it around, is equally good as a lunch box treat or late night snack and doesn't require a fork. In fact, my favorite way to eat yummy this family heirloom is to simply cut a hand sized hunk, take a bite and leave the napkin for later.

If you are looking for something a little different for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, this is the perfect dessert. It also sells well at Cake Sales.

A nutrition breakdown from Recipe Calculator on SparkPeople.com follows the recipe.

Ingredients

1 Lb raisins
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp cinnamon
3 cups sugar
2 Tbsp vegetable shortening
3 cups water
4 cups flour, sifted
2 tsp baking soda

Method

Combine raisins, cinnamon, sugar, shortening, salt and the water in a heavy bottom saucepan. Bring to a slow boil, stir mixture, and cook for about 5 minutes. Let cool 25-30 minutes.

Pour the raisin mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the flour and soda. Mix well.

Pour mixture into a lightly greased and floured 13 X 9 X 2 glass or metal baking pan.

Bake at 350 for approx. 45 minutes or until done. Test with butter knife. If it comes out clean it is done. Cool in the pan completely before cutting. Yield: 15 - 2.5" x 2.25" pieces

NOTE: You may have to vary the amount of flour used. The batter should be a little stiff. The thicker the batter, the drier the cake will be.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 239.0
Total Fat: 1.8 grams
Saturated Fat: .04 grams
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8 grams
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3 grams
Cholesterol: 0 grams
Sodium: 250.5 grams
Potassium: 172.8 milligrams
Total Carbohydrates: 58.5 grams
Dietary Fiber: 1.5 grams
Sugars: 53.1 grams
Protein: 0.8 grams

Source: Family Recipe

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