
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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Beat together one teacupful of butter and three teacupfuls of sugar, and when quite light stir in one pint of sifted flour
Add to this one pound of raisins seeded and chopped, then mixed with a cup of sifted flour one teaspoonful of nutmeg, one teaspoonful of powdered cinnamon and lastly one pint of thick sour cream or milk in which a teaspoonful of soda is dissolved
Bake immediately in buttered tins one hour in a moderate oven
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
This historical recipe relies on the chemical reaction between baking soda and acidic sour cream to provide leavening without eggs. The acid-base reaction produces carbon dioxide bubbles that lift the batter, while the high fat content from butter and sour cream provides structure and tenderness that eggs would normally supply. Coating the raisins in flour prevents them from sinking during baking by increasing their surface area and helping them stay suspended in the batter.
The raisins can be seeded, chopped, and tossed with flour up to 1 day ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature. The butter and sugar can be creamed together and refrigerated for up to 2 hours—bring back to room temperature before proceeding.
Store the cooled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cake can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The raisins can be seeded, chopped, and tossed with flour up to 1 day ahead; store in an airtight container at room temperature. The butter and sugar can be creamed together and refrigerated for up to 2 hours—bring back to room temperature before proceeding.
Store the cooled cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cake can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.