Vanilla Raisin Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert with a soft vanilla base and bursts of sweetness from the raisins.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 cup raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg).
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Alternate dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in 2-3 batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.
6. Fold in raisins: Gently fold in the soaked and drained raisins into the batter.
7. Pour into pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This cake can be served as-is, or dusted with powdered sugar or frosted with a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!