Golden Raisin Cake Squares

A simple, comforting cake studded with plump golden raisins and flavored with warm spices. These cake squares are soft, moist, and perfect for an afternoon snack or a lunchbox treat.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk

• 1 cup (150g) golden raisins

For the Soak (Optional but Recommended):

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp warm water

• 1 tsp lemon juice or orange juice

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp milk or citrus juice

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Soak raisins (optional but helpful): In a small bowl, cover the golden raisins with warm water and let them plump for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry before using.

3. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.

5. Combine wet and dry: Add one-third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Then mix in half the milk. Repeat, ending with the last third of the flour. Fold in the golden raisins until evenly distributed.

6. Bake: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Soak: While the cake is still warm, mix the honey, warm water, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush gently over the surface of the cake to add moisture and a subtle shine (optional).

Add Glaze (Optional):

1. Once the cake is completely cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Drizzle over the cake in a zigzag pattern. Allow to set before cutting.

Serve:

1. Cut into squares. Serve as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

• Plumping raisins helps keep the cake moist and prevents the raisins from drying out during baking.

• For extra flavor, soak raisins in warm tea, apple juice, or a splash of rum instead of water.

• Spice variation: Add ¼ teaspoon of cardamom or allspice for deeper warmth.

• Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the raisins.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

These cake squares are lightly spiced, not overly sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy!