This incredibly simple raisin cake recipe proves that delicious homemade desserts don’t require hours of preparation. With just 5 minutes of mixing time and basic pantry ingredients, you’ll create a moist, flavorful cake topped with a delightful crumb topping that rivals any bakery creation. This quick cake recipe is perfect for unexpected guests, weekend treats, or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 80ml (⅓ cup) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) whole milk, room temperature
- 220g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 12g (3 teaspoons) baking powder
- 50g (⅓ cup) raisins
For the Crumb Topping
- 35g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
- 20g (1½ tablespoons) cold butter, cubed
- 15g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
- 30g (¼ cup) chopped walnuts
For Preparing the Pan
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
- 1 tablespoon flour for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). This quick cake recipe requires proper oven temperature from the start to ensure even baking and the perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Thoroughly grease a 24cm (9½ inch) bundt pan or tube cake pan with butter, making sure to coat all surfaces including the center tube. Dust the entire pan with flour, tapping out any excess. This preparation ensures your quick raisin cake will release perfectly from the pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, toss the raisins with 1 tablespoon of flour from your measured amount. This coating prevents the raisins from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout your cake.
Making the Cake Batter
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly. Add the granulated sugar and continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This quick mixing creates the foundation for your tender cake texture.
Step 5: Add the pinch of salt and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, whisking to combine. The salt enhances all the flavors in your quick cake recipe while the vanilla provides aromatic depth.
Step 6: Pour in the vegetable oil and milk, whisking continuously until the wet ingredients are completely combined. The mixture should be smooth and well-integrated at this stage.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which is crucial for achieving the light, fluffy texture that makes this 5-minute cake so special.
Step 8: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough cake texture.
Step 9: Fold in the flour-coated raisins with gentle movements, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without deflating the mixture.
Preparing the Crumb Topping
Step 10: In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crumb topping. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub the mixture together until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining.
Step 11: Stir in the chopped walnuts, which will add delightful texture and nutty flavor to complement the sweet raisins in your quick cake.
Baking the Cake
Step 12: Pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter should fill approximately two-thirds of the pan, allowing room for rising.
Step 13: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the surface of the batter, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Step 14: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 15: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a wire cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor development.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Nutritional Profile (Per Slice – Serves 10)
- Calories: 245 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Calcium: 85mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
- Vitamin E: 2mg (from nuts and oil)
Timing Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (mixing only)
- Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Serves: 10-12 people
This quick raisin cake recipe delivers impressive results with minimal time investment, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a homemade dessert in under an hour.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Variations
Transform this basic quick cake recipe by substituting raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or mixed dried fruit. Fresh berries like blueberries or chopped apples can also be used, though you may need to reduce the liquid slightly to compensate for their moisture content.
Spice Additions
Enhance the flavor profile by adding warm spices such as 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom to the flour mixture. These spices complement the raisins beautifully and create a more complex flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Alternatives
Make this quick cake recipe dairy-free by substituting the milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Replace the butter in the crumb topping with vegan butter or coconut oil for a completely plant-based version.
Gluten-Free Option
Create a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but the cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
Nut Variations
While walnuts provide excellent flavor and texture, you can substitute them with chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. For nut-free versions, replace the nuts in the crumb topping with additional flour or rolled oats for texture.
Sugar Alternatives
Reduce refined sugar by substituting half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper molasses notes, or use coconut sugar for a more complex flavor profile. Honey or maple syrup can also be used, though you’ll need to reduce other liquids slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my quick cake dense instead of light and fluffy?
Dense texture in this 5-minute cake recipe usually results from overmixing the batter or using ingredients that aren’t at room temperature. Mix the flour just until combined, and ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for optimal incorporation. Additionally, check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents won’t provide adequate lift.
Can I make this raisin cake without a bundt pan?
Absolutely! This versatile quick cake recipe works well in various pan sizes. Use a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan, 20cm (8-inch) square pan, or even muffin tins. Adjust baking time accordingly – round or square pans may need 25-30 minutes, while muffins typically bake in 18-22 minutes.
How should I store this quick cake and how long will it stay fresh?
Store your finished raisin cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the ingredients meld together. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I prepare this cake batter in advance?
While this recipe is designed for immediate baking, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and combine just before baking. However, the “5-minute” appeal is best enjoyed when mixing and baking immediately.
What’s the secret to getting the perfect crumb topping?
The key to achieving the ideal crumb topping lies in using cold butter and not overworking the mixture. The butter should be cubed and cold from the refrigerator, and you should rub it into the flour mixture just until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some larger pieces remaining. These butter pieces create the delightful texture contrast when baked.
This remarkable 5-minute cake recipe proves that exceptional homemade desserts don’t require extensive time or complicated techniques. With its moist crumb, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnut topping, this quick cake delivers bakery-quality results that will have your family and friends requesting the recipe. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this versatile cake adapts easily to various dietary needs and flavor preferences while maintaining its foolproof simplicity.
