Raisin Drop Cakes Recipe

Raisin Drop Cakes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of raisins with the rich flavor of cocoa. This recipe has a unique history and interesting facts that make it even more special. So, let's delve into the story behind this delectable dessert!

History:
Raisin Drop Cakes have been enjoyed for generations, with their origins dating back to the early 1900s. These cakes were commonly made in households across America, providing a comforting and satisfying sweet treat. This recipe became popular during a time when raisins were a staple ingredient in many households due to their long shelf life.

Fun Facts:
1. Raisins are dried grapes, and they have been enjoyed for thousands of years. They have a sweet flavor and add a chewy texture to baked goods.
2. Cocoa, an ingredient used in this recipe, comes from the cacao plant and has been enjoyed for centuries. It adds a rich, chocolatey flavor to desserts.
3. Dr. Price's Baking Powder was commonly used in recipes during the early 1900s. It was a popular choice as it provided reliable leavening for baked goods.

Now, let's get to the exciting part—the recipe itself!

Raisin Drop Cakes Recipe:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: Makes approximately 12 cakes

Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1-3/4 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening until smooth.
3. Add the sugar and beaten egg to the creamed shortening. Beat well until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Slowly add the milk while continuing to beat the mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and salt. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
6. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the mixture, stirring until smooth.
7. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
8. Gently fold in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
9. Grease muffin tins and fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter.
10. Place the muffin tins in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
11. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the muffin tins.

Enjoying your Raisin Drop Cakes:
There are a couple of different ways you can enjoy your Raisin Drop Cakes. One option is to cover them with boiled icing as mentioned on page 16 of the recipe. Simply prepare the boiled icing according to your desired recipe and generously spread it over the cooled cakes.

Alternatively, you can choose to bake the batter in a shallow pan. After it cools, you can cut the cake into diamond-shaped pieces before covering them with icing. This presentation creates an elegant and unique look for your Raisin Drop Cakes.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed making and eating Raisin Drop Cakes, you might be interested in exploring other recipes that showcase the delicious combination of raisins and cocoa. One such recipe is Chocolate Raisin Bread, which combines the sweetness of raisins with the decadence of chocolate in a delightful bread loaf. Another option is Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies, where raisins bring a chewy texture and natural sweetness to the classic chocolate chip cookie.

So, have fun experimenting with these variations while enjoying the rich flavors of cocoa and the delightful sweetness of raisins in your baking adventures!