While war raged in Europe during World War II, Canadian homemakers ingeniously created innovative ways to conserve food and essential supplies, including drastically cutting back on sugar and butter. From this necessity, the Canadian War Cake was born. Along with rationing stamps, recipe books, and newspaper articles encouraging meal planning and thrift, the Canadian War Cake became a symbol of Canadian resilience, endurance, and unity during a time of adversity. This article presents various recipes for the cake to help you find the version that suits your taste and availability of ingredients.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
WAR CAKE
This is a recipe my mother gave me. It was typical of the types of cakes baked during the war when shortages and rationing was in effect. It is moist and delicious. Mother always made it at Christmas time and we thought it was a real treat. Posted in response to a request.
Provided by MarieRynr
Categories Dessert
Time 1h5m
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Put the first 7 ingredients in a heavy gauge saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cook gently for 5 minutes and remove from heat and let cool until mixture is comfortably cool to your finger.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease and flour 2 loaf pans.
- Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add them to the cooled sugar mixture, beat well.
- Stir in walnuts.
- Bake for 45 minutes or toothpick comes out of center clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes and then turn out on plate and cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1968.6, Fat 28, SaturatedFat 7.8, Sodium 1179.2, Carbohydrate 418.2, Fiber 8.6, Sugar 257, Protein 21.9
MARITIME WAR CAKE
This eggless cake was developed by resourceful cooks during the war when eggs, butter, and milk were rationed. It is a traditional Christmas cake here on the East Coast of Canada. Served with a nice big hunk of Cheddar cheese and a hot cup of tea, it is a real holiday treat!
Provided by Linda S.
Categories Desserts Cakes Holiday Cake Recipes
Time 1h50m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a round tube pan or two loaf pans.
- Bring water, raisins, molasses, sugar, and shortening to a boil in a saucepan; reduce heat to low and simmer until raisins are plump, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Stir flour mixture into raisin mixture until well combined; pour into prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.9 calories, Carbohydrate 41.6 g, Fat 5.9 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 59.9 mg, Sugar 24.1 g
BOILED RAISIN CAKE (CANADIAN WAR CAKE)
This is called War Cake because it was made in Canada during WW2 and was shipped out to the troops serving overseas. My grandmother used to make this cake and let it sit for at least a week before slicing into it. But, this recipe I found in a local fundraising cookbook, calls for it sitting for only one day before slicing it up. Just as yummy as grandmas.
Provided by queenbeatrice
Categories Healthy
Time 1h30m
Yield 10 slices, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix raisins, butter, brown sugar, spices, and water in heavy saucepan.
- Place on high heat and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 6 minutes.
- Remove from heat and turn raisin mixture into a large bowl.
- Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine flour, salt, and baking soda and mix gently.
- Add orange juice, vanilla and dry ingredients to cooled raisin mixture and beat well.
- Turn batter into a well greased 10 ¼" x 3 5/8" x 2 5/8" loaf pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
- Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove from loaf pan and allow to cool completely on wire rack.
- Let cake ripen for at least one day before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 322.9, Fat 6.6, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 16.2, Sodium 211.4, Carbohydrate 65, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 39.5, Protein 3.6
WAR CAKE
Steps:
- Combine raisins, brown sugar, water, lard, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube pan. Stir together flour and baking soda. Fold dry ingredients into cooled raisin mixture. Spoon into greased pan and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool 5 minutes in pan, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
CANADIAN WAR CAKE
This is a family recipe passed from my dad's mother to my mom when my parents were married. Recently, it was passed to me. It is a Christmas time favorite.
Provided by Nancy Carver
Categories Cakes
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- 1. Mix together sugar, margarine, spices, and raisins in hot water. Let boil for 5 minutes. Cool. Add four and mix well. Bake in 3 greased layer pans lined with wax paper. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes.
- 2. For Icing: Cook until waxy. Beat until cold. Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.
CANADIAN WAR CAKE (WW I) RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by MJH
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10 ¼ X 3 ⅝-inch loaf pan. Combine raisins, butter, brown sugar, spices and water in a heavy saucepan. Place on high heat and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer raisin mixture into a large bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile combine flour, salt and baking soda and mix gently. When the raisin mixture cools, add the dry ingredients, orange juice and vanilla. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes then remove from pan to cool completely on wire rack. Let cake sit at least one day before slicing. Frosting: Bring all ingredients to boil until forms a soft ball and remove from heat. Beat with mixer until it is thick enough to spread.
Tips:
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a better-tasting cake. Don't skimp on the ingredients, as it will make a difference in the final product.
- Follow the recipe carefully: War cake recipes vary, so be sure to follow the one you choose carefully. Don't substitute ingredients or change the proportions unless you know what you're doing.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven: A preheated oven will help the cake rise evenly and prevent it from sinking in the middle.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help the frosting set properly and prevent it from sliding off the cake.
Conclusion:
Canadian War Cake is a delicious and versatile cake that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and is a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its rich flavor and moist texture, Canadian War Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love