Best 2 Grandmas Depression Cake Recipes

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"Grandma's Depression Cake" is a nostalgic treat that reminds many of simpler times. This cake was born out of a harsh economic reality, yet it remains a beloved dessert today for its moist, rich flavor and comforting simplicity. With its humble beginnings in the era of the Great Depression, this cake was created using basic, affordable ingredients and a clever method that eliminated the need for eggs and milk, luxuries that were often scarce during those difficult times. Despite its humble origins, Grandma's Depression Cake has stood the test of time, serving as a reminder of resilience and the joy that can be found in even the most challenging circumstances.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GRANDMA'S DEPRESSION CAKE



Grandma's Depression Cake image

This is an eggless, milkless, butterless cake. " A delicious spiced cake that's easy on the budget". I found this recipe in the "Guideposts" magazine (August 2009 issue). The recipe was part of a wonderful article with the same title written by Rosemary Marbach.

Provided by nuts about music

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h25m

Yield 1 cake, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups dark raisins
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons water
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Combine sugar, water, vegetable oil, raisins, and spices in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Take pan off heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Dissolve baking soda and salt in 2 teaspoons of water and add to raisin mixture (it will foam).
  • Blend in the flour and baking powder. Mix well.
  • Pour the batter into a greased 9 inch square pan and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick unserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

GRANDMA'S APPLESAUCE CAKE



Grandma's Applesauce Cake image

This moist applesauce cake recipe is a treasured heirloom passed down from my Grandma Stuit, who cooked for a family of 13 during the Depression. At reunions, it's the first dessert gone...including the crumbs! -Joanie Jager, Lynden, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 cup raisins
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
1 large egg
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg
1-1/2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Steps:

  • Place raisins and hot water in a small bowl; set aside. , In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce and water. Drain raisins; fold into batter with the walnuts. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 300° for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 237mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Use pantry staples: Depression Cake is a great way to use up ingredients that you already have on hand, such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
  • 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 greased and floured pan: This will help to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Use a simple frosting: A simple frosting, such as a powdered sugar glaze or a whipped cream frosting, is all you need to top off this classic cake.

Conclusion:

Depression Cake is a simple, yet delicious, cake that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up pantry staples, and it is easy to make. With its moist texture and sweet flavor, Depression Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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