War cake from the Second World War

60 min
hard
11 ingredients

War cake from the Second World War

History and Origin of the World War II War Cake

World War II War Cake is a dessert that emerged in a context of scarcity and rationing during the armed conflict that marked the first half of the 20th century. Due to restrictions on access to ingredients like eggs and butter, this recipe was created to make use of accessible and nutritious alternatives, utilizing ingredients that remained available during those difficult years.

In various Latin American countries, this type of cake may have different names, although the essence of the recipe remains in the use of dried fruits, spices, and flour without the need for products of animal origin. In some places, it is simply known as "eggless cake" or "economical cake," reflecting its practical origin and its purpose of feeding families with what was within reach.

This recipe represents not only a culinary solution but also a symbol of resistance and creativity, demonstrating how cooking can adapt to circumstances and preserve traditions even in times of adversity.

How to Make World War II War Cake

Ingredients: Brown sugar, water, raisins, oil, cinnamon, cloves, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and walnuts.

Place the brown sugar, water, raisins, oil, cinnamon, and cloves in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil.

Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool until the mixture is comfortably warm to the touch.

While the mixture cools, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease and flour an 8x4-inch baking pan.

Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

Add them to the cooled sugar mixture, beating until there are no traces of visible flour and the batter is smooth.

Add the walnuts.

Spread evenly in the baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Mix with powdered sugar, a drop of vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Glaze the cake while it is still warm.

War cake from the Second World War

Ingredients (11)

  • Brown Sugar
  • Water
  • Raisins
  • Oil
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking Powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Walnuts

Instructions (14 steps)

  1. 1 Place the brown sugar, water, raisins,
  2. 2 the oil, cinnamon, and cloves in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil
  3. 3 Simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool until the mixture is comfortably warm to the touch
  4. 4 While the mixture cools, preheat the oven to 350°F
  5. 5 Grease and flour an 8x4 inch baking pan
  6. 6 Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda
  7. 7 add them to the cooled sugar mixture, beating until there are no traces of flour visible and the batter is smooth
  8. 8 Add the walnuts
  9. 9 Spread evenly into the baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean
  10. 10 Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely
  11. 11 Mix with confectioners sugar
  12. 12 a drop of vanilla
  13. 13 and a pinch of salt
  14. 14 Glaze the cake while it is warm

Nutritional Information

Calories: 172 kcal
Protein: 4%
Carbohydrates: 10%
Fat: 6%
Sugar: 80%
Sodium: 5%

Percent Daily Value for nutrients; calories are shown in kcal.

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