During times of hardship, creativity often shines brightest. The Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake—sometimes called “poor man’s cake”—was born during periods when ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk were rationed or hard to find. Despite these limitations, home bakers found a way to create a moist, flavorful dessert using simple pantry staples. What emerged was a humble cake that proved comfort doesn’t require luxury.
Today, this cake stands as both a delicious treat and a reminder of resilience, thrift, and ingenuity in the kitchen.
What Makes War-Time Cake Special
Unlike traditional cakes, this recipe relies on spices, dried fruit, and boiling water instead of rich dairy or eggs. The result is a dense yet tender cake with warm, comforting flavors and a long shelf life. It was designed to last, travel well, and bring a little sweetness to difficult days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Water
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Brown sugar
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Vegetable shortening or oil
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Raisins
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Baking soda
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Flour
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Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
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Salt
These simple ingredients come together to create a surprisingly rich flavor without relying on hard-to-find items.
How to Make Old-Fashioned War-Time Cake
